NLMS DairyLand Showdown purse, format announced
Grain Valley, MO (April 27, 2026) - The Dairyland Showdown at Mississippi Thunder Speedway once again provides a marquee stage for the Kevko Racing USRA Northern Lights Modified Series presented by Real Racing Wheels, as the tour opens its 2026 season alongside the World of Outlaws Late Model Series.
The highly anticipated tripleheader weekend, featuring competition on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, places NLMS competitors in front of one of the largest audiences of the season, sharing the spotlight with the premier World of Outlaw Late Model tour in what has quickly become one of the upper Midwest’s must-see events.
For 2026, the Northern Lights Modified Series will compete for a three-night A-Feature purse structure tailored specifically for this event. While the payout is an adjustment from the standard NLMS touring purse, series officials have worked closely with event organizers to ensure a balanced approach for teams by also reducing entry fees to $50 per night, down from the standard $125.
“We’re proud to be part of an event of this caliber,” said NLMS Series Director Erick Chesterman. “The Dairyland Showdown is one of the premier race weekends in our region, and the opportunity for our drivers to compete alongside the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, in front of that crowd and that atmosphere, is something we value highly. Bob Timm and Tyrone Lingenfelter at Mississippi Thunder have supported the NLMS from day one, and they continue to make a dedicated effort to make sure we have opportunities to showcase this series. As such we’ve made the necessary adjustments where needed to keep it fair for our teams while still being part of a truly special weekend. We can't thank everyone involved enough!”
Each night’s NLMS A-Feature will pay:
Thursday & Friday A-Feature Payout:
$1,500 2. $800 3. $600 4. $500 5. $400 6. $300 7. $250 8. $225 9. $200 10. $175 11. $160 12. $155 13. $150 14. $150 15. $150 16. $150 17. $150 18. $150 19. $150 20. $150 21. $150 22. $150 23. $150 24. $150
Saturday A-Feature Payout:
$2,000 2. $1,000 3. $700 4. $600 5. $500 6. $400 7. $300 8. $275 9. $250 10. $225 11. $210 12. $205 13. $200 14. $200 15. $200 16. $200 17. $200 18. $200 19. $200 20. $200 21. $200 22. $200 23. $200 24. $200
Despite the modified purse structure, all other aspects of the NLMS program will remain unchanged, including:
- Standard event format
- Qualifying and race procedures
- Full championship points awarded
- Red MyLaps OR Yellow Westhold transponders may be used for race scoring
The Dairyland Showdown continues to serve as a cornerstone event on the NLMS schedule, combining elite competition, a premier facility, and a national stage that elevates the visibility of the series and its competitors.
Drivers from across Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin are expected to converge on Mississippi Thunder Speedway to kick off the season, with the added spotlight of the World of Outlaws weekend creating one of the most unique and competitive environments of the year.
For teams and fans alike, the message is simple: this is more than just another race — it’s an opportunity.
The Kevko Racing USRA Northern Lights Modified Series presented by Real Racing Wheels 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