The 40th anniversary of the DIRTcar Summer Nationals was loaded with thrilling races and unforgettable moments.
From Tanner English scoring his first DIRTcar Summer Nationals championship to a plethora of first-time winners, here are some of the biggest storylines from the 2026 edition of the Hell Tour.
Tanner English’s Consistency
After building his team from scratch in March, Tanner English took it and went on a torrid run through the entire DIRTcar Summer Nationals schedule. He scored four races, 17 podium finishes, 19 top-fives, and 21 top-10s in 23 starts. Those results led to three weekly titles and his first overall DIRTcar Summer Nationals championship – making him the first Kentucky native to score a title.
Track Debuts
Two new venues debuted on the tour during the tours 40th Anniversary Season. Coles County Speedway in Mattoon, IL and Camden Speedway in Camden, TN hosted the Summer Nationals for the first time and put on thrilling races for the fans in attendance. At Coles County, it was Jason Feger outdueling Ryan Unzicker late and picking up the win. Sam Seawright picked up his first career Summer Nationals triumph in the series debut at Camden as he won a drag race to the line over Coltman Farms Racing teammate Luke Morey on the final lap.
Billy Moyer Winning at Benton
“Mr. Smooth” Billy Moyer added to his incredible career, picking up his 102nd career Series win at Benton Speedway in Benton, MO. The 68-year-old Hall of Famer led all but one lap to pull within two wins of Babb on the overall wins list.
David Stremme’s First Wins
David Stremme has amassed numerous accolades in the dirt Modified division, but prior to this season, he had never won with the DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals. He changed that this season, winning at I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, MI, and then again at Butler Motor Speedway in Quincy, MI.
Frank Heckenast Jr. Rebound and Hot Streak
The start of the tour wasn’t up to Frank Heckenast Jr’s standards, having gone winless in his first 10 starts. He fixed that by going on a run of three wins in six races to wrap up the tour and go into the rest of the season with momentum on his side.
Jason Garver’s First Win
Jason Garver drove from Florida to race with the DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals with one goal in mind – win. The Volusia Speedway Park track champion accomplished that feat at Old No. 1 Speedway in Arkansas, leading all 25 laps and adding his name to the elite list of Hell Tour winners.
John Toppozini’s First Career Summit Modified Podium Finish at Crystal
Canadian racer John Toppozini, of Thunder Bay, ON, made his debut with the DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals this season. Of the 11 tracks he visited with the Series, 10 were new to him. The only track he had previously raced at was Lincoln Speedway. In those events, he collected five top-10 finishes and earned a podium finish at Crystal Motor Speedway.
Brandon Sheppard Dominates Herald & Review
Brandon Sheppard made a surprise appearance with the DIRTcar Summer Nationals at Macon Speedway with his family No. B5 Late Model. The Illinois native dominated the Herald & Review 100, leading all 100 laps and becoming the sixth driver in the race’s history to do so. The grandstand erupted as he exited his car in Victory Lane for the second time at the Herald and Review 100.
Tyler Carpenter’s First Career Win
Tyler Carpenter expanded his resume at Wayne County Speedway on Sunday, July 12, adding his first DIRTcar Summer Nationals trophy to his collection. Carpenter came out on top of a three-wide battle for the lead and bested the technical track conditions to end the 30-lap Feature as the winner.
Zeke McKenzie Driving Self-Built Vanquish Race Car Brand to Victory at Fairbury
McKenzie drove his Vanquish Race Car to Victory Lane twice with the DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modifieds and was the most consistent competitor on the tour. McKenzie made 17 starts and did not finish outside the top 10 in any race. In a year where he did not plan on running for the title, he continued to grind away, putting together a dream season for him and his team – he will clinch the Series points title at the Prairie Dirt Classic at Fairbury Speedway.
The DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals will complete its season during the Prairie Dirt Classic at Fairbury Speedway, Friday-Saturday, July 24-25, joining the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision. If you can’t make it to the track, you can watch every lap of the PDC live on DIRTVision.
