4/30/2026
Crate Racin' USA
$10,000 to-Win Jerry Gilkey Memorial Awaits Southern Dirt Street Stock Series at Paducah
(Eastaboga, AL – April 30, 2026) – The Southern Dirt Street Stock Series presented by Kelley Trucking, LLC is set for one of the premier events of its inaugural 2026 season as the tour heads to Paducah International Raceway for the 4th Annual Jerry Gilkey Memorial Street Stock Shootout, featuring a $10,000-to-win main event this Saturday night.
Previous Jerry Gilkey Memorial Winners at Western Kentucky:
2023-Brandon McDowell ($2,000 to-win) 27-cars
2024-Clayton Miller ($5,000 to-win) 35-cars
2025-Tyler Niceley ($7,000 to-win) 45-cars
The three-day program kicks off Thursday, April 30 with an open practice session for all divisions, including a final 30-minute session dedicated to Street Stocks. Racing action intensifies Friday, May 1 with SDS/CRUSA Street Stock qualifying and heat races, along with CRUSA Late Model Sportsman, Factory Stocks, and Scrappers. The weekend culminates Saturday, May 2 with B-Mains and the $10,000-to-win feature event for the Street Stocks, supported once again by a full racing card.
Southern Dirt Street Stock Series points heading into Paducah:
1-Ethan Wilson – 82
2-Rod Tucker – 82
3-Andrew Stone – 80
4-Tyler Nicely – 70
5-Corey Neil Jr. – 69
6-Jamey Boland – 67
7-Trey Bright – 65
8-Carl Kilgore IV – 60
9-Dillon Ussery – 59
10-Matt Salyers – 58
Through the opening two events of the 2026 season, the Southern Dirt Street Stock Series has already produced standout moments and different winners. Rod Tucker claimed the series opener at Needmore Speedway, while Tyler Nicely captured Round 2 at Magnolia Motor Speedway, immediately positioning both drivers as early-season favorites in the championship chase.
That momentum has carried directly into the points standings, where Tucker now finds himself tied atop the leaderboard with Ethan Wilson at 82 points each. Just two markers back sits Andrew Stone at 80 points, keeping the battle at the top incredibly tight heading into one of the richest races of the year.
Nicely, fresh off his Magnolia victory, currently sits fourth in the standings with 70 points, while Corey Neil Jr. rounds out the top five with 69 points. Jamey Boland (67) and Trey Bright (65) continue to stay within striking distance, setting up a deep and competitive field as the series rolls into Paducah.
Rounding out the top ten in points entering the weekend are Carl Kilgore IV (60), Dillon Ussery (59), and Matt Salyers (58), all of whom have shown consistency early in the season and will be looking to capitalize on the $10,000 payday and valuable championship points on the line.
With a tightly contested points battle, proven winners already established, and a stout field expected that will include both series regulars and regional standouts, the Paducah event is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the inaugural Southern Dirt Street Stock Series season.
The Paducah International Raceway will provide a unique challenge for competitors, where track position, patience, and execution over the course of the feature distance will be critical in determining who captures the prestigious Jerry Gilkey Memorial victory.
For more information, including a full weekend schedule and updates, visit paducahracing.com and follow the Southern Dirt Street Stock Series on Facebook.
Article Credit: Cody Earley
