The offseason is in full force, but drivers and teams are already announcing their plans for 2026. Here’s all the drivers and teams who have committed to the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series for 2026.

1. Cory Hedgecock

Billy Hicks Racing announced in the middle of November that it had tapped Cory Hedgeock to drive for the team and it would compete in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series.

The Facebook post stated, “We are proud to announce Cory Hedgecock will be driving the Billy Hicks owned #79 for the 2026 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series points and Rookie of the year.”

2. Ricky Thornton Jr.

Ricky Thornton Jr. shared he would return to the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series in an interview with FloRacing’s Kyle McFadden.

Thornton said, “We were talking to Ray and a couple of guys. I think we’re going to go Southern All Stars. No, I’m just kidding. No, we’re going to do Lucas again. We’re going to do all the Flo stuff again. Hit as much World of Outlaws shows and different shows. Outside of that, obviously, [Jeff] Hoker, he’s promoting a bunch around Iowa. So we’re going to try to hit all of those.”

What’s @RThornton20rt think of Flo taking ownership of the Lucas Oil Late Model tour?

Touches on having Anthony Burroughs back at crew chief and how he has an offer to test an off-road truck 🤔 pic.twitter.com/gwI8Mj8E1n

— Kyle McFadden (@ByKyleMcFadden) December 12, 2025

3. Hudson O’Neal

SSI Motorsports crew chief Jason Durham announced that Hudson O’Neal and the team would return to compete with the Lucas Oil series. He told McFadden, “Everybody’s staying on. Everybody’s on board for another year. We are planning on doing the Lucas Oil deal again. Everything’s going well were just visiting with all the product sponsors and vendors that we have at the PRI and looking forward to getting 2026 started.”

Catching up with Jason Durham at PRI.

The SSI head wrench has everyone back for 2026 — Riley Sheedy, Logan Scott, Kyle Daily on the crew.

Hudson O’Neal of course back as well on the Lucas Oil tour. Durham talks vitality of a 4-man crew, playoff misfortune and ‘26 outlook. pic.twitter.com/PtKHU6j28J

— Kyle McFadden (@ByKyleMcFadden) December 12, 2025

4. Brenden Smith

JCM Motorsports announced that Brenden Smith would pilot the 19m car and chase the Lucas series ahead of the Gateway Dirt Nationals. In a video shared to Facebook, the team questioned, ““I heard Brenden Smith Motorsports and JCM Motorsports were teaming up to take on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series in 2026?”

In the comments the team confirmed that Smith and the team would chase the Lucas Oil series for 2026.

5. Devin Moran

Following the Gateway Dirt Nationals, Devin Moran, the defending series champion, confirmed he would return to defend his title. Moran was asked by his brother Tristan in a Facebook live video, “So you’re not running any World of Outlaws this year?”

Devin responded, “Definitely not. Definitely running Lucas again this year. We are running Lucas. So that’s a little tidbit for the offseason.”

6. Kyle Bronson

Kyle Bronson announced his plans to compete with the Lucas Oil Series on Facebook while also sharing that he was looking for a new crew chief.

Bronson wrote, “We Will be racing full time with [the] Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series [in] 2026.”

7. Cory Lawler

Cory Lawler announced his intention to compete with the series again in 2026 during the series’ banquet on December 12th.

He said, “We are looking forward to 2026 in hopes to improve a few more spots by the end of the year.”

8. Dan Ebert

Dan Ebert also announced his intention to run with the Lucas Oil series in 2026 during the series 2025 banquet.

He said, “Thanks to the Lucas team, series sponsors, fans that make this the biggest, baddest bunch of dirt late model racers in the world. I look forward to seeing you all next season. I can’t wait to be more in the thick of it in 2026.”

9. Daniel Hilsabeck

Daniel Hilsabeck announced his intention to run with the Lucas Oil series again in 2026 during the series’ 2025 banquet.

He said, “I got to thank Lucas Oil for putting on the series. It’s a great series to run. They run a real professional series. Can’t wait to come back in 2026 and run with them again.”

On Facebook, he added, “See you in 2026 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”

10. Carson Ferguson

Paylor Motorsports announced that the team with Carson Ferguson behind the wheel would be returning to the Lucas Oil Late Model Series.

It wrote on Facebook, “We can’t wait for 2026 to begin in Florida in February and look forward to following the Lucas Oil tour again next year!”

11. Garrett Alberson

Garrett Alberson and Roberts Motorsports announced that he and his team would return to compete with Lucas Oil in 2026. The team stated on Facebook, “As we prepare and restock for the start of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series in 2026, we’re putting all of our early 2025 designs on sale for 30% off till the end of the year!”

12. Max Blair

Max Blair announced his intention to compete with the Lucas Oil series on Facebook while announcing his 11th Annual Team Blair Racing Party.

His team wrote, “Help us celebrate Max 2025 year with the LUCAS Oil Late Model Series and help support his 2026 LUCAS Oil title chase.”

13. Freddie Carpenter

Fast Freddie Carpenter announced he would compete “full-time with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series” in 2026 in a post to Facebook on New Year’s Day.

He wrote, “It’s been a dream of mine for more than 30 years to ‘TO RUN WITH THE BIG DOGS.’ I don’t know how it happened, but all of a sudden I’m 55 years old… and I’m running out of Saturdays. It’s time to chase my dreams while I’m still able.”

14. Josh Rice

Josh Rice, Rice Brothers Racing, and JRR Motorsports announced on Facebook that the team has signed the paperwork and will chase the Lucas Oil series, “The paperwork has been signed, and Josh Rice will tackle the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series in 2026, along with the O’Reilly Auto Parts Rookie of the Year Title.”

15. Brandon Sheppard

Brandon Sheppard and his Rocket1 Racing crew shared it would chase the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series in 2026. At the end of last year, Rocket1 Racing shared the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series schedule and asked, “𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿: What race are you most looking forward to in 2026?”

16. Brian Shirley

Brian Shirley announced the switch from World of Outlaws to the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. He wrote in a post to Facebook, “Excited to chase a new title in 2026! Thankful for our sponsors and partners and the opportunity to do what we love. See ya’ll in Florida.”

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