3/9/2026
Crate Racin' USA
Mitchell’s Motorplex Opens 2026 Season with Lyndon Rushing Memorial
(Eastaboga, AL – March 9, 2026) — The 2026 racing season at Mitchell's Motorplex is set to roar to life this Saturday, March 14, with the running of the Lyndon Rushing Memorial Season Opener, headlined by the $1,500-to-win CRUSA Late Model feature.
The event will bring together a full lineup of divisions for a night of dirt-flying action on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, with the CRUSA Late Models serving as the marquee attraction as drivers battle for the top prize along with additional bonuses for the Fast Qualifier ($100) and Hard Charger ($100).
The CRUSA Late Model feature will pay $1,500 to-win, with a strong payout structure rewarding the top ten finishers. Second place will receive $700, followed by $500 for third, $400 for fourth, $300 for fifth, $250 for sixth, $200 for seventh, $175 for eighth and ninth, and $150 for tenth.
The Lyndon Rushing Memorial marks the official start of the 2026 season at Mitchell’s Motorplex and is expected to draw competitors from across Mississippi, Alabama, and the Gulf Coast region eager to kick off their year with a strong run.
In addition to the headlining Crate Late Models, fans will also see a full program of racing divisions including: CRUSA Street Stocks, Open Wheel Modifieds, Factory Stocks, Pure Stocks, and SCDRA / FWDs.
Pit gates will open at 3:00 PM, with grandstand gates opening at 4:00 PM. Drivers will attend the drivers meeting at 4:45 PM, followed by hot laps at 5:15 PM, with registration closing at 6:00 PM. Racing is scheduled to begin promptly at 7:00 PM.
Pit passes will be $35, with kids ages 6–12 admitted for $20, while children five and under are free in the pits. Grandstand admission is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, military members, and first responders, and $12 for kids ages 6–12, with children five and under admitted free.
The Lyndon Rushing Memorial Season Opener is expected to deliver a full night of competitive racing and officially launch another exciting season at Mitchell’s Motorplex as drivers begin their pursuit of victories and championships in 2026.
Drivers looking to compete in the 2026 National Points chase can register now by purchasing their annual membership through MyRacePass:
https://www.myracepass.com/sanctions/1008/registrations
Division rules are available at the following links:
Weekly Late Models: https://weeklylatemodels.crateracinusa.com/rules/
Street Stocks: https://streetstocks.crateracinusa.com/rules/
Article Credit: Cody Earley
