3/22/2026
Crate Racin' USA
Markewitz, Pennington Score CRUSA Wins During World of Outlaws Weekend at Magnolia
(Columbus, MS – March 22, 2026) — A packed house filled the grandstands at Magnolia Motor Speedway as Crate Racin’ USA competitors took center stage alongside the World of Outlaws Late Model Series during a thrilling three-night weekend at “The Mag.”
While national stars battled for $20,000-to-win honors, with Bobby Pierce and Hudson O'Neal capturing the World of Outlaws features, it was Jason Markewitz and Chace Pennington, delivering standout performances on Magnolia’s famed black dirt surface.
Markewitz Dominates Modified Sportsman on Opening Night:
Friday night (March 20) saw Jason Markewitz put together a flawless performance in the CRUSA Modified Sportsman division, leading all 15 laps en route to his first victory of the 2026 season.
Starting second, Markewitz quickly asserted control of the race and never looked back, holding off a competitive field that included Dees Price and Parker Price, who rounded out the podium.
Following the win, Markewitz reflected on the significance of the victory during one of the biggest race weekends of the year:
“As far as winning on a big weekend at Mag at this point in my career (32 year this season), they’re all cool because I’m not sure when we’ll get another one.”
After racing a limited schedule in recent seasons, Markewitz credited a renewed focus in 2026, along with support from his team and marketing partners, for helping him return to victory lane. "Steve and Robert Maughan at Samracing, their effort developing these 3-link Lightning cars for CRUSA rules and their in-house motor program I wouldn't be competing at all let alone up front. My wife Melissa and her business Velocita by Melissa Markewitz allow both of us the flexibility to travel and put in hours to be ready to race and we are blessed with so many marketing partners that make all this work! Precision Cabinets LLC, 2Country4Nashville, Lightning Chassis, Velocita by Melissa Markewitz, Velocita-USA, Dowdy Welding and Fab, Hammond Motorsports, American Race Tires, Dowdy Welding and Fab, CPT Racing, RPI Racing Suspension, Extreme Concepts, Bryke Racing, PPM Racing Products, Dominator Race Products, Dynamic Driveline"
CRUSA Modified Sportsman – Feature Results (15 Laps):1. 7M-Jason Markewitz[2]; 2. 117-Dees Price[3]; 3. 17-Parker Price[5]; 4. 97-Chad Williams[4]; 5. 3JR-Jase Knight[6]; 6. 11-Jamie Sudduth[1]; 7. 5J-Brooks Jones[11]; 8. 4-Judd Murphy[7]; 9. 47-Peyton Hood[13]; 10. (DNF) M7-Steve Maughan[9]; 11. (DNF) 1-Tim Parker[8]; 12. (DNF) 00-Halle Sudduth[10]; 13. (DNF) 29-Case Fortner[12]; 14. (DNS) 18T-Corey Turner
Pennington Captures Late Model Sportsman Victory on Saturday:
Saturday night (March 21) shifted the spotlight to the CRUSA Late Model Sportsman division, where a stout 21-car field took the green flag.
Chace Pennington rose to the occasion, leading all 15 laps to secure a commanding victory in front of a packed Magnolia crowd.
Pennington started on the front row and quickly took control, fending off challenges from Ronnie Cooper and Colby Ponds, who finished second and third respectively.
After the race he had this to say, "Always good to come back from the off season and get it back going in the right direction early". Pennington also gave thanks to his supporters, "Got to thank my wife and dad first and foremost, and I have to thank Jamie and Menissa at Columbus orthopedic for all their support".
Behind the leaders, one of the drives of the race came from Riley Sheedy, who charged from 18th to 8th to earn Hard Charger honors with a +10 gain.
CRUSA Late Model Sportsman – Feature Results (15 Laps):1. 54-Chace Pennington[2]; 2. 10-Ronnie Cooper[4]; 3. 51-Colby Ponds[3]; 4. 127-Josh Parkerson[8]; 5. 87-Andy Pippin[6]; 6. 16-Bubba Scott[13]; 7. 7-Tyler D Hudson[14]; 8. 24-Riley Sheedy[18]; 9. 59-Allen Edwards[10]; 10. 3X-Keatin Lyons[15]; 11. 67-Caleb Pickard[12]; 12. 21-Phillip Gibson[17]; 13. 57-Rae Gibbs[16]; 14. (DNF) 14-Chance Inman[9]; 15. (DNF) B1-Brodi Owens[19]; 16. (DNF) 20-Bailey Callahan[1]; 17. (DNF) 82-Logan Bright[7]; 18. (DNF) 12-Covy Parsons[5]; 19. (DNS) 33-Bradley Price; 20. (DNS) 4-Spencer Moore; 21. (DNS) 1J-JOSHUA MOSLEY
Up Next at Magnolia Motor Speedway
Magnolia Motor Speedway returns to action April 9–11 with the annual Golden Egg Weekend, featuring:
CRUSA Late Models
CRUSA Late Model Sportsman
CRUSA Modified Sportsman
CRUSA Street Stocks
Factory Stocks
Crown Vics
Fans can find more information on upcoming events by visiting Magnolia Motor Speedway’s official website and social media platforms.
Photo Credit: Simple Moments Photography (Zackary Washington)
Article Credit: Cody Earley
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