ARMS title fight roarrs to life in Lone Star State lidlifter
GRAIN VALLEY, Mo. (April 22, 2026)—A new season and a projected field loaded full of top regional talent are ready to fire off the opening salvo as the USRA American Racer Modified Series presented by Day Motor Sports launches its 2026 campaign deep in the heart of Texas at Big O Speedway, setting the stage for what may be the most competitive title fight in series history.
All eyes immediately turn to defending champion Kale Westover, who enters the season with a target firmly planted on his back. Westover’s consistency and late-season execution powered him to the 2025 crown, but a new year brings new challengers—and plenty of them.
At the front of that charge is two-time series champion Joe Duvall, the 2023 and 2024 titleholder, who is hungry to reclaim his spot atop the standings. Duvall’s trademark aggression and race-winning pedigree make him an instant favorite anytime the green flag waves.
The next wave of contenders blends proven veterans with rising stars. 2025 Rookie of the Year Cody Duke returns with momentum and unfinished business, still searching for that first career ARMS victory. Meanwhile, former USMTS champions Stormy Scott and Jason Hughes both anticipate an attempt at the full tour schedule, instantly elevating the championship stakes with their national-caliber résumés.
A strong veteran core ensures there will be no easy nights. Familiar names like Kenny Gaddis, Matthew Day, Mike Hansen, Casey Fowler, Sam Osman, and the Williams family—Manuel Williams, Mason Williams, and Manuel Williams II— are all expected to return bringing depth, experience, and race-winning capability to every stop.
The 2026 Rookie of the Year battle may be just as compelling as the championship fight itself. Talan Willis and Kale Murphrey, both graduates of the stock car and limited modified ranks, step into the spotlight driving Cade Dillard Racing chassis and are expected to contend immediately. Adding even more intrigue, former IMCA and Limited Late Model standout Drake Findley appears poised to make a serious run at rookie honors after gaining valuable experience in USRA-style modifieds over the past few seasons.
While the names listed above have indicated interest in a full 2026 season run with the USRA American Racer Modified Series presented by Day Motorsports, a large field of regional talent is expected to open the year this weekend at Big O Speedway, and other surprise championship candidates could arise from the weekend of racing. It’s going to be an exciting weekend of action south of the Dallas / Ft. Worth metro area!
Opening night at Big O Speedway won’t just feature the Modifieds. The Honest Abe Roofing POWRi 410-Wing Outlaw Sprint League also kicks off its 2026 season, bringing a dual headline show to the Lone Star State. Defending champion Ayrton Gennetten leads the charge for the winged warriors, adding even more firepower to a stacked program.
With championship contenders, hungry rookies, and elite-level talent throughout the pit area, the ARMS season opener at Big O Speedway promises intensity from the first lap of qualifying to the final checkered flag. If opening night is any indication, the road to the 2026 title will be anything but predictable.
The USRA American Racer Modified Series presented by Day Motorsports would like to recognize and thank our 2026 season long partners. Please thank them, with your patronage for their support.
Gold Partners - Central Spray Foam & Cement Lifting, Day Motor Sports, Deatherage Opticians, Dirt Track Specialist, Dylan Scott Entertainment, Hochatown Saloon, Kevko Racing, Midwest Sheet Metal, Mel Hambelton Ford Racing, Pannell Chipping, RacinDirt.com, Real Racing Wheels, Rick Beebe Heating and Air Conditioning, Smith Equipment Company, Swift Springs, VP Racing Fuels Heartland, Wehrs Machine & Racing Products
Silver Partners – American Racer Tires, Buck Monson Photos, Bulletproof Tees and Racewear, Duvall Electric, Integra Shocks, JRT Trucking, Keyser Manufacturing, Midwest Automation, Photos By Boyd, Scotty Dogg's Hideout
Bronze Partners – Bryke Racing, Fast Shafts, Freight Logistics Inc., KS Engineering, Maxima Racing Oil, Milburn Acreages by Tillison Enterprises, PEM Racing, Premier Lubricants, Schoenfeld Headers, Service Plumbing of Wichita, Transmissions Unlimited, Wagdog Spices, Wilwood Disc Brakes, Yeoman Race Engines
2026 Point Funds (ARMS, HMT, NLMS)
1. $7,500
2. $4,500
3. $3,500
4. $3,000
5. $2,500
6. $2,400
7. $2,300
8. $2,200
9. $2,100
10. $2,000
*80 Percent attendance required to remain point fund eligible