The Left Turn
By: Ron Burt
Most of the country has been struggling with weather and bitter cold but the 2026 racing season has started in the southern states. Arizona, Georgia and Florida racetracks are opening for racing, test and tune or just getting cars dialed in and making pre-season adjustments.
The Lucas Oil Dirt Late Model Series presented by FloRacing announced this week Wieland is the title sponsor of the Winter Nationals February 19-21 at All-Tech Raceway in Lake City, Florida. The series then moves to Ocala Speedway in Ocala, Florida, where competitors will take part in five consecutive nights of racing from February 24-28. The Winter Nationals will conclude at Golden Isles Speedway in Brunswick, Georgia, with four nights of racing slated for March 4-7.
Wieland, a long-standing supporter of grassroots and professional racing, is widely recognized for its industry-leading aluminum products and manufacturing expertise. Their involvement as title sponsor further strengthens the Winter Nationals’ status as a marquee event while reinforcing Wieland’s dedication to motorsports and the racing community.
Last year’s series had a close battle in points all season. The champion Devin Moran finished with 9175 total points but in striking distance you had three of the best Rickey Thornton Jr., Jonathan Davenport, and Hudson O’Neal. Donald McIntosh was the Rookie of the year and finished 10th in points.
The off-season for the Lucas Oil Late Model Series has been busy. On December 11th, FloSports took over the ownership of the series. FloSports continues to invest in and operate key motor sports properties and high-value sports IP. As part of the sale, Lucas Oil Products, Inc. will enter into a multi-year exclusive title sponsorship agreement with FloSports for LOLMDS, maintaining a legacy of support for the championship and its community of fans, teams, and drivers for years to come.
It was also announced After three seasons using a playoff-style points system, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing is returning to a traditional season-long points system for 2026, while adding more than a quarter-million dollar lucrative late-season bonuses. Until next week, keep your wheels down. Ron Out!
