HARTFORD — The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series makes its only trip of the season to Michigan this week for a visit to Hartford Speedway on Friday.

The series has raced at the track eight times over the years and has seen a different driver visit victory lane in each of those events.

David Gravel was the most recent victor in 2017, in what marked the series’ first race on the three-eighths-mile configuration, of what used to be a sprawling half-mile. This edition of Up to Speed sets the stage for the “Battle of Michigan” at Hartford Speedway, which serves as the series only visit of the season to the state of Michigan.

Special Guest

Kasey Kahne, who retired from NASCAR following the 2018 season, will be a special guest at Hartford Speedway.

The Washington native will sign autographs from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Kahne owns the No. 49 of current series point leader Brad Sweet as well as the No. 9, which is being driven by Australian James McFadden, while Kahne recovers from injury. McFadden will be competing at Hartford.