---

BACK ON TRACK: MLRA SET FOR 2026 OPENER AT SPRINGFIELD RACEWAY

Nevada, Missouri (March 10, 2026) – Following a season of darkness, the Midwest longest running Dirt Super Late Model Series, the Midwest LateModel Racing Association (MLRA), makes its highly anticipated return to action this weekend at the Springfield Raceway in Springfield, MO.

The MLRA is set to headline track owner/promotor Jerry Hoffman’s annual “March Madness”, with complete $5,000 to win shows on both Friday, March 13th and Saturday, March 14th at the ¼ mile semi-banked clay oval speed plant located just off I-44 in Springfield, MO. A Test & Tune open to all classes will take place on Thursday night March 12th starting at 5:50 PM.

Longtime MLRA series director Ernie Leftwich and family have taken over ownership of the series and are excited to get the MLRA back on track this weekend. “Since our family made the decision to take this on late last year it has been a lot of work behind the scenes, and now it’s time to finally showcase that effort and get the 2026 season going,” explained Leftwich.

“Jerry stepped up last year when he promoted the “1989 Back-In Time” tribute to the MLRA and all of the people that played a part in the history of the series. So, heading back to Springfield to kick-off the official return of the MLRA this weekend was an easy decision, and one that has us all really excited,” he concluded.

Brian Shirley picked up the win last year over Dillon McCowan in the MLRA Tribute event opener, while Clayton Stuckey claimed the finale over Gordy Gundaker.

This weekends action will be the beginning of a 20 race MLRA schedule that will see stops at tracks in Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, and Oklahoma. Series provisionals for the first two nights will be based off of the 2024 MLRA Championship Point Standings, before transitioning to the current 2026 standings at the next stop April 10th – 11th at the Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, MO.

RaceON, the “Official Streaming partner” of the MLRA: This weekends racing action will stream live via RaceON. Be sure to visit www.RaceON.com for viewing details, or download the RaceON App from your favorite operating system to catch all the action live.

FAN SAVE PROVISIONAL: Thanks to the team at RaceON, two drivers will have a second chance at making the starting grid at March Madness. Drivers that pre-entered by Tuesday, March 10th will be entered into an online “Fan Vote” competition. The driver receiving the most votes who does not race their way into the show will receive a provision into the nights feature event. Friday’s event will pay $500 to start while Saturday nights starters will each earn a minimum of $700 for taking the green flag.

Online voting will end at noon on Friday, with each nights Fan Save Provisional starter being announced following the completion of each nights “B” Mains. Full details can be found on the RaceON website and social media pages.

Springfield Raceway: Springfield, MO “Test & Tune”--Thursday 3/12/26
Pit Gates: 4:00 PM
Test & Tune: 5:50 PM - 8:00 PM
Pit Passes: Adults $35, Kids (6-14) $15, 5 & Under FREE

Springfield Raceway: Springfield, MO “March Madness”--Friday 3/13/26
Pit Gates: 3:15 PM, Grandstands 5:45 PM
Racing: Hot Laps - 6:15 PM, Racing – 6:45 PM
Admission: Adults $27, Seniors/Military $25, Kids (6–12) $3, 5 & Under FREE Pit Passes: Adults $45, Kids (6-14) $15, 5 & Under FREE
Support Classes: Bombrs, FWD, MW Modz B
Website: www.SpringfieldRaceway.com

Springfield Raceway: Springfield, MO “March Madness”--Saturday 3/14/26
Pit Gates: 2:45 PM, Grandstands 4:45 PM
Racing: Hot Laps – 5:45 PM, Racing – 6:15 PM
Admission: Adults $27, Seniors/Military $25, Kids (6–12) $3, 5 & Under FREE Pit Passes: Adults $45, Kids (6-14) $15, 5 & Under FREE
Support Classes: BMod(Turkey Bowl Rules), MW Modz, Legends, Full Body

Be sure to “Like” and follow the series Facebook Page, MLRA · Midwest Latemodel Racing Association, by clicking www.facebook.com/MLRADIRT for the latest updates.

CONTACT:

Ernie Leftwich
MLRA Series Director/Owner
Mobile: (417) 309-3509
Ernie.Leftwich@gmail.com

2026 Official MLRA Marketing Partners

SANCREST TRAILER SALES
"The Official Trailer" of the MLRA Series

RACEON "The Official Streaming Partner" of the MLRA Series

RUGGED RADIOS "The Official Radio" of the MLRA Series

HOOSIER TIRE MIDWEST "The Official Race Tire" of the MLRA Series

ICONIC APPAREL "The Official Apparel” of the MLRA Series

MY RACE PASS "The Official Timing System" of the MLRA Series

VP RACE FUELS "The Official Fuel, Lubricant, and Coolant" of the MLRA Series

2026 MLRA Supporters Include: Allgaier Performance, Hoosier Tire Midwest, Iconic Apparel, My Race Pass, Midwest Sheet Metal, Premier Flatwork, RaceON, Randy Davidson Trucking, Rugged Radios, Sancrest Trailer Sales, STAKT Products, Swift Springs, VP Race Fuels, Wehrs Machine.

---

Back to News