Diamond Dozen: 12 things to know for 33rd annual Show-Me 100 Presented by Missouri Division of Tourism
2025-05-20 00:06
dirtFan website https://dirtfan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/dirtfan-200x200.jpg
WHEATLAND, MO. (May 19, 2025) - One of the great weeks of Lucas Oil Speedway's season - and in Dirt Late Model racing - has arrived. It's time for the 33rd annual Show-Me 100 Presented by the Missouri Division of Tourism with engines firing on Thursday for the first of three action-filled nights.
There's a plethora of activity, both on track and off, for fans to enjoy as the stars of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series and the glory-seeking regional racers gather at the Diamond of Dirt Tracks for the first crown-jewel race of the national Late Model season. Saturday night's 100-lap feature will pay the winner an event-record $75,000.
Action begins with the $10,000 to win the Cowboy Classic on Thursday, plus the USRA B-Mods and USRA Stock cars running make-up features. The Friday portion will feature a full show that will conclude with a $10,000-to-win main event for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series in the "Tribute to Don and Billie Gibson."
Saturday's final night will include B-Mains, The Midwest Sheet Metal Show-Me Challenge and the 100-lap finale.
Before the first green flag flies, here are a Dozen Things to Know about the 33rd annual Show-Me 100 Presented by the Missouri Division of Tourism:
Superman looks to soar: When it comes to the Show-Me 100 and Lucas Oil Speedway in general, no one shines more than Jonathan Davenport, aka "Superman." The veteran from Blairsville, Ga., is the reigning champion of the race, leading all 80 laps of an event shortened due to track conditions and approaching thunderstorms. He's won eight times at Lucas Oil Speedway since 2023 and also won the Show-Me 100 in 2015.
Will it finally be RTJ's time? If there's a best driver to never win the Show-Me 100, it would be Ricky Thornton Jr. In fact, "RTJ" did take the checkers first in 2023, but was penalized in post-race inspection for a deck-height infraction, relegating him to fifth place. Thornton certainly is bringing momentum, with a Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series nine wins in 2025 and a 45-point lead over Davenport in the series points race.
O'Neal has recent Wheatland success: One driver who might be flying under the Show-Me 100 radar is Hudson O'Neal, who had a slow start to his LOLMDS season and is fifth in points. But 24-year-old O'Neal, the 2021 Show-Me 100 champ, earned feature wins on back-to-back nights April 10-11 in the Spring Nationals at Lucas Ol Speedway. While those were unsanctioned events, several of the tour's stars were in attendance including Davenport and Thornton.
Alberson sure to be fast: If you're looking for some thrills during time trials on Thursday and Friday, Garrett Alberson of Las Cruces, N.M., is one to watch. Alberson set a new Lucas Oil Speedway track record for Late Models last May 24th with a lap of 14.443 ahead of the Tribute to Don and Billie Gibson program. Alberson is fourth in LOLMDS points in 2025. Rico Abreu set a new overall track record on June 29th, 2024, in the High Limit Sprints with at time of 12.829.
Expect a dramatic finish: Since Jonathan Davenport led all 100 laps in dominating the 2015 Show-Me 100 and all 80 laps in 2024, drama has often been the storyline. The final lead change occurred on lap 87 or later three times from 2016-23 (the 2019 race was canceled due to storm damage). Payton Looney led the final 70 circuits to prevail in 2020. No recent Show-Me is more memorable than 2016 when Jimmy Owens took over with just eight laps remaining.
Protecting the home dirt: Since the Show-Me originated in 1993 at West Plains Motor Speedway, only two Missouri drivers (Terry Phillips in 1999 at West Plains and Payton Looney in 2020 at Lucas Oil Speedway) have won the Show-Me 100. A contingent of Ozarks-area racers will be on hand including Looney and Dillon McCowan of nearby Urbana. McCowan ran sixth in the 2023 Show-Me 100.
Catch some Modified racing on Night One: Some bonus racing is on Thursday's schedule with the Clear Creek Golf Cars USRA B-Mods and O'Reilly Auto Parts Stock Cars running makeup features from the Pitts Homes and Realty Weekly Racing Series that were rained out on April 26th. Friday and Saturday will strictly consist of Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series action.
Big Pre-Race Show: Nutrien Ag Solutions is back as sponsor of the Lucas Oil Speedway Pre-Race Show, with headline performer Lee Newton and her band set to entertain fans on the vendor midway stage from 5-6 p.m. The Nashville recording artist also will perform the National Anthem following Nutrien Ag Pre-Race ceremonies that follow hot laps at 7 p.m.
Pit Crews square off in the afternoon: The Hellraizer Jacks Pit Crew Challenge returns as one of the many activities leading up to Saturday night's racing. The challenge will begin at 3:30 p.m. on the infield with the top 18 teams that are locked into Saturday night's main event and/or are provisional eligible having the opportunity to compete for cash and products courtesy of Hellraizer Jacks. The Pit Crew Challenge will be a timed event to determine which driver, and crew can change two tires the fastest. Each crew will utilize a Hellraizer Jack during the competition with the winning team receiving $2,000 in cash along with a new Hellraizer Demon Jack valued at $1,515.
Midwest Sheet Metal Challenge: The final race prior to the Show-Me 100 is Saturday night's Midwest Sheet Metal Show-Me Challenge.mIt's a non-qualifiers race where the winner can take either the $2,500 check or opt
to give it back for a spot at the rear of the Show-Me 100 starting lineup.
Chris an Jan Davis of Midwest Sheet Metal have sponsored the race since 2013. The first year, Mike Marlar won the race and went on to run seventh in the Show-Me 100 after starting 33rd. Chris Simpson parlayed his win into a last-to-third run in 2015 to earn $6,000 and Bobby Pierce went from last to briefly leading the race in the late going, before a flat tire relegated him to sixth in 2016 to earn $5,000.
Door Panel Auction for a great cause: In what's become another one of the great traditions of Show-Me 100 weekend, Ozarks Area Racers Foundation Hall of Fame photographer Ron Mitchell's Door Panel Auction will return to the hillside between the spectator entrance and main grandstands. Saturday's silent auction, featuring approximately 50 door panels of many Late Model and USMTS drivers, has raised just over $100,000 over the years to benefit the American Cancer Society.
Eyes on the sky: Another rite of Memorial Day Weekend is the weather, as rain often is a tough competitor for the big racing weekend. This year is no exception, though as of Monday morning the National Weather Service forecast had improved a bit with Thursday expected to be dry, a slight chance of showers on Friday. For updates concerning the racing schedule, follow the Lucas Oil Speedway Facebook page or the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Facebook page.
Grandstands open at 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and 3 p.m. on Saturday. Hot laps are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 7 p.m. Saturday. A driver autograph session will be held from 6:15-7 p.m. Saturday on the midway.
For information on tickets or camping for any Lucas Oil Speedway event in 2025, contact Admissions Director Nichole McMillan at (417) 295-6043 or email her at nmcmillan@lucasoilspeedway.com for more information.
Show-Me 100 admission:
Thursday, May 22nd
General Admission Adults (13 and up) - $30
General Admission Seniors (62 and over)/Military with ID - $27
General Admission Youth (ages 6-12) - $10
General Admission Kids (5-and-under) - FREE
Pit Pass - $45
Pit Pass (5-and-under) - $10
Family pass - $90
3-day General Admission - $145
3-day Pit Pass - $40
3-day Pit Pass (5-and-under) - $30
Friday, May 23rd
General Admission Adults (13 and up) - $30
General Admission Seniors (62 and over)/Military with ID - $27
General Admission Youth (ages 6-12) - $10
General Admission Kids (5-and-under) - FREE
Pit Pass - $45
Pit Pass (5-and-under) - $10
Family pass - $90
2-day Pit Pass - $100
2-day Pit Pass (5-and-under) - $20
Saturday, May 24th
General Admission Adults (13 and up) - $40
General Admission Seniors (62 and over)/Military with ID - $37
General Admission Youth (ages 6-12) - $10
General Admission Kids (5-and-under) - FREE
Pit Pass - $55
Pit Pass (5-and-under) - $10
Family pass - $90
*Show-Me 100 3-day passes do not include pit passes. Those must be purchased separately if access to the pit area is desired.
Past Show-Me 100 winners
2024 - Jonathan Davenport, Blairsville, Ga.
2023 - Devin Moran, Dresdin, Ohio
2022 - Chris Ferguson, Mount Holly, N.C.
2021 - Hudson O'Neal, Martinsville, Ind.
2020 - Payton Looney, Republic, Mo.
2019 - Canceled (storm damage)
2018 - Scott Bloomquist, Mooresburg, Tenn.
2017 - Bobby Pierce, Oakwood, Ill.
2016 - Jimmy Owens, Newport, Tenn.
2015 - Jonathan Davenport, Blairsville, Ga.
2014 - Don O'Neal, Martinsville, Ind.
2013 - Jimmy Owens, Newport, Tenn.
2012 - Jimmy Owens, Newport, Tenn.
2011 - Jimmy Owens, Newport, Tenn.
2010 - Ray Cook, Brasstown, N.C.
2009 - Brian Birkhofer, Muscatine, Iowa
2008 - Scott Bloomquist, Mooresburg, Tenn.
2007 - Wendell Wallace, Batesville, Ark.
2006 - Wendell Wallace, Batesville, Ark.
2005 - Scott Bloomquist, Mooresburg, Tenn.
2004 - Scott Bloomquist, Mooresburg, Tenn.
2003 - Scott Bloomquist, Mooresburg, Tenn.
2002 - Wendell Wallace, Batesville, Ark.
2001 - Freddy Smith, Knoxville, Tenn.
2000 - Ray Cook, Brasstown, N.C.
1999 - Terry Phillips, Springfield, Mo.
1998 - Freddy Smith, Knoxville, Tenn.
1997 - Rick Aukland, Fargo, N.C.
1996 - Billy Moyer, Batesville, Ark.
1995 - Scott Bloomquist, Mooresburg, Tenn.
1994 - Billy Moyer, Batesville, Ark.
1993 - Billy Moyer, Batesville, Ark.
CONTACT:
Danny Lorton
Lucas Oil Speedway General Manager
Office: (417) 282-5984
DLorton@lucasoilspeedway.com
# # #
Lucas Oil Speedway is located at Highways 83 and 54 in Wheatland, Missouri. A campground with shower and bathroom facilities is available. With its entrance located just outside the pit gate, this sprawling scenic camping facility will continue to enhance the racing experience.
For ticket and camping information and everything about the Show-Me 100 event, visit www.LucasOilSpeedway.com for all the information and detailed directions to the speedway or call the Track Hotline at (417) 282-5984.
In addition, fans can get social with Lucas Oil Speedway by following @LucasSpeedway on X, clicking "Like" at www.facebook.com/LucasOilSpeedway and on www.youtube.com/LucasOilSpeedway
Complete Lucas Oil Speedway event information, archived race recaps, previews and driver features, along with ticket information and schedules can be found by visiting LucasOilSpeedway.com.
About Lucas Oil Speedway
Lucas Oil Speedway is considered by fans, drivers and industry insiders to be one of the top racing facilities in the nation. Located in Wheatland, Mo., approximately an hour from Springfield and just an hour and a half from the Kansas City metro area, the "Diamond of Dirt Tracks" lives up to its title.
Twenty-One VIP Luxury Suites, HD Jumbo-Tron Screen, Stadium Style Musco Sports Lighting, a Bose Sound System, Go-Kart Slick Track, The Diamond Bar, Track Treasures Gift Shop, the best track food in the country and paved pits are a few of the spectacular amenities setting the Diamond of Dirt apart. This year marks the 12th season for the Liquid Quarter Mile Drag Racing Lake, "Lake Lucas." New for 2017 was all-purpose built Off Road facility featuring a host of regional events.
Lucas Oil Speedway's dirt oval track plays host to some of the largest and most-popular events in the Midwest with national and regional touring series appearing frequently including: The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, United States Modified Touring Series and the High Limit Sprint Racing Series, POWRi Sprint Cars and POWRi WAR Sprints.
In addition to the special events, the Lucas Oil Speedway Weekly Racing Series features the Late Models, USRA Modifieds, USRA Stock Cars, USRA B-Mods and Super Stocks.
2025 Official Lucas Oil Speedway Marketing Partners
Bill Roberts Chevrolet
"The Official Truck" of Lucas Oil Speedway
Dixie Chopper
"The Official Mowers of Lucas Oil Speedway"
Iconic Apparel
"The Official Merchandise Provider of Lucas Oil Speedway"
Lucas Oil Products
"The Official Oil" of Lucas Oil Speedway
MAVTV
"The Official Television Network" of Lucas Oil Speedway
Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr. Pepper
"The Official Soft Drink" of Lucas Oil Speedway
Rugged Radios
"The Official 2-Way Communications Provider" of Lucas Oil Speedway
Summit Racing Equipment
"The Official Sponsor" of Lucas Oil Speedway
Sunoco Race Fuels
"The Official Fuel" of Lucas Oil Speedway
2025 Lucas Oil Speedway Supporters Include:
AM Pyrotechnics, Alliance Sport Marketing, Arctic Food Equipment, Berry Tractor and Equipment Co., Big Adventure RV, Bill Roberts Chevrolet, Bolivar Auto Sales & Detailing, Bolivar Farmers Exchange-MFA, Boubin Tire/American Racer, Bridal Cave, BWI Sanitation, Candlelight Creations-Dick's Wild Root Horseradish, Casey's, Citizens Memorial Healthcare, City Magnet, Clear Creek Golf Cars, Clearlight Inn, Dixie Chopper, Eibach Springs, Encounter Ministry Inc., FSE Fire Systems, Fast Shafts by Axle Exchange, Foley Equipment-Cat Rental Store, Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare, Henry's Towing Service, Heritage Tractor, Hermitage Lumber, HICKAMO Country Store, Hobbytime Motorsports, Iconic Apparel, Impact Signs Awnings Wraps, In the Garden of Eden, Kluhsman Racing Components, Kona Ice, Lucas Cattle Company, MD3, Midwest Sheet Metal, Miller Welding, Missouri Division of Tourism, MyRacePass, Nutrien Ag Solutions, OakStar Bank, O'Bannon Bank, O'Reilly Auto Parts, Outerwears Performance Products, Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr. Pepper, Ozarks Community Health Center, PEM, Pitts Homes, Pitts Realty, Pitts Cattle, RACEceiver, RacinDirt.com, RCR Designs, Real Racing Wheels, Rod End Supply, Rugged Radios, Ryan E. Murphy Law Firm LLC, SBU Athletics, Safety Kleen, Scott Furniture, Sidetrack RV Park, SMSI, Southwest Electric Cooperative, State Tech, Summit Racing Equipment, Sunoco Race Fuels, Super 8 Bolivar Mo., Turn 1 Bar & Grill, US Army Corps of Engineers-Pomme de Terre, Vietti Marketing Group, WacoBill.com, Wheatland Motel, White's Marine Center, Wieland, Woods Supermarkets.