Officials with Lucas Oil Speedway, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series and Lucas Oil MLRA have announced that the 13th annual CMH Diamond Nationals will expand to two nights, July 13-14, with $15,000-to-win Late Model features both nights.
The added program and increased purse (an increase of over $7,500 from the original July 13 feature that was to pay $12,000-to-win) is to help fill the void of the canceled 27th annual Show-Me 100 Presented by ProtecttheHarvest.com. Additionally, each non-transfer will receive $200 both nights.
Efforts to find suitable dates for all the involved series and keep the Show-Me 100 in its original three-day format were not able to be worked out.
“We looked at all our options for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, the Lucas Oil MLRA, for Lucas Oil Speedway and for our television partners and feel this is the best option for everyone,” said Danny Lorton, Lucas Oil Speedway General Manager.
Severe weather produced damage to the Lucas Oil Speedway complex on May 20 and forced cancellation of the Show-Me 100, which has been a long-standing Memorial Day Weekend event that’s been held at Lucas Oil Speedway since 2010. A rainout in 2015 forced the final night of the event to be held on Sunday night of Diamond Nationals weekend that year.
“We had hoped to be able to reschedule as a three-day event, but it just wasn’t practical,” Lorton said. “On the plus side, we see the two-night Diamond Nationals as being a terrific weekend of racing at Lucas Oil Speedway with a top field of cars after the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series holds events on Thursday and Friday that weekend at Tri-City Speedway in Granite City, Illinois.”
The award-winning Lucas Oil Production Studios will be on hand to capture all the action from Lucas Oil Speedway with multiple camera angles, driver interviews, on-board cameras, and various technical segments. Additional information, including air dates, show times and networks will be announced.
The expanded Diamond Nationals sets up a blockbuster stretch of events for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. The nation’s elite drivers will compete in eight action-packed events in just 10 days, with over $500,000 up for grabs.
“It’s unfortunate that the Show-Me 100 will not be contested this year,” said Rick Schwallie, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Director. “We appreciate everyone’s understanding as we’ve dealt with the impact the storm had on Lucas Oil Speedway. The Show-Me 100 and Memorial Day weekend are traditional, and we look forward to returning to that tradition in 2020.
“The expanded Diamond Nationals will be two thrilling events and we’re proud to offer these lucrative purses to the race teams.”
Those who purchased advanced tickets to the Show-Me 100 will receive refunds, as will all those who had reserved camping spots for the Show-Me 100.
All tickets for the Diamond Nationals will be general admission and available at the gate, by calling (417) 282-5984 or online. Admission prices each night will be $30 adults (16 and over), $27 seniors (62 and over)/military, $10 youth (6-15), $70 family pass and FREE (5-and-under). Pit passes will be $40 each night.
(Information provided by Lucas Oil Speedway)
