SOUTHINGTON, Conn. (February 26, 2026)—The Summit Racing Equipment United States Modified Touring Series (USMTS) is proud to welcome back FK Rod Ends as the Title Sponsor of the Hard Charger Award for the 2026 season.

FK Rod Ends renews its commitment to the USMTS with a continued investment in the racers and the series, awarding $2,500 in cash to the driver who accumulates the most Hard Charger points over the course of the 2026 season. The award will be presented at the annual USMTS Awards Banquet.

FK Rod Ends is a division of FK Bearings Incorporated, a world-class, U.S.-based manufacturer of rod ends, spherical bearings, custom-engineered bearings, and related motion-control products. Established in 1983, FK Bearings brings more than 35 years of experience serving both industrial and high-performance markets.

Today, FK Bearings has grown into the preferred source for motion control products across nearly every industry. Their products are utilized in applications ranging from construction and mining equipment to material handling, transportation, off-highway machinery, automation and robotics, machine tools, agricultural equipment, military vehicles, performance racing, and more.

“Maria is one of the best in the business, and we enjoy working with her every year,” said Ryne Staley, Vice President of Marketing for USMTS. “FK Rod Ends is a great company that gives back to the racers, and we greatly appreciate their continued support of the Hard Charger Award.”

The Hard Charger Award recognizes the drivers who consistently advance through the field night after night, embodying determination, racecraft, and perseverance. FK Rod Ends’ ongoing partnership ensures that this hard-earned achievement remains one of the most respected honors in USMTS competition.

For more information about FK Rod Ends, call (800) 662-4003 or visit fkrodends.com. You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Every lap matters. Every point counts: When the green flag drops in 2026, there’s no room for mistakes. Forty-five nights. Twenty-six tracks. One champion. The road is long, the battles are brutal, and only the strongest will survive the grind of the Summit USMTS National Championship.

The Summit USMTS National Championship presented by RacinDirt kicks off its 28th season as the premier modified racing series in North America for the 2026 season.

The 2026 schedule is stacked with must-see racing from start to finish. The best of the best in dirt modified racing will battle all season long, chasing the ultimate prize of $50,000 to the USMTS National Champion.

With live and on-demand coverage of every USMTS event plus exclusive interviews, instant replays, multiple camera angles and more, subscribe to RacinDirt for live streaming on all of your devices.

Check out usmts.com to learn more, and follow our social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube. Subscribe for free to get news delivered to your inbox plus members-only benefits.

USMTS OFFICIAL SPONSORS:  American Racer Racing Tires, Beyea Headers, Fast Shafts, Featherlite Trailers, FK Rod Ends, KSE Racing Products, Longacre Racing Products, Malvern Bank, Mesilla Valley Transportation, Nitroquest Media, PEM Racing Gears & Drivetrain, RacinDirt, Summit Racing Equipment, VP Racing - Heartland, Wieland.

USMTS PARTICIPATING SPONSORS: Boomtest Well Service, Boubin Tire & Automotive, Brodix Cylinder Heads, Callies Performance Products, Collins Brothers Towing, Hochatown Saloon, Hodges Farms & Dredging,  Mel Hambelton Ford, PBM Performance Products, STAKT Products, YouDirt.com.

USMTS CONTINGENCY SPONSORS: AERO Race Wheels, AFCO Racing Products, Allstar Performance, Bear Graphix, Brinn, Inc., Bryke Racing, Champ Pans, Danny Crane Racing Engines, Driven Racing Oil, Dynamic Drivelines, Edelbrock, Gorsuch Performance Solutions, Harris Auto Racing, Hooker Harness, Hyperco, Integra Racing Shocks and Springs, JE Pistons, Keyser Manufacturing, MD3, Mel Hambelton Racing, MSD Performance, Penske Racing Shocks, QA1, Quarter Master, RacerWebsite.com, Real Racing Wheels, Rush RaceGear by Austin Witt, Simpson Performance Products, Sweet Manufacturing, Swift Springs, Sybesma Graphics, Total Power, Wehrs Machine & Racing Products, Wilwood Racing.