3/25/2026
Crate Racin' USA
CRUSA Late Model Sportsman Tour Opens 2026 at Needmore
(Eastaboga, AL – March 25, 2026) — A new season begins and championship dreams come into focus this weekend as the Rogers-Dabbs Performance Parts Crate Racin’ USA Late Model Sportsman Tour officially launches its third season of competition at Needmore Speedway in Norman Park, Georgia.
Headlining the weekend is the $4,000-to-win Southern Heritage Classic, marking the third consecutive year the tour has opened its season at the South Georgia facility and continuing what has quickly become a staple early-season tradition.
The 2026 campaign once again brings strong incentives for competitors chasing the title, as the series champion will earn $3,000, with the top 10 drivers in the final standings sharing in the championship point fund.
2026 Championship Point Fund Payouts
1st – $3,000
2nd – $1,500
3rd – $700
4th – $550
5th – $500
6th – $450
7th – $400
8th – $300
9th – $300
10th – $300
(Drivers who finish inside the top 10 in points and maintain 100% attendance throughout the season will be eligible to receive championship payouts at year’s end.)
The tour has already crowned two champions in its young history, with Logan Bradford claiming the inaugural title in 2024, followed by Brayden Johnson in 2025. As the series enters its third year, a new chapter begins with a fresh crop of contenders looking to etch their names into the record books.
Needmore Speedway has played host to several key moments in the tour’s history. Previous CRUSA Late Model Sportsman Tour winners at the track include:
2024 – Jason Garver (Southern Heritage Classic)
2025 – Mark Whitener (Southern Heritage Classic)
2025 – Dustin Hughes (Early Bird 50)
Fans attending the Southern Heritage Classic weekend will be treated to a full slate of racing action, featuring multiple CRUSA-sanctioned divisions and regional favorites. In addition to the Late Model Sportsman Tour, the program will include Crate Racin’ USA Dirt Late Models (604), UMP Modified/Modified Mafia, Limited/Spec Late Models, CRUSA Street Stocks, and Factory Stocks competing across the three-day event.
Weekend Schedule – Needmore Speedway
Thursday, March 26
Open Practice (7:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
Friday, March 27
MyRacePass/Fantasy Racing – Hot Laps
Bama Sheds & Pole Barns – Pole Qualifying
Chevrolet Performance – Heat Races
Saturday, March 28
Rogers-Dabbs Chevrolet – B-Mains
Southern Heritage Classic Feature ($4,000 to-win)
Drivers must have their 2026 CRUSA Membership purchased and they can do that at the link below:
https://www.myracepass.com/sanctions/1008/registrations
CRUSA Late Model Sportsman Tour Rules:
https://www.crateracinusa.com/downloads/get.aspx?i=1166844
For more information on Crate Racin’ USA, including rules, schedules, and updates, visit www.crateracinusa.com, email crateracinusa@gmail.com, or follow Crate Racin’ USA on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Crate Racin’ USA extends sincere appreciation to its partners for their continued support, including Rogers-Dabbs Performance Parts, Chevrolet Performance, Hoosier Racing Tire, VP Racing Fuels, VP Racing Lubricants, Knowles Race Parts & Bodies, LLC, Competition Racing Equipment, Inc., Cruise with the Champions, Savage Chassis, Velocita by Melissa Markewitz, Bama Sheds & Pole Barns, MatMan Designs, LLC, Scorpion Race Cars, Columbus Sports Cards, WesPro JCB Atlanta, Next Racing Wheels, Top Knotch Customs, 87 Ink, and MyRacePass.
Article Credit: Cody Earley
