GRAVOIS MILLS, MO (July 8, 2025) — The high-speed drama of Mustang Cup North America rolled into the Ozarks International Raceway, and it was a clean sweep for Will Lucas and Nick Smither, who dominated both the Miles Cup and Parnelli Cup events with pole-to-podium performances in their respective classes.

In the Dark Horse (DH) class, Will Lucas continued his perfect 2025 campaign by securing victory in both races. The Off Leash Motorsports driver has now won every round this season, strengthening his lead in the championship standings and proving himself the one to beat as the series heads into the second half of the year.

Equally dominant in the Dark Horse Legends (DHL) class was Nick Smither of Nick Smither Racing, who also led every lap across both contests. His commanding drives earned him back-to-back wins and pushed him to the top of the DHL championship standings.

The Miles Cup (Race 1) saw Lucas edge out Chase Cochran (FCF Racing) and Kale Buhl (Capaldi Racing) in the DH class, while Smither held off strong runs from John Strauss and Walter Bobko, both representing Capaldi Racing.

In the Parnelli Cup (Race 2), Lucas once again led the DH field to the checkered flag, followed by Buhl and Andrew Hords, both with Capaldi Racing. Smither repeated his DHL victory, with Bobko and Shane Griffin rounding out the podium.

Kale Buhl earned recognition in both events with the Yokohama Apex Award, presented to the driver who makes the most on-track passes—a testament to his tenacity and racecraft throughout the weekend.

Drivers had high praise for the technical and scenic layout of Ozarks International Raceway.

“I loved my first time here!” said Lucas. “Ozarks is very unique with its elevation and speed—it’s like the American Nürburgring. My favorite part was turns 16–18; jumping the car at the top of the hill was a cool feeling.”

Smither echoed the excitement:

“Ozarks was great—really fun. The variation in the track made it exciting. I’m looking forward to Road America.”

Championship Standings (Post-Ozarks)
Parnelli Cup – Dark Horse (DH)

Will Lucas – 183 pts

Kale Buhl – 156 pts

Andrew Hords – 150 pts

 

Parnelli Cup – Dark Horse Legends (DHL)

Nick Smither – 169 pts

Walter Bobko – 150 pts

Craig Capaldi – 122 pts

 

Miles Cup – Dark Horse (DH)

Will Lucas – 183 pts

Chase Cochran – 156 pts

Kale Buhl – 150 pts

 

Miles Cup – Dark Horse Legends (DHL)

Nick Smither – 157 pts

John Strauss – 150 pts

Walter Bobko – 144 pts

 

Next up, the Mustang Cup North America heads to the iconic Road America, August 8–10, where the fight for the 2025 championship will continue to intensify.