WHEATLAND, Mo. (March 17, 2026)—The first official action of the Lucas Oil Speedway season on the newly configured dirt oval set for this Saturday with an Open Test and Tune from 6-9 p.m.

It will give drivers in all divisions a chance to check out the new cushion in turns three and four after offseason renovations removing the flat area atop those turns near the wall. The dirt banking now continues all the way to the wall, which is expected to lead to faster and safer conditions.

Casey Shuman, beginning his first full season as Lucas Oil Speedway General Manager, said the old configuration was tricky and often led to damaged race cars. Track superintendent Richard Turner oversaw the project to removed the flat area as soon as the 2025 season concluded.

“I think it’s gonna be cool,” Shuman said. “Every racer who’s seen it is pretty excited. I don’t know if it’ll make the racing a ton better, but I think it’ll save some race cars.”

The pit area opens for Test and Tune at 2 p.m. with admission $35 per person. Grandstand admission will be free. Drivers are invited to arrive early and complete their paperwork for the upcoming season. Limited tire stock will be on sale on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Lucas Oil Speedway season begins with the King of America XV, March 26-28, as the USMTS Modifieds, Clear Creek Golf Cars USRA B-Mods and O’Reilly Auto Parts USRA Stock Cars compete each night. A practice session is set for March 25 for each division.

King of America tickets can be purchased online via StubWire in either a four-day pass individual by the day.

Registration forms: Driver and owner registration forms can be filled out in advance on the competitors page at lucasoilspeedway.com. Those include W9 form, driver medical form and a 2026 membership license. Submitting those in advance will save time when checking into the pits as the season gets underway.

For further event information, including more info on tickets and camping, contact Admissions Director Nichole McMillan at (417) 282-5984 or email nmcmillan@lucasoilspeedway.com.

About the USMTS: The Summit USMTS National Championship presented by RacinDirt is the ultimate proving ground where only the fiercest, most skilled dirt slingers in North America dare to tread. This is where legends are forged, battles are won and the roar of engines drowns out the weak.

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