Ethan Dotson Eager For More Volusia Success

Ethan Dotson hopes for a victory during the World of Outlaws Late Model Series portion of the DIRTcar Nationals. (Chris Anderson photo)

BARBERVILLE, Fla. – Ethan Dotson has had a heavy command over Volusia Speedway Park the last two years, picking up almost every trophy he’s chased.

That’s a stat he’ll try to maintain this year during his new adventure as a World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model Series driver.

During his climb from DIRTcar UMP modifieds to late models, Dotson collected some of Volusia’s most prestigious trophies, such as the Emil & Dale Reutimann Memorial tractor in 2022 and three DIRTcar Nationals golden gator trophies last year.

The Bakersfield, Calif., native missed out on another win during the World of Outlaws’ Sunshine Nationals season-opener in January, despite having plenty of speed.

However, his career-best finish of sixth with the Outlaws has Dotson eager to hunt for more gators at the 53rd Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals in the Coltman Farms Racing No. 174 Longhorn Chassis.

“The car was really good on Friday (during Sunshine Nationals),” Dotson said. “I got lucky there in the heat race, got the pole from the redraw, and I was really good in the feature. Rolled early (in the lead) and wasn’t aggressive enough around lap traffic and gave it away.

“[We] had a lot of speed, a good car, [and] it was super cool to be up there racing at the front,” he added. “Hopefully, that continues.”

After conquering the dirt modified world in Longhorn Chassis’ house car, Coltman Farms Racing tabbed Dotson to join their super late model program last year.

Now, Dotson will try to garner the same success in the late model ranks as he gets to live out his dream of racing on a national tour with the World of Outlaws.

“I can’t thank Dwayne, Tonya, Lucas, and my car owner Brett Coltman enough for letting me do this,” Dotson said. “Without all of those guys, I definitely would not be here. I’m super pumped to do this and always dreamed of racing with the World of Outlaws since I was a kid.

“It’s pretty cool to be here and have that opportunity.”

Dotson will contend for World of Outlaws MD3 rookie-of-the-year honors against a stout field of first-year contenders. Like every race this season, he knows it’s a battle that won’t be easy.

“Aw, man, it’s super tough,” Dotson said of racing against the Outlaws on a nightly basis. “There’re so many good drivers and just like (at Sunshine Nationals), [if] you make one little mistake you’re back to working around them. It says a lot about how good the drivers are.”

A new year presents several new tracks for Dotson, so kicking off the season at Volusia – where he’s had success in the past – is a benefit he hopes to capitalize on for a strong early start.

“A lot of the tracks I’ve raced on with a (super late model) I’ve never been to in anything,” Dotson said. “I get there, and I’m learning about everything on the spot. With Volusia, I know what it does, where it qualifies fast, and that helps out a lot.

“These (World of Outlaws drivers) have been here a lot too, but I’ve been here a few times, and I [think I] get around here pretty decent.”

Dotson’s gator hunt with the World of Outlaws CASE Late Model Series takes place during the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park, Feb. 15-17.

For those unable to attend at the track, every lap will be streamed live through DIRTVision.