Mineral Wells, WV โ Here it is, race fans. The news the Ohio Valley and dirt racing fans across the country have been waiting for is official: Americaโs Oldest Dirt Late Model Race is headed back to West Virginia Motor Speedway.
The legendary Hillbilly Hundred, the oldest dirt late model race in the country, will return to West Virginia Motor Speedway for its 58th running, FridayโSunday, September 4โ6, 2026.
โI appreciate everyoneโs patience, especially Mike Hurley, the new owner at West Virginia Motor Speedway, and Cody Watson, the promoter at WVMS,โ stated Short. โThere was a little more going on behind the scenes than people realize, but weโre excited to finally share this news.โ
An iconic Labor Day Weekend tradition for nearly six decades, organized by hall of fame promoter Carl Short, the patriarch of dirt late model events once again plants its roots firmly in West Virginia soil, bringing with it decades of history, heritage, and the unmistakable roar of dirt racing echoing through the mountains.
First contested in 1967, the Hillbilly 100 stands as one of dirt racingโs true crown jewels. For generations, it has drawn the sportโs elite drivers, passionate fans, and families who view the Hillbilly not simply as a race, but as a homecoming celebration of West Virginia racing tradition. The winners list reads a who’s who of the biggest names in the sport with 2025 won by Ricky Thornton Jr.
The 2026 Hillbilly 100 will be unsanctioned, with a focus on spotlighting local and regional competitors in all divisions, while still offering prize money significant enough to attract top-tier talent from across the nation.
The weekend will feature two 30-lap Super Late Model A-Mains on Saturday paying $6,000 to win each and the 58th Annual Hillbilly 100 on Sunday paying $25,000 to win, $1,200 to start. This format is designed to give 40+ teams the opportunity to compete in at least one Late Model A-Main during the weekend, reinforcing the eventโs deep-rooted commitment to racers and fans alike.
Surrounding the marquee ‘Hillbilly 100’ will be the return of the legendary support races that have long defined this historic weekend events. Hillbilly themed trophies and checks headline garages throughout the Ohio Valley with each division racing for meaningful prize money and lasting bragging rights. All continue the traditions that make the Hillbilly 100 weekend unlike any other.
2026 ๐๐๐ก๐ก๐๐๐ก๐ก๐ฎ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐๐ฉ๐ช๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐จ ๐๐ฃ๐๐ก๐ช๐๐:
Super Late Model โ Hillbilly 100
Steel Block Late Models โ Hillbilly 50 | $5K to win!
UMP Modifieds โ White Lightning | $1K & 5K to win!
Pro Late Models โ Brown Jug | $3K to win!
Sport Mods โ Moonshiner | $1K x2 & $2K to win!
Outlaw Street Stocks โ Bootlegger | $1500 to win!
EDGE Hotmods โ Lil Hilly | $1K to win!
SCDRA Compacts โ Ridge Runner | $1K to win!
STARS Mod Lites โ Sour Mash | $1K to win!
Together, these events create an epic celebration of dirt racing culture, where tradition continues, and every division takes center stage. From campfires glowing along the hillside to engines thundering through the valley, Hillbilly 100 weekend has always been about community, pride, and perseverance of all Mountaineers.
Event details, schedule, and tickets will be released in the coming days. Fans and teams can expect the same electrifying atmosphere that has defined the Hillbilly Hundred for nearly six decades. Huge car counts, packed grandstands, full campgrounds, and a weekend that feels ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐.
For continued updates, follow West Virginia Motor Speedway on social media @VisitWVMS, visit http://www.wvmotorspeedway.com, or contact us at visitwvms@gmail.com.
Tri-State Auto Racing News 
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