After an extended break in competition and last week’s announcement outlining significant changes to the remainder of the 2026 schedule, the USRA American Racer Modified Series presented by Day Motor Sports is ready to get back to what it does best.

While circumstances outside the control of the series forced several disappointing schedule adjustments throughout the first half of the season, officials are optimistic as the tour heads to Rocket Raceway Park this Saturday night for what feels like a fresh start to the championship chase.

Last week’s revised schedule was one series officials hoped they would never have to release.

Persistent rain, economic challenges affecting event sponsorships, and unforeseen scheduling conflicts combined to reshape much of the 2026 calendar. While the changes were disappointing, series officials emphasized that the focus now shifts from what was lost to what still lies ahead.

“Our racers, fans, tracks and marketing partners deserve the very best product we can deliver,” said series director Erick Chesterman following last week’s announcement. “Unfortunately, there were several situations this season that were simply beyond our control. While we’re certainly disappointed by some of the events we weren’t able to keep on the schedule, we’re excited about what’s ahead and look forward to getting everyone back together this Saturday at Rocket Raceway Park.”

In more ways than one, Rocket Raceway Park provides the perfect place to re-launch the season.  Track promoter Chris David with RaceON shared his thoughts on the ARMS weekend. “We really excited to welcome the ARMS series back to Rocket for the first time since 2023.  We’ve put together a diverse schedule this season, and this event is a feature on that schedule. Open modifieds in Texas are thriving right now, and were excited to give them a place to race.”

The series returns to the facility for the first time since 2023, when current series regular Jason Hughes captured what was then a $10,000 to win Brian Mize Memorial. Hughes returns not only looking to repeat that success, but also to erase a slim seven-point deficit in the championship standings.

Despite only two completed championship events, the title fight could hardly be closer.

Defending series champion Kale Westover carries a narrow four-point advantage over Stormy Scott, with Hughes sitting just seven markers behind the leader. Rookie standout Kale Murphrey and fellow rookie Talan Willis roundsout an impressive top five just thirteen points behind Westover.

With only 13 points separating the top five drivers, every qualifying lap, every heat race and every feature position could prove critical as the championship battle resumes.

Saturday night’s event marks the beginning of an important stretch for the American Racer Modified Series as attention shifts toward building momentum for the remainder of the season and ultimately deciding who will hoist the championship trophy this fall.

If the opening races of 2026 are any indication, fans can expect another fiercely contested night of USRA Modified racing as the series embarks on the second half of its season.

Current USRA American Racer Modified Series Point Standings

1. Kale Westover — 191

2. Stormy Scott (-4) — 187

3. Jason Hughes (-7) — 184

4. Kale Murphrey (R) (-10) — 181

5. Talan Willis (R) (-13) — 178

6. Bo Day (-15) — 176

7. Sam Osman (-19) — 172

8. Jared Maupin (-21) — 170

9. Chris Morris (-23) — 168

10. Drake Findley (-31) — 160

11. Tanner Barnhart (R) (-36) — 155

12. Dustin Henigan (R) (-37) — 154

13. Chris Henigan (-39) — 152

14. Casey Fowler (-41) — 150

15. Jason Ingalls (-46) — 145

For updated schedules, championship standings, event details, and breaking series news, visit AmericanRacerModifiedSeries.com. Fans unable to attend in person can catch every remaining race of the 2026 season live and on demand exclusively on RacinDirt.tv

The USRA American Racer Modified Series presented by Day Motorsports  would like to recognize and thank our 2026 season long partners. Please thank them, with your patronage for their support.

Gold Partners – Central Spray Foam & Cement Lifting, Day Motor Sports, Deatherage Opticians, Dirt Track Specialist, Dylan Scott Entertainment, Hochatown Saloon, Kevko Racing, Midwest Sheet Metal, Mel Hambelton Ford Racing, Pannell Chipping, RacinDirt.com, Real Racing Wheels, Rick Beebe Heating and Air Conditioning, Smith Equipment Company, Swift Springs, VP Racing Fuels Heartland, Wehrs Machine & Racing Products

Silver Partners – American Racer Tires, Buck Monson Photos, Bulletproof Tees and Racewear, Duvall Electric, Integra Shocks, JRT Trucking, Keyser Manufacturing, Midwest Automation, Photos By Boyd, Scotty Dogg’s Hideout

Bronze Partners – Bryke Racing, Fast Shafts, Freight Logistics Inc., KS Engineering, Maxima Racing Oil, Milburn Acreages by Tillison Enterprises, PEM Racing, Premier Lubricants, Schoenfeld Headers, Service Plumbing of Wichita, Transmissions Unlimited, Wagdog Spices, Wilwood Disc Brakes, Yeoman Race Engines

2026 Point Funds (ARMS, HMT, NLMS)
1. $7,500
2. $4,500
3. $3,500
4. $3,000
5. $2,500
6. $2,400
7. $2,300
8. $2,200
9. $2,100
10. $2,000
*80 Percent attendance required to remain point fund eligible

NEXT: Alex Yankowski Collects Third Win Of 2026 At Autodrome Drummond