Ernie leftwich, an Ozarks-area native who's been an avid follower of dirt-track racing his entire life, is joining Lucas Oil Speedway as Assistant General Manager.

Lucas Oil Speedway General Manager Danny Lorton announced Leftwich's hiring. Leftwich, 47, also will assume the role of Competition Director on race nights and supervise all race officials at the speedway.

"We are pleased to welcome Ernie to our team here at Lucas Oil Speedway,” Lorton said. "He has a tremendous amount of experience in the racing business and will be a valuable asset to our staff."

Leftwich is a lifelong resident of Nevada, Mo., where he attended his first race at Nevada Speedway at the age of four. It's also where he had his first job in the sport, serving as flagman at the speedway in 1996 and '97 shortly after graduation from Nevada High School.

It's at that time he also began helping out in various capacities with the Midwest Late Model Racing Association, then under the ownership of Allen "Cowboy" Chancellor and wife Harriett.

Leftwich also served as a flagman at multiple tracks around the region, including dirt ovals South Coffeyville (Okla.), Humboldt (Kan.) and the original Wheatland Raceway when it was owned by Ron Jenkins. He helped with duties there when Lucas Oil Speedway opened in 2006.

"I've loved motorsports my entire life and dirt Late Model racing, in particular, has been my passion," Leftwich said.

Leftwich has served as Series Director for the Lucas Oil MLRA since 2012 and said it's sad to see his time with the series come to an end, but he's excited about what's ahead.

"I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to working with Danny and the staff at Lucas Oil Speedway," Leftwich added. "Now 2025 will be a new year and a new beginning to a career in a sport I love. I'm thankful for the opportunity and what's on the horizon at Lucas Oil Speedway."

Lorton said Leftwich will begin his duties at Lucas Oil Speedway on or about Jan. 7, 2025.

Weekly racing at Lucas Oil Speedway features five divisions: USRA Modifieds, USRA Stock Cars, USRA B-Mods, Late Models and Super Stocks.

The 2025 season is scheduled to fire up March 22 with March Full Body Madness.

Lucas Oil Speedway is located at Highways 83 and 54 in Wheatland, MO. A campground with shower and bathroom facilities is also available. With it's entrance located just outside the pit gate this sprawling scenic camping facility will continue to enhance the racing experience at the Diamond of Dirt Tracks.

Click lucasoilspeedway.com for more information and detailed directions to the speedway or call the Track Hotline at (417) 282-5984.

Awards Banquet nears: The annual Awards Banquet celebration of champions for both the USMTS and USRA is set for Saturday, Jan. 25, inside the 12,000-square-foot Star Pavilion at the Ameristar Casino Hotel located at 3200 N Ameristar Dr, Kansas City, MO 64161. Tickets go on sale Nov. 29.

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