As the summer continues to pass us by, the Dirt Late Model Dream has come and gone, and the DIRTcar Summer Nationals are now in the record books, that can only mean one thing… It’s time to go back MARS racing. For the first time since May 30, both the MARS Late Model Championship powered by FK Rod Ends and the MARS Modified Championship powered by Summit Racing Equipment are set for action with a central Illinois doubleheader this Friday and Saturday, which will mark the only two events for each series during the month of July.

The highly anticipated return to the track for the MARS Late Model Championship powered by FK Rod Ends and the MARS Modified Championship powered by Summit Racing Equipment will take place on Friday, July 17, at one of the finest racetracks on the MARS schedule. Farmer City Raceway, in Farmer City, Illinois, will be the site where the MARS Late Models will take part in the 16^th annual Jr. Kimler Memorial. The Late Models will battle 40 laps for $5,000-to-win, while the MARS Modifieds will compete for 30 laps with a $2,000 top prize on the line.

This will mark the first of two visits for the MARS Late Models to the facility in 2026, while the MARS Modifieds will race their third and final event under the Friday night Lights at Farmer City for the season. Jason Feger captured last year’s Jr. Kimler Memorial over Justin Duty and Shannon Babb. Trevor Neville took home the MARS Modified victory last season at this show over Michael Long and Michael Ledford. Cole Falloway and Michael Long split victories at this season’s MARS Modified events over the Illini 100 weekend. 

An additional treat for Friday’s program will be the 2026 Farmer City Raceway Wall of Fame inductions. The ceremony will be held during opening ceremonies in front of the main grandstand. 2026 Wall of Fame additions include Jim Quinn, Tom Rients, Shannon Babb, Mike Mullvain, Bobby Hutton, Don Stagen, Norma Gemme, Jaren Hamblen, and Tommy Scott.

Jr. Kimler Memorial Past Winners

2011 – Jason Feger
2012 – Jeff Leka (Modified event)
2013 – Scott Bull
2014 – Bobby Pierce
2015 – Shannon Babb
2016 – Jason Feger
2017 – Mike Spatola
2018 – Ryan Unzicker
2019 – Mike Spatola
2020 – McKay Wenger
2021 – McKay Wenger
2022 – Jason Feger
2023 – Frank Heckenast Jr
2024 – Brian Shirley
2025 – Jason Feger

Saturday, July 18, the tours will make the short hour and fifteen-minute jaunt down Interstate 57 to the Charleston Speedway, in Charleston, Illinois, for the inaugural MC Promoted Charleston Challenge event. This will mark the first time since 2023 that Super Late Models have hit the highbanks of the 3/8-mile clay oval. Charleston Speedway is one of the last remaining tracks in the region that typically race every single Saturday night of the season with DIRTcar UMP Modifieds, DIRTcar Stock Cars, DIRTcar Pro Modifieds, DIRTcar Hornets weekly, with DIRTcar Pro Late Models, DIRTcar Kids Mods, and Crown Vics sprinkled throughout the season. When the MARS tours rolled into Charleston in 2023 for the Graves Memorial, it was Ryan Unzicker taking home the MARS Late Model victory over Rich Dawson and Mike Harrison. Kyle Steffens was victorious in MARS Modified action over Josh Harris and Tyler Nicely on a night that had an impressive field of 48 entries. 

For the second year in a row, Ryan Unzicker heads into the second half of the season with the Midwest Sheet Metal spoiler, signifying his points lead with the MARS Late Models. A comfortable gap of 93 points separates he and Jason Feger. Dylan Thornton, Tanner English, and Daniel Adam round out the top 5. 

Dylan Thornton has a commanding 100+ point lead in Sunoco Race Fuels Rookie of the Year standings with Myles Moos, Caden McWhorter, Mitch McGrath, and Jordan Bauer rounding out the top 5.

Michael Ledford brings the LRD Products spoiler into Farmer City signifying his MARS Modified Championship powered by Summit Racing Equipment points lead. Cole Falloway, Ray Bollinger, Mike McKinney, and Damian Kiefer round out the top 5. 

Matthew Baker leads the Sunoco Race Fuels Rookie of the Year chase with Brayden Doyle, Owen Steinkoenig, John Dimmitt, and Kyle Barker rounding out the top 5.

Event Info

Friday, July 17

Farmer City Raceway
Farmer City, IL

16^th annual Jr. Kimler Memorial

$5,000-to-win MARS Late Model Championship powered by FK Rod Ends
$2,000-to-win MARS Modified Championship powered by Summit Racing Equipment
DIRTcar Pro Late Models
DIRTcar Pro Modifieds
DIRTcar Stock Cars

Pits open at 4:00 P.M.
Grandstands open at 4:00 P.M.
Drivers Meeting at 6:00 P.M.
Hot Laps at 6:30 P.M.

Adult General Admission $30
General Admission for Kids 12 and under FREE

Pit Pass $40
Kids ages 5-12 Pit Pass $20
Pit Pass for Kids 4 and under FREE

Saturday, July 18

Charleston Speedway
Charleston, IL

MC Promotions presents the Inaugural Charleston Challenge

$5,000-to-win MARS Late Model Championship powered by FK Rod Ends
$2,000-to-win MARS Modified Championship powered by Summit Racing Equipment
DIRTcar Pro Modifieds
DIRTcar Hornets
Crown Vics

Pits open at 2:00 P.M.
Grandstands open at 4:00 P.M.
Drivers Meeting at 5:30 P.M.
Hot Laps at 6:00 P.M.

Adult General Admission $30
General Admission for Kids 11 and under FREE

Pit Pass $45
Pit Pass for Kids 11 and under $20

MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends Tire Rule for each night:

LF: Any (90) Hoosier
RF: Hoosier NLMT2 (90)
LR: Hoosier NLMT2 (90)
RR: Hoosier NRM NLMT3 (92) or Hoosier NRM NLMT4 (92)

Grooving and Siping will be permitted.

Event Purses

MARS Late Model Championship powered by FK Rod Ends Nightly A-Main payout: 1) $5,000 2) $2,500 3) $2,000 4) $1,600 5) $1,400 6) $1,200 7) $1,000 8) $800 9) $700 10) $600 11) $500 12) $500 13) $500 14) $500 15) $500 16) $500 17) $500 18) $500 19) $500 20) $500 21) $500 22) $500. Non-Transfer Tow Money Friday – $115, Saturday – $120

MARS Modified Championship powered by Summit Racing Equipment Nightly A-Main payout: 1) $2,000 2) $1,500 3) $1,200 4) $1,000 5) $800 6) $600 7) $500 8) $400 9) $300 10) $275 11) $250 12) $250 13) $250 14) $250 15) $250 16) $250 17) $250 18) $250 19) $250 20) $250 21) $250 22) $250. Non-Transfer Tow Money Friday – $65, Saturday – $70

MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends Point Standings (Top 15)

1. Ryan Unzicker – El Paso, IL – 557 points
2. Jason Feger – Bloomington, IL – 464 points
3. Dylan Thornton – Orcutt, CA – 456 points
4. Tanner English – Benton, KY – 437 points
5. Daniel Adam – Peru, IL – 410 points
6. Jake Little – Springfield, IL – 368 points
7. Bob Gardner – Washington, IL – 367 points
8. Myles Moos – Lincoln, IL – 320 points
9. Caden McWhorter – Fairbury, IL – 316 points
10. Mitch McGrath – Waukesha, WI – 305 points
11. Jordan Bauer – St. Jacob, IL – 302 points
12. Austin Howes – Lewistown, MO – 296 points
13. Jeffrey Ledford – Pontiac, IL – 286 points
14. Mark Voigt – Marine, IL – 277 points
15. Dennis Erb Jr – Carpentersville, IL – 262 points

Sunoco Race Fuels Rookie of the Year Standings

1. Dylan Thornton – Orcutt, CA – 456 points
2. Myles Moos – Lincoln, IL – 320 points
3. Caden McWhorter – Fairbury, IL – 316 points
4. Mitch McGrath – Waukesha, WI – 305 points
5. Jordan Bauer – St. Jacob, IL – 302 points
6. Austin Howes – Lewistown, MO – 296 points
7. Jeffrey Ledford – Pontiac, IL – 286 points
8. Mike Mataragas – DeKalb, IL – 169 points
9. Chevy Boyer – New Haven, MO – 122 points

MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment Point Standings (Top 15)

1. Michael Ledford – Pontiac, IL – 568 Points
2. Cole Falloway – Owensboro, KY – 508 Points
3. Ray Bollinger – Kewanee, IL – 481 Points
4. Mike McKinney – Plainfield, IL – 456 Points
5. Damian Kiefer – Ste Genevieve, MO – 401 Points
6. Matthew Baker – Kouts, IN – 398 Points
7. Zeke McKenzie – Claypool, IN – 398 Points
8. Dave Wietholder – Liberty, IL – 386 Points
9. Trevor Neville – Mackinaw, IL – 375 Points
10. Brayden Doyle – Ashmore, IL – 352 Points
11. Owen Steinkoenig – Highland, IL – 327 Points
12. John Dimmitt – Macomb, IL – 313 Points
13. Michael Long – Fowler, IL – 218 Points
14. Charlie Mefford – Belton, KY – 200 Points
15. Austin Friedman – Fairbury, IL – 195 Points

Sunoco Race Fuels Rookie of the Year Point Standings

1. Matthew Baker – Kouts, IN – 398 Points
2. Brayden Doyle – Ashmore, IL – 352 Points
3. Owen Steinkoenig – Highland, IL – 327 Points
4. John Dimmitt – Macomb, IL – 313 Points
5. Kyle Barker – Cooksville, IL – 162 Points

2026 MARS Late Model Championship powered by FK Rod Ends Statistics

Pontiac RV Heat Race #1 Winner

Jason Feger – 3
Mike Harrison – 1
Jordan Bauer – 1
Tanner English – 1
Dennis Erb Jr – 1 
Shannon Babb – 1 

FK Rod Ends 1st Place Finisher

Ryan Unzicker – 2
Jason Feger – 2 
Ryan Gustin – 1
Jordan Bauer – 1
Brandon Sheppard – 1
Shannon Babb – 1 

Swift Springs 4th Place Finisher

Frank Heckenast Jr – 1
Caden McWhorter – 1
Daniel Adam – 1
Mitch McGrath – 1
Ryan Gustin – 1 
Dennis Erb Jr – 1 
Tanner English – 1 
Brian Shirley – 1 

FK Rod Ends 5th Place Finisher

Ryan Unzicker – 1
Brayton Wallace – 1
Caden McWhorter – 1
Austin Howes – 1
Tanner English – 1
Bob Gardner – 1  
Jason Feger – 1 
Mitch McGrath – 1 

Fairbury Fasteners 7th Place Finisher

Bob Gardner – 2
Dylan Thornton – 1
Myles Moos – 1
Daniel Adam – 1
Dennis Erb Jr – 1 
Tanner English – 1 
Jake Little – 1 

Budda by Bert Transmission 9th Place Finisher

Jason Feger – 2
Tanner English – 2
Austin Howes – 1
Chad Simpson – 1 
Daniel Adam – 1 
McKay Wenger – 1 

Hooker Harness 11th Place Finisher

Jordan Bauer – 3
Dylan Thornton – 2
Kolby Vandenbergh – 1
Austin Smith – 1 
Myles Moos – 1 

Keyser Manufacturing 13th Place Finisher

Bob Gardner – 2
Mark Voigt – 2
Myles Moos – 2
Jake Little – 1
Lee Williams – 1 

Fast Shafts 15th Place Finisher

Jeffrey Ledford – 2 
Myles Moos – 1
Mike Mataragas – 1
Mitch McGrath – 1
Chevy Boyer – 1
Austin Howes – 1 
Blaze Burwell – 1 

MD3 Hard Charger Award Winner

Austin Howes – 1
Brayton Wallace – 1
Christian Miles – 1
Jason Feger – 1
Caden McWhorter – 1
Mark Voigt – 1  
Dylan Thornton – 1 
Bob Gardner – 1 

Wilwood Brakes Hard Luck Award Winner

Rusty Griffaw – 1
Mark Voigt – 1
Rickey Frankel – 1
Jeffrey Ledford – 1
Terry Casey – 1
Austin Smith – 1  
Camden Gardner – 1 
Keatin Lyons – 1 

Sunoco Race Fuels Rookie of the Race Winner

Dylan Thornton – 6
Caden McWhorter – 1
Mitch McGrath – 1

2026 MARS Modified Championship powered by Summit Racing Equipment Statistics

Multi Fire X Fast Time Award Winner

Trevor Neville – 3
Cole Falloway – 1
Brayden Doyle – 1
Kenny Wallace – 1
Dave Wietholder – 1
Michael Ledford – 1 
Charlie Mefford – 1 

Willy’s Carb & Dyno Heat Race #1 Winner

Trevor Neville – 2
Charlie Mefford – 2
Michael Ledford – 1
Matthew Baker – 1
Kenny Wallace – 1
Cole Falloway – 1
Dave Wietholder – 1

Lethal Chassis Heat Race #2 Winner

Mike McKinney – 3
Cole Falloway – 2
Ray Bollinger – 2
Michael Long – 1
Damian Kiefer – 1

Allgaier Performance Heat Race #3 Winner

Cole Falloway – 2
Michael Ledford – 2
Brayden Doyle – 1
Carson Friedman – 1
Mike McKinney – 1 
Damian Kiefer – 1 

Vanquish Race Cars Heat Race #4 Winner

Trevor Neville – 1
Cole Falloway – 1
Charlie Mefford – 1 

Equiplinc Trucks & Equipment B-Main #1 Winner

Owen Steinkoenig – 2
Kyle Hammer – 1
Jeff Curl – 1
Damian Kiefer – 1 
Allen Weisser – 1 

Summit Racing Equipment 2nd Place Finisher

Mike McKinney – 3
Trevor Neville – 1
Ray Bollinger – 1
Michael Ledford – 1
Cole Falloway – 1 
Damian Kiefer – 1 
Charlie Mefford – 1 

Fast Shafts 3rd Place Finisher

Michael Ledford – 3
Charlie Mefford – 2 
Cole Falloway – 1
Mike McKinney – 1
Mike Chasteen Jr – 1
Dave Wietholder – 1

Swift Springs 4th Place Finisher

Trevor Neville – 2
Ray Bollinger – 2
Carson Friedman – 1
Jacob Steinkoenig – 1
Mike McKinney – 1
Dave Wietholder – 1
Zeke McKenzie – 1 

Keyser Manufacturing 7th Place Finisher

Ray Bollinger – 3
Zeke McKenzie – 2
Michael Ledford – 1
Charles Hess – 1
Drew Schwartz – 1
Allen Weisser – 1 

Hooker Harness 11th Place Finisher

John Dimmitt – 2
Matthew Baker – 1
Owen Steinkoenig – 1
Dave Wietholder – 1
Lyndon Whitfill – 1
Treb Jacoby – 1
Jeff Curl – 1 
Trevor Neville – 1 

MD3 Hard Charger Award Winner

Dave Wietholder – 2
Mike McKinney – 1
Damian Kiefer – 1
Zeke McKenzie – 1
Christopher Cole – 1
Austin Freidman – 1
Allen Weisser – 1  
Josh Lemke – 1 

Wilwood Brakes Hard Luck Award Winner

Carson Friedman – 1
Dave Wietholder – 1
Kyle Barker – 1
Nash Hilmes – 1
Jeff Curl – 1
Taylor Kerz – 1
Lyndon Whitfill – 1
Mike Chasteen Jr – 1  
Kyle Cole – 1 

Sunoco Race Fuels Rookie of the Race Winner

Owen Steinkoenig – 3
Brayden Doyle – 3
Matthew Baker – 2
John Dimmitt – 1

Lethal Chassis Bonus Bucks Award Winner

Trevor Neville – 4
Nash Hilmes – 1
Tyler Spalding – 1 
Josh Allen – 1 

If you are unable to make it to the track, you can catch EVERY MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends event in 2026 live at floracing.com with select events being streamed live on Amazon Prime.

For more information about the MARS Dirt Series, please contact Jonathan Clayton at 731-467- 1316, visit the tour’s webpage at marsracingseries.com, or visit @MARSDirtRacing on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends and MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment would like to thank the following sponsors and marketing partners for their support of the 2026 racing season: FK Rod Ends (MARS Late Model title sponsor), Summit Racing Equipment (MARS Modified title sponsor), Flo Racing (Official streaming provider of the MARS Late Model tour), Racing Electronics (Official communications provider of the MARS Dirt Series), Hoosier Racing Tire (Official tire manufacturer of the MARS Dirt Series), Sunoco Race Fuels (Official fuel of the MARS Dirt Series and proud sponsor of the Sunoco Rookie of the Year chase all season long on the MARS Late Model & Modified Championship tours), Pontiac RV (Official RV Dealer of the MARS Dirt Series), Allstar Performance, O’Reilly Auto Parts, DIRTcar Racing, Driscoll Motors (Official dealership of the MARS Dirt Series), MD3, Josh James Artwork, MWD Signs & Graphix, Fairbury Fastener & Supply, Dirt Draft, Digital Copy Systems, Whelen, Multi Fire X, Budda Bert Transmission, Dyer’s Top Rods, Fast Shafts, Wilwood Brakes, Wehrs Machine & Racing Products, Keyser Manufacturing, Varsitee Screenprinting, Willy’s Carb & Dyno, Trackside Racewear, Hooker Harness, Lethal Chassis, Remtek Enterprises, QuickCar Racing Products, Mesilla Valley Transportation, Midwest Sheet Metal, Allgaier Performance, Vanquish Race Cars, Swift Springs, LRD Products, Equiplinc Trucks & Equipment, K&S Ford, MatMan Designs, and Angry Duck Graphics.

MARS Championship Upcoming Events

·      July 17, 2026 – Farmer City Raceway – Farmer City, IL – Jr. Kimler Memorial – $5,000-to-win MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends | $2,000-to-win MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment

·      July 18, 2026 – Charleston Speedway – Charleston, IL – Charleston Challenge – $5,000-to-win MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends | $2,000-to-win MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment

·      August 7, 2026 – Sycamore Speedway – Maple Park, IL – MARS Sycamore Showcase – $5,000-to-win MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends

·      August 8, 2026 – Macon Speedway – Macon, IL – KerbyStrong – $10,000-to-win MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends

·      August 14, 2026 – LaSalle Speedway – LaSalle, IL – Illinois Valley Showdown Twisted Twin 25’s – $5,000-to-win each 25-lap segment for the MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends

NEXT: MARS Championship Tours Announce Schedule And Tire Rule Updates For The Remainder Of The 2026 Season