The first special event of the 2023 Lucas Oil Speedway season arrives this weekend as the Lucas Oil MLRA opens its new campaign with the 10th annual MLRA Spring Nationals Presented by Arizona Sports Shirts.

A deep field of Late Model talent is expected for the programs Friday and Saturday night with the feature winners collecting $5,000 on Friday and $10,000 on Saturday. With the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series off this weekend, some of national-touring drivers could be stopping in.

Among the local drivers to look for are two former Lucas Oil Speedway Most Popular Driver award winners—Dillon McCowan of Urbana, who's stepping into Late Models this season, and Kaeden Cornell of Willard who has a new car as he plans to chase Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors. Dustin Hodges of Centralia, runner-up to McCowan in last year's Lucas Oil Speedway USRA Modified points race, also is expected to be an MLRA rookie contender in 2023.

The last time Lucas Oil Speedway played host to the MLRA season openers was 2017 when Will Vaught and Rodney Sanders were the winners.

A practice session is scheduled from 6-9 p.m. Thursday night, allowing drivers an opportunity to get dialed in. Practice is open to the MLRA Late Models, Cedar Creek Beef Jerky USRA Modifieds and SMVR Vintage Cars. Pit passes will be $25 with only the pit-side concessions open, with a limited menu.

Full programs are scheduled for both nights. Joining the Late Models on Friday will be the Cedar Creek Beef Jerky USRA Modifieds running for $1,000 to win and the Show-Me Vintage Racers also on hand.

On Saturday night, O'Reilly Auto Parts USRA Stock Cars will be in action gunning for a top prize of $750 and the Ozark Golf Cars USRA B-Mods will be in action running for a top prize of $750. SMVR also will return on Saturday with the Mickey Fleehart tribute race, paying tribute to the long-time leader of the series who passed away over the offseason.

Both nights, pit gates are scheduled to open at 4 p.m. and spectator gates at 5 p.m. with hot laps at 6:30 and racing at 7:05.

Friday ticket information:
Adults (16 and up) - $20
Seniors (62 and up)/Military - $17
Youth (6-15) - $10
Kids (5 and under) - FREE
Family Pass - $50
Pit Pass - $40

Saturday ticket information:
Adults (16 and up) - $25
Seniors (62 and up)/Military - $22
Youth (6-15) - $10
Kids (5 and under) - FREE
Family Pass - $60
Pit Pass - $40

For information about any event at Lucas Oil Speedway in 2023 contact admissions director Nichole McMillan at (417) 282-5984 or email her at nichole@lucasoilspeedway.com for more information.