While NASCAR, IndyCar, and Formula One are the most prominent racing series and are frequently seen on television; there are far more forms of racing from go-karts with small children to late model cars.
The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series has just announced a new championship format and a new $1 million point fund.
The new championship format will feature an elimination similar to that currently seen in NASCAR. There will be four elimination rounds that leads to a championship round with four drivers vying for the title of Dirt Track World Championship which will be held at Eldora Speedway.
An additional $470,000 has been added to the point fund for 2023 to bring the total to $1 million which will cover the championship purse plus bonuses for the “playoff” drivers.
Series Director Rick Schwallie spoke on the upcoming season saying, “the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series has seen tremendous growth throughout its history. We look forward to crowning our 18th National Champion, Tim McCreadie, on Friday night. As we look ahead to our 19th season, we’re ready for an action-packed season that will culminate in our first ever visit to the historic Eldora Speedway. Only twice in our Series history has the championship been contested at the season finale. The Dirt Track World Championship is an event that is worthy of crowning a Champion. Not only will the crown jewel pay $100,000 to win, but now, the race inside the race is worthy of the persona that is the Dirt Track World Championship. For us to be proud of this program, there were two key factors. First, the event needed to be contested at the speedway that dirt late model racing calls home, Eldora. Second, the four finalists contending for a national title needed to be well compensated for their efforts all season. The unwavering dedication of Lucas Oil, our exclusive broadcast partner FloRacing, and our great marketing partners allow us to strive as the elite dirt late model tour.”
President of Lucas Oil Morgan Lucas added, “we are passionately committed to our involvement in motorsports and the continued growth of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. We are incredibly excited about the new million-dollar point fund and elimination-style championship format for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series – it elevates the drama, the action, the stories, and the passion that fans like us have for these drivers and teams. Motorsports, and the Late Models series specifically, is in our DNA. Ratcheting up the fan experience and excitement for the sport while celebrating and supporting these tremendous athletes is a win-win. I can’t wait to see how this season shakes out.”
The first round of eliminations will be after the Show-Me 100 at Lucas Oil Speedway on May 27 where the field will be reduced to 15.
The second round of eliminations will be after the Diamond Nationals on July 15 where the field will be reduced to 12.
The third round of eliminiations will be after The Rumble by the River at Port Royal Speedway on August 26 where eight drivers will move on.
The ”Big Four” will be revealed at the Pittsburgher on September 30. The champion will be determined by which ever of the “Big Four” crosses the finish line first at Eldora Speedway in the final race of the season.
The season kicks off with the Big River Steel Chase at Golden Isles Speedway January 25-28.
Next season, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series fans can see every race on MAVTV on FloRacing.
Feature photo credit: DirtLateModels.jpg