Waycross, Georgia (March 16, 2016) - The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series - widely acknowledged as the nation's premier dirt late model sanctioning organization - is proud to offer its many fans and drivers the most exciting events in 2016.
Since its inception in 2005, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series has more than doubled the amount of races on the annual schedule. The unique brand provided by the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series has led to more racing, bigger fields, closer competition, higher purses, and the ultimate fan and driver experience. In 2016, the series will break its previous records, boasting over $3.9 million dollars in prize money, points fund, winner's circle money, and contingencies - spanning over 53 events, at 33 different venues and across 19 states.
The 2016 series schedule includes thirteen events that will pay $20,000 or more to the winner, including: Bad Boy 98 ($20,000-to-win); Buckeye Nationals ($50,000-to-win); Lucas Oil Show-Me 100 ($30,000-to-win); Ralph Latham Memorial ($30,000-to-win); Clash at the Mag ($20,000-to-win); Silver Dollar Nationals ($40,000-to-win); Sunoco North/South 100 ($50,000-to-win); COMP Cams Topless 100 ($40,000-to-win); Hillbilly Hundred ($25,000-to-win); Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals ($40,000-to-win); Jackson 100 ($20,000-to-win); Pittsburgher 100 ($20,000-to-win); and the season finale - Dirt Track World Championship ($100,000-to-win).
Drivers that compete on the tour, in 2016, will be vying for the coveted title of Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Champion - which includes over $75,000 in cash and other contingencies. The 2016 Lucas Oil Products Rookie of the Year - Presented by Hot Rod Processing will receive $10,000 in cash, plus other contingency awards.
Defending National Champion, Jonathan Davenport of Blairsville, Georgia leads the 2015 Rookie of the Year, Brandon Sheppard in the current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series standings. Tim McCreadie is third, followed by two-time champion, Scott Bloomquist. Jared Landers completes the top five in series standings. Sixth through eleventh are: Darrell Lanigan, Dennis Erb Jr., Eddie Carrier Jr., Don O'Neal, Jimmy Owens, Steve Francis, and Earl Pearson Jr.
The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series receives national exposure through a TV package filmed, produced, and edited by the award-winning Lucas Oil Production Studios. Twenty-three televised events are scheduled in 2016, with over 50 hours of programing airing on five different networks, including: CBS, CBS Sports, NBC Sports, MAVTV Motorsports Network, and the new LucasOilRacing.TV.
"The continued growth and success of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series is a true testament to how devoted our fans, promoters, marketing partners, staff, and drivers are to this organization. The record prize money, large car counts, capacity crowds, and our TV package are just a few of the things that will continue to elevate the level of competition in this program," stated Ritchie Lewis, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Director.
Following a successful Georgia-Florida Speedweeks, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will resume competition this week with a trip to Ohio and Indiana. The series will converge on Atomic Speedway in Chillicothe, OH on Friday, March 18th before heading to Brownstown Speedway in Brownstown, IN on Saturday, March 19th.
For the latest breaking news concerning the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, including the latest series standings, 2016 tour schedule, driver information, and more visit the official website at: www.lucasdirt.com.
