(joshjamesartwork.com)

World of Outlaws Late Model Series campaigner Drake Troutman of Hyndman, Pa., announced Tuesday evening that he and G.R. Smith's Team 22 Inc. have parted ways, ending an 18-month partnership that produced four victories and Rookie of the Year honors on the WoO tour in 2025.

The 22-year-old (pictured) revealed the split in a post on his personal Facebook page, expressing gratitude toward Smith and his family while explaining that the decision was amicable.

"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," Troutman wrote. "He gave me and my whole crew an amazing opportunity."
Troutman added that discussions are already underway regarding what’s next for him.

"We are working on some things right now and getting a game plan together for the remainder of the year and beyond,” he added.

Currently fifth in the WoO standings, the separation comes during what has been Troutman's strongest points season as a national touring driver.

Among Troutman’s highlights with Team 22 Inc. were a pair of victories in a four-race span during last June's DIRTcar Summer Nationals swing at Peoria (Ill.) Speedway and Wilmot (Wis.) Raceway. Troutman then broke through on the national stage with the first WoO victory of his career at I-55 Federated Raceway in Pevely, Mo., earning a $20,000 payday.

The team's most recent triumph came May 3 when Troutman captured the Mark Balzano Memorial at West Virginia Motor Speedway in Mineral Wells, W.Va., worth $10,000.

"As for the keyboard warriors on either side of the story, the best thing to do is keep the drama out of it,” Troutman said. “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."

Smith did not immediately respond to DirtonDirt's request for comment Tuesday regarding the split or Team 22 Inc.'s plans moving forward.