The field is set and it is massive. FloRacing confirmed on Monday that 129 drivers have entered the Super Late Model division for the 2026 Gateway Dirt Nationals. This is not a small regional race; it is a gathering of the best dirt racers in the country. The event takes place from December 3 to December 5 at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, Missouri.
Every single night will stream live on FloRacing for fans who cannot make the trip. The prize money is the real story here. The Saturday finale on December 5 offers a record-paying $75,000 to the winner, according to FloRacing. That kind of cash changes lives and puts real pressure on every driver who signs the entry form. Bobby Pierce leads the charge as the defending champion and the first three-time winner of this event. He enters the field alongside other former champions like Brandon Sheppard, Tyler Carpenter, and Tyler Erb.
The Heavy Hitters on the Grid
The entry list reads like a who’s who of dirt racing royalty. Per FloRacing, the field includes World 100 champion Nick Hoffman and the 2025 Lucas Oil Late Model champion Devin Moran. You also have the 2024 champion Ricky Thornton Jr., the 2023 champion Hudson O’Neal, and four-time Lucas Oil champ Jimmy Owens. Former World of Outlaws champion Mike Marlar is ready to go as well. It is rare to see this many proven winners in one single field.
NASCAR stars are mixing it up with the dirt specialists. Carson Hocevar, a Cup star, is registered for the event. Truck Series driver Brenden Queen and ten-time World of Outlaws Sprint Car champion Donny Schatz are also on the list. YouTube star and versatile racer Cleetus McFarland joins the mix to bring a different crowd. Aaron Reutzel, a standout for Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing, injects additional speed into the mix. The depth of talent makes this a must-watch event for any serious fan.
How the Preliminary Nights Play Out
The schedule breaks the field into two groups for the first two nights. Drivers assigned to Thursday, December 3, include Pierce, Carpenter, Davenport, Owens, and Hocevar. Friday, December 4, features Sheppard, Hoffman, Thornton, Erb, Moran, O’Neal, Schatz, and McFarland. Each preliminary night has its own main event. Those races are 25 laps long with a $10,000 prize for the winner. This setup ensures the track stays hot and the drivers stay sharp before the big finale.
The main event on Saturday runs 40 laps. That distance tests both the cars and the drivers as they fight for the big check. Entries are subject to change, but the core group is locked in. This is a chance to see the best of the best compete for a massive payday in a controlled environment. The Dome at America’s Center provides a unique setting that no other track can match. Fans should mark their calendars for December 3 and get ready for three nights of non-stop action. The 129-driver field proves that dirt racing is stronger than ever.