5/5/2026
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Set for Illinois Showdown at Farmer City and Fairbury
BATAVIA, Ohio (May 5, 2026) - The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing is set to bring its signature brand of high-powered dirt racing to the Midwest with a highly anticipated Illinois Speedweek doubleheader at Farmer City Raceway and Fairbury Speedway on May 8–9, 2026.
The two-night swing will showcase the nation’s top dirt late model drivers as they battle on two of Illinois’ most iconic bullrings, delivering back-to-back nights of intense competition and marquee racing action.
The excitement begins earlier in the week with the FloRacing Night in America, featuring a multi-race swing across the state. The series opens at LaSalle Speedway, followed by Spoon River Speedway and Lincoln Speedway, bringing the nation’s top dirt late model teams together for a high-intensity lead-in to the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series weekend.
Following a week of fierce competition, the focus shifts to Friday, May 8, at Farmer City Raceway for the annual Farmer City 74, which will pay $25,000 to the winner. The quarter-mile oval is known for its tight racing surface and dramatic side-by-side action, providing fans with an up-close look at the raw power and precision of 800-horsepower dirt late models.
Farmer City Raceway is located at 850 Grove Street in Farmer City, Illinois, just off I-74 at Exit 159. Pit gates will open at 4:00 PM, with general admission gates opening at 5:00 PM., and on-track activity beginning with hot laps at 6:30 PM and racing to follow. More information can be found at FarmerCityRacing.com.
The action continues Saturday, May 9, at Fairbury Speedway with the FALS Spring Shootout, where drivers will compete for a $30,000 top prize in one of the richest early-season events in the region. Fairbury, often referred to as “America’s Dirt Track,” is renowned for its thrilling racing and electric atmosphere, making it a fan-favorite stop on the national tour.
Fairbury Speedway, located at 600 South 3rd Street in Fairbury, Illinois. All gates will open at 12:00 PM (noon), with hot laps scheduled for 6:00 PM and racing to follow. Additional event details are available at FairburySpeedway.com.
Together, the FloRacing Night in America events and the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series finale weekend make Illinois Speedweek one of the most anticipated stretches of the season, drawing elite talent and passionate fans from across the country.
As the series heads into Illinois Speedweek, the Big River Steel Championship standings presented by ARP show a tight battle at the top. Hudson O’Neal leads the standings, holding a narrow 30-point advantage over Devin Moran, who sits second. Ricky Thornton Jr. is third, followed closely by Brandon Sheppard and Max Blair to round out the top five.
Former winners and contenders including Brandon Overton, Garrett Alberson, and Kyle Bronson remain within striking distance inside the top 10, while Illinois native Brian Shirley currently sits ninth heading into his home-state swing. With multiple drivers separated by slim margins, the upcoming events could prove pivotal in shaping the championship race.
For the latest news, results, and championship standings from the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing, please visit LucasDirt.com.
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Purses:
Farmer City Raceway: 1. $25,000, 2. $10,000, 3. $6,000, 4. $4,000, 5. $3,500, 6. $2,700, 7. $2,500, 8. $2,300, 9. $2,200, 10. $2,100, 11. $2,000, 12. $1,900, 13. $1,800, 14. $1,700, 15. $1,600, 16. $1,500, 17. $1,500, 18. $1,500, 19. $1,500, 20. $1,500, 21. $1,500, 22. $1,500, 23. $1,500, 24. $1,500. = $82,800
Fairbury Speedway: 1. $30,000, 2. $15,000, 3. $7,000, 4. $5,500, 5. $4,500, 6. $3,500, 7. $3,000, 8. $2,500, 9. $2,400, 10. $2,300, 11. $2,200, 12. $2,100, 13. $2,000, 14. $1,900, 15. $1,800, 16. $1,750, 17. $1,700, 18. $1,650, 19. $1,600, 20. $1,550, 21. $1,550, 22. $1,500, 23. $1,500, 24. $1,500 = $100,000
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Tire Rule:
Left Rear/Fronts - Hoosier (90) NLMT2, (90) NLMT3
Right Rear - Hoosier (92) NRM NLMT3, (92) NRM NLMT4
Submitted By: Jeremy Shields
