Dobie Edges Howard in North vs. South Shootout

Devon Dobie trades lead twice with defending champion to win at I-75 Raceway

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:03pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a sprint car race, with the car and track broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette, conveying the high-energy and competitive nature of the event.Dobie's thrilling victory over the defending champion Howard highlights the intense competition at the North vs. South Shootout.Gallatin Today

Devon Dobie of Wapakoneta, Ohio, won Night 2 of the North vs. South Shootout at I-75 Raceway in Sweetwater, Tennessee on Saturday. Dobie traded the lead twice with defending Hoosier Racing Tire United Sprint Car Series champion Dale Howard before taking the lead for good on lap 18 and holding on for the victory.

Why it matters

The North vs. South Shootout is a high-profile event that pits top sprint car drivers from the northern and southern United States against each other. Dobie's win over the defending champion Howard is an impressive feat that showcases his driving talent and the competitiveness of the event.

The details

Dobie led the first five laps of the 30-lap feature race, but Howard grabbed the lead on a lap six restart. Dobie was able to wrestle the lead back from Howard in lapped traffic on lap 18 and led the rest of the way to the checkered flag. Chase Dunham of Leipsic, Ohio finished second, while Howard took third.

  • Dobie led the first 5 laps of the 30-lap feature.
  • Howard took the lead from Dobie on a lap 6 restart.
  • Dobie regained the lead from Howard in lapped traffic on lap 18.

The players

Devon Dobie

The winner of Night 2 of the North vs. South Shootout at I-75 Raceway in Sweetwater, Tennessee.

Dale Howard

The defending Hoosier Racing Tire United Sprint Car Series Presented By XC Gear National Champion, who finished third after trading the lead twice with Dobie.

Chase Dunham

The driver from Leipsic, Ohio who finished second in the feature race.

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What’s next

The North vs. South Shootout will continue with Night 3 on Sunday at I-75 Raceway.

The takeaway

Dobie's victory over the defending champion Howard showcases the high level of competition at the North vs. South Shootout, a premier sprint car event that attracts top drivers from across the country.