With the 2026 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing season entering its final stretch, competitors have even more on the line as the $275,000 Big River Steel Bonus Program presented by ARP prepares to reward drivers for their performance throughout the closing weeks of the season.
Originally announced ahead of the 2026 campaign, the lucrative bonus program adds another layer of excitement and opportunity as the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series championship battle approaches its conclusion.
Following the Rumble by the River finale at Port Royal Speedway on Saturday, Aug. 29, the top 15 drivers in the championship standings will officially qualify for the Big River Steel Bonus Program presented by ARP. From there, five of the biggest events remaining on the schedule will provide those drivers with opportunities to earn a share of an additional $275,000.
The program complements the return to a traditional season-long championship format and the Series’ $1.265 million championship points fund, creating even more incentive as drivers pursue the sport’s most lucrative championship.
Beginning with the Knoxville Late Model Nationals on Saturday, Sept. 19, eligible drivers will have multiple opportunities to earn additional money during the final five Saturday crown jewel events of the season.
$5,000 on the Line Each Round
All drivers ranked first through 15th in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series championship standings following Port Royal will be eligible for a $5,000 bonus at each of the five designated events.
The highest-finishing eligible driver at each event will earn an additional $5,000, creating a $25,000 bonus pool across the five rounds.
The five individual rounds will be supported by Big River Steel, UNOH, Sunoco Race Fuels, ARP, and Summit Racing Equipment.
$200,000 Top-Five Bonus Program
For the drivers occupying the top five positions in the championship standings following Port Royal, the stakes climb even higher with an additional $200,000 on the line.
Those five drivers will compete in a separate five-race points battle across the designated Saturday events. Points accumulated in the Big River Steel Bonus Program presented by ARP will be separate from the traditional season-long Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series championship standings.
The driver accumulating the most bonus points across the five events will earn a $100,000 bonus. Second through fifth will receive $40,000, $30,000, $20,000, and $10,000, respectively.
$50,000 Bonus Program for Sixth Through 15th
Drivers ranked sixth through 15th following the Aug. 29 event at Port Royal will also compete in a separate five-race points battle with $50,000 available.
The highest points earner among those 10 drivers will receive $25,000, while second and third will collect $15,000 and $10,000, respectively.
With eligibility determined following the Rumble by the River, every position in the championship standings carries added significance as competitors battle to secure their place in the program before turning their attention toward five of the biggest races of the year.
Five Crown Jewels, $275,000 in Bonuses
The Big River Steel Bonus Program presented by ARP will be contested during the Saturday finale of five consecutive crown jewel events:
- Saturday, Sept. 19 – Knoxville Late Model Nationals at Knoxville Raceway – $75,000 to win
- Saturday, Sept. 26 – Jackson 100 at Brownstown Speedway – $50,000 to win
- Saturday, Oct. 3 – Pittsburgher at Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Motor Speedway – $50,000 to win
- Saturday, Oct. 10 – Eldora Speedway – $50,000 to win
- Saturday, Oct. 17 – Dirt Track World Championship at West Virginia Motor Speedway – $100,000 to win
Those five events alone offer $325,000 in winner’s purses, with another $275,000 available through the Big River Steel Bonus Program presented by ARP.
The program will culminate at the season-ending Dirt Track World Championship at West Virginia Motor Speedway, where the 2026 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series champion will also be crowned.
Big River Steel Bonus Program Presented by ARP at a Glance
Bonus Rounds – $25,000 Total
Eligible: 1st-15th in championship standings following Aug. 29
Award: $5,000 to the highest-finishing eligible driver at each of the five events
Top-Five Bonus Program – $200,000 Total
Eligible: 1st-5th in championship standings following Aug. 29
1st – $100,000
2nd – $40,000
3rd – $30,000
4th – $20,000
5th – $10,000
Sixth-15th Bonus Program – $50,000 Total
Eligible: 6th-15th in championship standings following Aug. 29
1st – $25,000
2nd – $15,000
3rd – $10,000
For the latest news, results, championship standings, and more about the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing, please visit LucasDirt.com.
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