The World of Outlaws Late Model Series begins a four-race, five-night Midwest swing April 28 with a midweek 40-lap, $12,000-to-win program at Independence Motor Speedway. The tour observes a travel day April 29, then moves to the Dairyland Showdown at Mississippi Thunder Speedway from April 30 through May 2.

Mississippi Thunder will host two 30-lap, $10,000-to-win programs on April 30 and May 1, followed by a 50-lap, $40,000-to-win finale on May 2. The Independence card is supported by the Karl Chevrolet Premier Late Model Tour alongside IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Stock Cars; the Mississippi Thunder dates will feature USRA Northern Lights Modifieds, concentrating prize money and points opportunities across three consecutive days.

The purse structure amplifies the championship fight. Championship leader Nick Hoffman arrives at Independence with 2,198 points and a two-point lead over Bobby Pierce. Tim McCreadie, Daulton Wilson and Tyler Erb sit third through fifth, with Erb holding a five-point advantage over Ryan Gustin for the final top-five spot. Gustin, racing in his home state and riding a three-race win streak on other tours, remains sixth in series points and has yet to record a World of Outlaws Late Model Series victory this season. The entry list will mix series regulars and short-track entrants, including Dustin Sorensen, Jonathan Davenport, Chad Simpson and Chris Simpson.