Old No. 1's Brandon Mitchell Memorial added to ARMS schedule
GRAIN VALLEY, Mo. (May 21, 2026) - The USRA American Racer Modified Series presented by Day Motor Sports has officially added a meaningful and emotionally charged event to the 2026 season schedule, as the 3rd Annual Brandon Mitchell Memorial “Heavy Duty 35” is set for September 11-12 at Old No. 1 Speedway in Harrisburg, AR.
The 2026 edition marks a major expansion for the event, which was previously contested as a single-night unsanctioned special during its first two years. Now growing into a two-night weekend showcase, the Brandon Mitchell Memorial joins the ARMS schedule for the first time, with series officials proud to help elevate one of the region’s most meaningful grassroots racing events.
The two-night Arkansas weekend will feature a strong purse structure highlighted by a $2,000-to-win program on Friday night and a lucrative $5,003-to-win finale on Saturday night for the 35-lap “Heavy Duty 35” main event.
The event is organized by Arkansas racer and promoter Blake Burns and honors the memory of Brandon Mitchell, a close friend and supporter of Burns’ racing career.
“Brandon was a super close friend of mine,” Burns explained. “He sponsored and helped me with my racing and also raced a Modified himself for a while. His passing was so sudden it really shocked everyone.”
Burns said the event was created not only to honor Mitchell’s memory, but also to bring racers, fans, and the local community together for a special weekend centered around friendship, family, and racing.
The “Heavy Duty 35” nickname stems from Brandon Mitchell’s longtime nickname among friends and fellow racers — “Heavy Duty.”
Despite only entering its third year, the event has already produced an impressive winners list. Kyle Beard captured the inaugural edition in 2024, while Terry Phillips added his name to the event’s history books with the 2025 victory.
Series officials believe the addition of the Brandon Mitchell Memorial further strengthens an already loaded 2026 season slate for the USRA American Racer Modified Series presented by Day Motor Sports, while also helping shine a larger spotlight on an event built around honoring Brandon Mitchell’s memory and passion for the sport.
“Once the season starts and schedules have been released, we think very hard and consider quite a few factors before adding any events to our calendar. We know each weekend we add places another commitment on our full time teams. But, when Blake Burns and Keith Hammett first contacted me about this event, we were intrigued. Old No. 1 is a track that has been on our “wish list” for a while, and this event in particular caught our attention last year. It just made too much sense. There isn’t a better way to expand further into Arkansas with ARMS than by participating in the Heavy Duty 35 to honor Brandon!” stated series director Erick Chesterman.
The event weekend is presented by Keith Hammett Trucking and Construction, AC Trenching, and Delta Medical. Additional event details, flyer information, payout breakdowns, and support class information are expected to be released at a later date. For a look at the updated 2026 season schedule including the rescheduled Joe Duvall's Funkadelic Dirt Track & Honky Tonk Extravaganza and the newly added 3rd Annual Brandon Mitchell Memorial Heavy Duty 35 search for the ARMS profile on My Race Pass.
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