The Morgan Cup: Where the War Lives On at Williams Grove Speedway

In Central Pennsylvania, Sprint Car racing isn’t just a sport—it’s identity. And nowhere is that identity more fiercely defended than during the Morgan Cup, the annual battleground between the World of Outlaws and the legendary Pennsylvania Posse.

Origins of the Morgan Cup (2011–Present)

Introduced in 2011, the Morgan Cup was designed to formalize and intensify an already heated rivalry.

Named in honor of former track owner Morgan Hughes, the concept is simple—but powerful:

• If an Outlaw wins, the trophy leaves Pennsylvania and heads back on tour.

• If a Posse driver wins, it stays at Williams Grove for the year.

That single detail elevated the stakes, turning a marquee race into a battle for regional pride and identity.

The Rivalry: Outlaws vs. Posse

The rivalry predates the Morgan Cup by decades. The Posse—battle-tested weekly competitors—have long taken pride in defending their home turf against the sport’s biggest traveling stars.

When the Outlaws roll into town, everything changes:

• Larger crowds

• Louder grandstands

• And an intensity that’s unmatched anywhere else in Sprint Car racing

At Williams Grove, fans don’t just watch—they choose sides.

Defining Morgan Cup Moments

2019 – Lance Dewease vs. Donny Schatz

• Winner: Lance Dewease (Posse)

A classic Grove showdown. Schatz controlled the early pace, but Dewease surged late through traffic to secure the win and keep the Cup in Pennsylvania.

2023 –

Brad Sweet Delivers for the Outlaws

• Winner: Brad Sweet (Outlaws)

Sweet’s performance reminded everyone that even at the Grove, the Outlaws remain a formidable force.

2024 –

T. J. Stutts Breaks Through

• Winner: T. J. Stutts (Posse)

A breakthrough victory over David Gravel that sent the grandstands into a frenzy and reinforced Posse pride.

2025 – Anthony Macri Stands Tall

• Winner: Anthony Macri (Posse)

Macri went toe-to-toe with the best on the national stage and delivered—another Morgan Cup stays at Williams Grove.

Why the Morgan Cup Matters

It’s Tribal

Locals vs. outsiders. Weekly warriors vs. national stars.

It’s Personal

Drivers like Greg Hodnett and Freddie Rahmer built reputations defending the Grove, while stars like Schatz and Gravel built legacies trying to conquer it.

It’s an Equalizer

The Posse brings experience and familiarity. The Outlaws bring elite speed and resources. The result is unpredictable—and compelling—every year.

The Atmosphere

When the Morgan Cup is on the line:

• Beer Hill erupts

• “POSSE! POSSE! POSSE!” echoes through the night

• Every lap carries championship-level intensity

It’s raw, emotional, and uniquely Central Pennsylvania.

Complete Morgan Cup Winners (2011–2025)

• 2011 – Donny Schatz (Outlaws)

• 2012 – Donny Schatz (Outlaws)

• 2013 – Daryn Pittman (Outlaws)

• 2014 – Donny Schatz (Outlaws)

• 2015 – Stevie Smith (Posse)

• 2016 – Greg Hodnett (Posse)

• 2017 – Lance Dewease (Posse)

• 2018 – Kyle Larson

• 2019 – Lance Dewease (Posse)

• 2020 – Event not held

• 2021 – Freddie Rahmer (Posse)

• 2022 – Brent Marks (Posse)

• 2023 – Brad Sweet (Outlaws)

• 2024 – T. J. Stutts (Posse)

• 2025 – Anthony Macri (Posse)

2026: The Next Chapter

The next Morgan Cup is set for May 8–9, 2026, at Williams Grove Speedway.

The question isn’t just who’s fast—it’s who can handle the moment.

Will the Outlaws reclaim the Cup? Or will the Posse continue to defend their ground?

Who’s it going to be in 2026?