Speedweeks Sets the Tone as the 2026 Lucas Oil Late Model Season Begins

The 2026 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing is officially underway, and it didn’t take long for the season to come alive. After months of offseason anticipation, the nation’s premier dirt late model tour has hit the ground running with intense Speedweeks action in the Southeast and strong early performances from many of the sport’s biggest names.

This season also brings a fresh chapter for the series, as FloSports took ownership in late 2025. The transition has already made an impact, with expanded media coverage and increased exposure for teams, drivers, and fans alike. Along with the new leadership, the series has returned to a traditional, season-long points format, placing a renewed emphasis on consistency and performance throughout a demanding 58-race schedule.

The 2026 calendar features stops at 26 tracks across more than a dozen states, beginning with the always-anticipated Georgia-Florida Speedweeks. The multi-night stretch sets the tone for the season, offering big money, packed fields, and early rivalries that often carry deep into the year.

The season officially opened at All-Tech Raceway in Ellisville, Florida, where teams tackled a three-night slate as part of the Wieland Winter Nationals. The opening week wasted no time delivering memorable moments. Brandon Sheppard claimed the first victory of the year on Thursday night, edging a stacked field to grab the season’s opening checkered flag. Friday belonged to reigning series champion Devin Moran, who led every lap of the feature and made it clear he intends to defend his title. On Saturday, Hudson O’Neal thrilled fans with a charge from mid-pack to the front, capping the weekend and showcasing just how deep the competition runs.

Beyond the excitement on track, the All-Tech races also featured strong payouts, helping teams build early momentum and confidence as they settle into the long season ahead.

From there, the series rolled straight into Ocala Speedway, where the intensity only ramped up. Moran stayed red-hot, picking up another victory after making an early, decisive move to take control of the race. His back-to-back wins have quickly made him the driver to beat in the early points chase. At the same time, contenders like Brandon Sheppard, Clay Harris, and Brandon Overton have remained consistently near the front, keeping the competition tight and adding to the intrigue as Speedweeks continues.