LINCOLN, Ill. – After Mother Nature reshuffled much of the 2026 DIRTcar Summer Nationals schedule, one of the most anticipated stops of the season is finally set to take place as the Hell Tour rolls into Lincoln Speedway this Thursday, July 2. The event serves as the makeup date for the rain-postponed June 21 program and will feature the DIRTcar Summer Nationals Late Models, DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals, and Lincoln Speedway’s exciting Crown Vic division.
Originally slated as part of Father’s Day weekend, the Lincoln Speedway event became one of many casualties of a relentless stretch of rain and severe weather that has plagued the 40th anniversary edition of the Hell Tour. In fact, the series managed to complete just one event during the most recent week of competition as repeated storms forced cancellations across the Midwest, resulting in a reshuffled schedule that now brings one of the nation’s premier dirt late model tours back to central Illinois on Thursday night.
Despite the weather challenges, the racing has lived up to the tour’s legendary reputation whenever the green flag has waved. The Summer Nationals opened June 9 at Brownstown Bullring with veteran Shannon Babb collecting his first victory of the season before rain interrupted the early schedule. Jason Feger captured victories at Coles County Speedway on June 12, Wilmot Raceway on June 15, and Farmer City Raceway on June 19, while Babb added another win at Fairbury Speedway on June 13. Brian Shirley won at Sycamore Speedway on June 14, Chris Simpson earned his first Hell Tour victory of the season at West Liberty Raceway on June 16, Cade Dillard topped the field at I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway on June 20, and Hall of Famer Billy Moyer, Sr. most recently found victory lane on June 23 at Benton Speedway.
The Summer Nationals caravan still has plenty of racing ahead before arriving in Lincoln. Drivers are scheduled to compete Monday at Camden Speedway in Tennessee, Tuesday at Old No. 1 Speedway in Arkansas, and Wednesday at Farmington Empire Speedway in Missouri before making the trip north to Lincoln Speedway for Thursday night’s makeup event.
Heading into the week, Tanner English of Benton, Kentucky continues to lead the DIRTcar Summer Nationals championship standings. Three-time winner Jason Feger sits second, followed by Clay Stuckey, Michael Leach, and Daniel Adam as the championship battle begins to intensify entering the heart of the tour.
The DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals will also headline Thursday’s program, bringing another talented traveling field to compete against Lincoln Speedway’s strong contingent of Taco Bell DIRTcar Modified regulars. Illinois veteran Ray Bollinger enters the week atop the Modified Nationals standings, leading Zeke McKenzie, Michael Long, Mike Harrison, and Damian Kiefer.
Fans can expect a tremendous night of racing as the nation’s best dirt late model and modified competitors square off against many of central Illinois’ top weekly stars. Lincoln Speedway has long been one of the signature stops on the Hell Tour, producing memorable races and packed grandstands throughout the history of the Summer Nationals.
Pit gates open at 2:00 p.m., grandstands open at 4:00 p.m., local pill draw closes at 5:50 p.m., hot laps begin at 6:00 p.m., and racing gets underway at 7:00 p.m.
Grandstand admission is $30 for adults, while children 11 and under are admitted FREE. Pit passes are $45 for adults and $20 for children 11 and under. Tickets and pit passes will be available at the gate on race day.
Camping is available at Lincoln Speedway with primitive camping for $20 per night and electric hookup sites for $40 per night. Fans wishing to reserve camping should call 217-764-3200. Discounted lodging is also available at the Hampton by Hilton Lincoln and Comfort Inn & Suites Lincoln by mentioning the Lincoln Speedway discount when booking.
With the weather forecast looking favorable and the Hell Tour championship heating up, Thursday night’s makeup event promises to deliver one of the biggest nights of dirt racing of the summer at Lincoln Speedway.
For additional event information, visit LincolnSpeedwayIL.com or follow Lincoln Speedway and on social media.