The World of Outlaws Late Models announced that Jake Timm will replace Drake Troutman and race under the G.R. Smith Motorsports banner after the team split with Troutman following Monday night’s race at Ogilvie Raceway.
Ruben Mireles, the voice of the World of Outlaws Late Models, announced in a preview for the series’ upcoming race at I-94 EMR Speedway in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, “Now, here’s the news going forward with that. Jake Timm will be running under the Team 22 Inc. banner for the near short future through the NAPA Auto Parts Gopher 50 next weekend to continue to get owner points for the World of Outlaws Late Models while Drake Troutman looks for a ride.”
It’s been three years, but we’re finally set to go racing in Fergus Falls!@WoOben88 has all your tidbits from the I-94 pit area 👇 pic.twitter.com/QSJ9GFQ5C7
— World of Outlaws Late Models (@WoOLateModels) June 24, 2026
Troutman announced the split from G.R. Smith Motorsports in a statement to Dirt Behind The Scenes on Facebook, “It was more of a mutual decision to do it now rather than later. I can’t thank them enough for what they did for me and the opportunity.”
In a post to Facebook, Troutman added, “There is no bad blood… I have a lot of respect and very much appreciation for what GR and his whole family has done for my racing program. He gave me and my whole crew an amazing opportunity. We are working on some things right now and getting a game plan together for the remainder of the year and beyond. As for the keyboard warriors on either side of the story, the best thing to do is keep the drama out of it. This racing deal is tough, it’s expensive and it’s a constant grind. Again, I appreciate GR and his family and have a lot of respect for them. As far as me and my crew goes, we are racers… and racers race. We will be back soon.”
Jake Timm dropped off the World of Outlaws Late Models back in March citing “rising costs.” He announced on Facebook, “Unfortunately we will not be making the trip to Magnolia Motor Speedway with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series this weekend. It’s been a dream come true to race with them over the last year and I want the thank everyone from World Racing Group and DIRTVision. I also want to thank all of our great fans, sponsors, my team and family for their support. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity I’ve had over the last year.”
As for why, he explained, “But with rising costs within the sport, specifically those of a full national tour, it is no longer a sustainable path for our team to be competitive.”
While he dropped off the series, he did continue to compete in his modified and late model closer to home in Winona, Minnesota. He picked up an IMCA Modified win at Hancock County Speedway on May 25th, a late model win at Cedar Lake Speedway earlier this month on June 12th and then a $12,000 USMTS Modified win a day later on June 13th at Cedar Lake as well.
He returned to the World of Outlaws Late Model Series earlier this week when they made their first stop on their northern trip at 141 Speedway. He finished 9th. He followed that up with a 16th place at Ogilvie on Monday night.
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