Toyota-Powered Drivers Dominate Xtreme-POWRI Challenge Series

This past weekend at Coles County Speedway in Mattoon, Illinois, Toyota-backed drivers Karter Sarff and Cannon McIntosh showcased exceptional skill by sweeping both races of the Xtreme-POWRI Challenge Series. The duo's performances highlight Toyota’s growing influence in midget racing, with seven different Toyota-powered drivers securing 18 victories out of the first 21 national midget feature events this year. On Friday night, McIntosh quickly took the lead early in the race, only to be overtaken by Sarff later on. Saturday saw a thrilling showdown between McIntosh and Gavin Miller, culminating in McIntosh claiming another victory. With these results, Toyota continues to dominate the midget racing scene.
Friday's race began with Cannon McIntosh taking an immediate lead during the opening lap, while Karter Sarff steadily climbed from sixth place to second by lap five. By lap seven, McIntosh had established a commanding two-second advantage until the first caution flag bunched up the field. Following the restart, McIntosh retained his lead briefly before Sarff executed a strategic maneuver through turn three, seizing the top position. Sarff then dominated the remaining laps to secure his second win of the season. Behind him, Jacob Denney made an impressive charge from 12th to second place, followed by Kameron Key in third, Colton Robinson in fourth, and Zach Daum rounding out the top five. Notably, Toyota-powered drivers occupied all seven top finishing spots.
Saturday night brought even more excitement as Keith Kunz Motorsports (KKM) teammates Cannon McIntosh and Gavin Miller engaged in a fierce battle that lasted until the final lap. Ethan Mitchell initially led for the first ten laps before Miller took over. Midway through the 30-lap race, McIntosh moved into second place, setting the stage for a dramatic duel. A caution on lap 27 reset the field, allowing McIntosh to execute a crucial pass on Miller entering turn one. Despite Miller's last-ditch effort with a late slider, McIntosh held firm to claim his thirteenth series victory. This triumph marked yet another milestone for McIntosh, who has now won races in all three national midget series this year and stands just one win away from reaching fifty career national midget feature victories.
The upcoming schedule sees the Toyota national midget racing program heading to Indianapolis for the USAC NOS Energy Drink National Midget Series' Indiana Midget Week opener at Circle City Raceway on June 3rd. Over six consecutive nights, fans can expect high-octane action as Toyota drivers aim to extend their dominance. As the season progresses, eyes will remain firmly fixed on how Toyota continues to redefine the competitive landscape in midget racing.
With their back-to-back victories, Sarff and McIntosh have not only demonstrated individual prowess but also underscored Toyota's overall strength in the sport. Their strategies, combined with relentless determination, promise to keep them at the forefront of future competitions. As the Toyota national midget racing program moves toward its next challenge in Indiana, anticipation builds for what promises to be another exhilarating chapter in midget racing history.