Alex Payne Returns to Victory Lane at Outlaw Speedway

Alex Payne claimed his 22nd career victory at the Lucas Oil Nationals on April 4, 2026, at Outlaw Speedway. The 20-year-old Canandaigua, New York native navigated the 35-lap feature from a 6th-place starting position to secure his first win of the season and his 12th career track victory, moving him into 9th on the track’s all-time win list since 1990. The win marks a significant return to form for Payne, snapping a 12-race winless drought dating back to November 7, 2025. Payne currently holds a 2-race win streak and a 3-race top-five streak at the facility, while extending his overall top-10 streak to three consecutive events. Matt Sheppard finished in the runner-up position after starting on the pole, with Mat Williamson rounding out the podium after climbing from his 9th-place starting spot. Stacy Jackson earned Hard Charger honors, advancing seven positions to finish 8th. The field featured several notable milestone developments: Pat Ward secured his 30th top-10 finish at the track, while John-Michael Phillips and Ajay Potrzebowski II recorded their 25th and 75th career top-10 finishes, respectively. Rusty Smith was the race's Hard Luck recipient, falling nine spots to finish 12th. The final podium featured Alex Payne (P6), Matt Sheppard (P1), and Mat Williamson (P9).