The premier dirt late model drivers in the nation are heading to “Dirt’s Monster Half Mile” this weekend as the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series visits Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway (PPMS) for the 38th Annual Pittsburgher on Friday, October 2, and Saturday, October 3.

The action begins Friday night with a complete Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series program with drivers battling for a $10,000 top prize. The intensity steps up on Saturday as the nation’s top teams and drivers battle for a massive $50,000 payday.

Each night will feature a full schedule including Dirt Draft Hot Laps, Allstar Performance Time Trials, Heat Races, B-Mains, and the respective A-Main for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series.

The Penn Ohio Pro Stocks return on Friday for the Bob Walters Memorial. The RUSH Late Model Series will compete in a full program on both Friday and Saturday for the Bill Hendren Memorial.

On Friday, pit gates open at 2:00 PM, followed by general admission at 3:00 PM and Hot Laps starting at 6:00 PM. Saturday follows a similar schedule with pit gates opening at 2:00 PM and general admission gates at 3:00 PM, while adding a driver autograph session from 4:30 PM to 5:15 PM prior to Hot Laps at 6:00 PM.

Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway, a half-mile oval known as “Dirt’s Monster Half Mile,” is situated at 170 Kelso Road, just a short drive from downtown Pittsburgh. Advanced tickets, camping passes, and official details are available at PPMS.com.

The race for the 2026 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Championship is down to the wire. Brandon Sheppard holds a razor-thin 20-point advantage over Hudson O’Neal after Brownstown. Devin Moran sits third, followed by Ricky Thornton Jr. and Brandon Overton tied for fourth. Rounding out the top ten are Max Blair, Josh Rice, Brian Shirley, Garrett Alberson, and Clay Harris.

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Purses:

Friday, October 2: 1. $10,000, 2. $5,500, 3. $3,500, 4. $2,700, 5. $2,500, 6. $2,300, 7. $2,200, 8. $2,100, 9. $2,050, 10. $2,000, 11. $1,600, 12. $1,400, 13. $1,200, 14. $1,000, 15. $950, 16. $925, 17. $900, 18. $875, 19. $850, 20. $825, 21. $800, 22. $800, 23. $800, 24. $800 = $48,575

Saturday, October 3: 1. $50,000, 2. $20,000, 3. $10,000, 4. $8,000, 5. $7,000, 6. $6,000, 7. $4,500, 8. $4,000, 9. $3,800, 10. $3,600, 11. $3,400, 12. $3,200, 13. $3,000, 14. $2,500, 15. $2,400, 16. $2,300, 17. $2,200, 18. $2,100, 19. $2,000, 20. $2,000, 21. $2,000, 22. $2,000, 23. $2,000, 24. $2,000 = $150,000

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Tire Rule:

Left Rear/Fronts – Hoosier (90) NLMT2, (90) NLMT3

Right Rear – Hoosier (92) NRM NLMT2, (92) NRM NLMT3, (92) NRM NLMT4

Previous Pittsburgher Winners:
2025 – Jonathan Davenport
2024 – Jonathan Davenport
2023 – Ricky Thornton Jr.
2022 – Rained out
2021 – Hudson O’Neal
2020 – Ricky Thornton Jr.
2019 – Don O’Neal
2018 – Bobby Pierce
2017 – Don O’Neal
2016 – Josh Richards
2015 – Scott Bloomquist
2014 – Gregg Satterlee
2013 – Scott Bloomquist
2012 – Gregg Satterlee
2011 – Keith Barbara
2010 – Davey Johnson
2009 – Bart Hartman
2008 – Steve Baker
2007 – Josh Richards
2006 – Shane Clanton
2005 – Donnie Moran
2004 – Bart Hartman
2003 – Matt Urban
2002 – Rick Aukland
2001 – Chub Frank
2000 – Davey Johnson
1999 – Todd Andrews
1998 – Tim Hitt
1997 – Rick Aukland
1996 – Tim Hitt
1995 – Scott Bloomquist
1994 – Davey Johnson
1993 – Scott Bloomquist
1992 – Davey Johnson
1991 – Donnie Moran
1990 – Bob Wearing Jr.
1989 – Scott Bloomquist
1987-’88 – Race Not Held
1986 – Donnie Moran
1982-’85 – Race Not Held
1981 – Tye Long
1980 – Tye Long

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