NLMS Dairyland Showdown Boosted with Increased Purse, Bonuses, Free Entry
Grain Valley, MO (April 28, 2026) - Just one day after initial details were released for the Dairyland Showdown at Mississippi Thunder Speedway, additional support has significantly elevated the purse and overall value of the Kevko Racing USRA Northern Lights Modified Series presented by Real Racing Wheels portion of the tripleheader weekend.
What was already shaping up to be a premier season-opening opportunity alongside the World of Outlaws Late Model Series has now grown into an even more lucrative and competitor-friendly program.
Updated purse figures now feature $2,000 to win on Thursday and Friday, and a boosted $3,000 to win on Saturday.
Thursday & Friday A-Feature Payout (24 Cars):
$2,000 2. $1,000 3. $750 4. $550 5. $425 6. $300 7. $275 8. $250 9. $225 10. $200 11. $175 12. $160 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 (24 Cars):
$3,000 2. $1,500 3. $800 4. $650 5. $525 6. $400 7. $300 8. $280 9. $260 10. $240 11. $220 12. $210 13. $200 14. $200 15. $200 16. $200 17. $200 18. $200 19. $200 20. $200 21. $200 22. $200 23. $200 24. $200
In addition to the increased purse, new bonus incentives have been added for competitors:
Wehrs Machine Bonus: $1,000 to any driver winning 2 of the 3 nights (any combination), or $5,000 if a driver sweeps all three A-Features
Kevko Racing Products 3rd Place Bonus: $250 Kevko gift certificates awarded to 3rd place finishers on Thursday and Friday, with Saturday’s 3rd place finisher receiving a Kevko carbon fiber driveshaft
Driver costs have also been further reduced from the already discounted structure announced earlier this week. All entry fees have now been eliminated, with the $50 draw fee covered each night — Thursday and Friday courtesy of Deer Creek Speedway, and Saturday courtesy of Mississippi Thunder Speedway.
Additionally, series officials would like to extend appreciation to World Racing Group, Mississippi Thunder Speedway, and Wehrs Machine for their support of the Modified portion of the program. While the World of Outlaws Late Model Series remains the headline attraction, these entities have contributed additional purse money to the NLMS competitors for the weekend.
“The response since yesterday’s announcement has been tremendous,” said NLMS Series Director Erick Chesterman. “To see partners step up and enhance this program in such a short window speaks volumes. This was already a great opportunity for our teams, and now it’s become an even stronger way to kick off the season.”
All previously announced event procedures remain unchanged, including race format, qualifying structure, and full championship points being awarded. Additionally, Red MyLaps or Yellow Westhold transponders may be used for timing and scoring procedures.
With increased payouts, added bonuses, and now free entry for competitors, the NLMS portion of the Dairyland Showdown continues to gain momentum heading into race week — offering one of the most unique and rewarding season-opening environments on the 2026 schedule.
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. $7,5002. $4,5003. $3,5004. $3,0005. $2,5006. $2,4007. $2,3008. $2,2009. $2,10010. $2,000*80 Percent attendance required to remain point fund eligible