HILLBILLY HUNDRED RETURNS TO ITS ROOTS AT WEST VIRGINIA MOTOR SPEEDWAY!

2026 58th Annual Hillbilly Hundred presented by FloRacing

September 4–6, 2026 | West Virginia Motor Speedway | Mineral Wells, West Virginia

HILLBILLY HUNDRED RETURNS TO ITS ROOTS AT WEST VIRGINIA MOTOR SPEEDWAY!

The 58th Annual Hillbilly Hundred presented by FloRacing returns to West Virginia Motor Speedway in Mineral Wells, West Virginia, September 4th through 6th, 2026, bringing one of the most historic weekends in American dirt track racing back to the Mountain State.

First contested in 1967, the Hillbilly Hundred has spent nearly six decades becoming one of dirt late model racing’s most recognizable events. Created by legendary promoter Carl Short, the Hillbilly became famous for its combination of big-time racing, grassroots competition, an overload of action and an unmistakable West Virginia atmosphere.

The 2026 edition brings the event back to its grassroots roots. Rather than being tied to a national touring championship, this year’s Hillbilly Hundred returns to an independent, unsanctioned-style format, giving racers from across the country the opportunity to come to West Virginia and compete for one of dirt racing’s most coveted titles.

There are no championship points to chase and no national tour obligations. Just a major race, a $25,000 payday and the opportunity to have your name forever associated with the Hillbilly Hundred. At the end of 100 laps on Sunday night, one driver will be crowned the 2026 Hillbilly Champion.

THREE DAYS OF RACING

The 2026 Hillbilly Hundred Weekend will feature three full days of racing with Super Late Models, Steel Block Late Models, American Crate All-Stars Pro Late Models, UMP Modifieds, Sport Mods, Tri-State Outlaw Street Stocks, ModLites and EDGE Hotmods.

Friday, September 4th, kicks off the weekend with the rescheduled UBB Miners Memorial featuring the American Crate All-Stars Pro Late Models, paying $5,000 to win. The highly anticipated Hillbilly 50 will also headline Friday night as the Ohio Valley Steel Block Late Model Series returns for its annual 50-lap showdown paying $5,000 to win.

The Hillbilly 50 has become one of the signature races of the weekend and has produced an impressive list of winners, including Corey Conley, Doug Horton, Paul Wilmoth, Mike Benedum, Norm Aaronhalt, Freddie Carpenter, Chris Carpenter, Tyler Carpenter, Jacob Hawkins, Colten Burdette and Jared Hawkins.

Friday will also begin the unique Sport Mod format, with Group A competing Friday and Group B racing Saturday. Both groups will return Sunday for the Moonshiner 20s Finale, paying $1,500 to win. The Tri-State Outlaw Street Stocks will run heat races Friday before returning Saturday for the $1,500-to-win Bootlegger 20.

The ModLites will make their first visit to West Virginia Motor Speedway, with heat races Friday setting the stage for Saturday’s $1,000-to-win Sour Mash 20.

Saturday, September 5th, brings another full night of racing. The Super Late Models will compete in the Outhouse 30’s Twin Features, with two separate feature events paying $6,000 to win each.

UMP Modifieds will race for $1,000 to win Saturday before returning Sunday for the $5,000-to-win White Lightning 35. The Tri-State Outlaw Street Stocks will compete in the Bootlegger 20, while the ModLites make their first Hillbilly Weekend feature appearance in the Sour Mash 20. The second group of Sport Mods will also compete Saturday as the field works toward Sunday’s finale.

Everything builds toward Sunday, September 6th. The final night will feature the Moonshiner 20s Sport Mod Finale paying $1,500 to win, the $5,000-to-win White Lightning 35 for UMP Modifieds and the EDGE Hotmods battling for $1,000 to win in the Lil Hilly.

Then comes the main event. THE 58TH ANNUAL HILLBILLY 100.

The 58th Annual Hillbilly Hundred will feature a complete Super Late Model show with $25,000 to win and $1,200 just to start.

The race returns to the independent, grassroots style that helped establish the Hillbilly Hundred as one of America’s most important dirt late model events. For drivers, it is an opportunity to compete for one of dirt racing’s most recognizable trophies without the pressure of a national championship. For fans, it is a chance to see the Hillbilly Hundred contested in a format that celebrates the event’s original spirit.

NEARLY SIX DECADES OF HISTORY. 

The 2026 event represents another important chapter in that history as the Hillbilly Hundred continues at West Virginia Motor Speedway. Located in Mineral Wells, WV, WVMS originally opened on May 19, 1985. After a period of closure, the speedway reopened in 2021 following an extensive restoration and revitalization effort.  Today, West Virginia Motor Speedway is known as The Speedplant, featuring a unique three-eighths-mile red-clay oval that produces close, aggressive racing. The facility has become one of the Mountain State’s premier dirt racing destinations, hosting major Super Late Model events, regional series and some of the biggest racing weekends in the Mid-Ohio Valley.

The track’s short-track configuration puts drivers in close quarters and places a premium on throttle control, car setup and adaptability. For fans, it creates the kind of close, hard-fought racing that has become synonymous with the WVMS experience. The Hillbilly Hundred is a natural fit for the Speedplant, a historic race in a blue collar state, contested on a challenging short track in front of passionate dirt racing fans.

GOTTA GET TICKETS

The 2026 Hillbilly Hundred offers fans the opportunity to experience three full days of racing at one of the best values in motorsports.

2026 Ticket Pricing

3-Day Advance Adult Pass: $70

3-Day Adult Gate Price: $90

Friday: $35

Saturday: $35

Sunday: $40

Kids 6–12: $50 for a 3-day pass

Kids 5 & Under: FREE

GET TICKETS HERE:: https://west-virginia-motor-speedway-bzpn.vivenushop.com/

All tickets provide access to the grandstands and pits, subject to applicable event policies. Reserved seating is also available on the backstretch bleachers for just $10 more. Race fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance and reserve their preferred seating before arriving at the speedway.

THE HILLBILLY 100 — A RECORD BOOK LIKE NO OTHER

The Hillbilly Hundred record book is a who’s-who of dirt late model racing.

1967 — Don Gregory
1968 — Ray Neece
1969 — No Race Held
1970 — Clate Husted
1971 — Danny Dean
1972 — Dorus Wisecarver
1973 — Bob Wearing Sr.
1974 — Bob Wearing Sr.
1975 — Bob Wearing Sr.
1976 — Bob Wearing Sr.
1977 — No Race Held
1978 — Gene McNeely
1979 — Danny Dean
1980 — Rodney Combs
1981 — Freddy Smith
1982 — Charlie Swartz
1983 — Freddy Smith
1984 — Larry Moore
1985 — Jack Boggs
1986 — Jack Boggs
1987 — Jack Boggs
1988 — Donnie Moran
1989 — Donnie Moran
1990 — Buck Simmons
1991 — Rodney Combs
1992 — Rodney Combs
1993 — Davey Johnson
1994 — Bill Frye
1995 — Bart Hartman
1996 — Todd Andrews
1997 — Rod Conley
1998 — Steve Shaver
1999 — Davey Johnson
2000 — Davey Johnson
2001 — Donnie Moran
2002 — Billy Moyer
2003 — Chub Frank
2004 — Mike Marlar
2005 — Clint Smith
2006 — Earl Pearson Jr.
2007 — Eddie Carrier
2008 — Jimmy Owens
2009 — Ray Cook
2010 — Scott Bloomquist
2011 — No Race Held
2012 — Mike Marlar
2013 — Jimmy Owens
2014 — Don O’Neal
2015 — Scott Bloomquist
2016 — Scott Bloomquist
2017 — Jonathan Davenport
2018 — Brandon Overton
2019 — Josh Richards
2020 — COVID-19
2021 — Rain
2022 — Kyle Larson
2023 — Jonathan Davenport
2023 — No Race
2025 — Ricky Thornton Jr.

MORE THAN A RACE

The Hillbilly Hundred has always been about more than what happens on the racing surface. Camping, the pits, Vendors Row, the hillside and the legendary Hillbilly party have become important parts of the annual Labor Day Weekend tradition. Fans travel from across the country to spend the weekend in West Virginia, turning the Hillbilly into a true racing pilgrimage. Extensive primitive camping is available around West Virginia Motor Speedway, allowing families and race fans to arrive early, set up camp and spend the weekend surrounded by racing.

GOTTA GET THAT HILLBILLY SWAG

No Hillbilly Weekend is complete without a trip to Vendors Row. Fans can grab the official 2026 58th Annual Hillbilly Hundred event apparel from Arizona Sport Shirts, along with West Virginia Motor Speedway merchandise and racing apparel from visiting teams and vendors.

With drivers, teams, merchandise trailers and racing vendors throughout the grounds, Vendors Row becomes a destination of its own during Hillbilly Weekend. Come ready to shop. Come ready to race. Come ready to get your Hillbilly gear.

GET SOCIAL

Fans are encouraged to use #HillbillyHundred throughout the weekend to share their photos, videos, memories and experiences.

Whether you’re camping on the hill, watching from the grandstands, hanging out in the pits or celebrating in Victory Lane, use #HillbillyHundred to become part of the conversation.

Follow West Virginia Motor Speedway for the latest event announcements, schedules, driver information, weather updates and Hillbilly Weekend content.

Website: WVMotorSpeedway.com

Facebook: @VisitWVMS

X/Twitter: @VisitWVMS

WHY THE HILLBILLY STILL MATTERS

There are thousands of dirt races held every year. There are hundreds of Super Late Model events. But very few races have survived for nearly six decades, and even fewer still mean something to multiple generations of racers and fans. The Hillbilly Hundred has survived because it has never been just about money. It is about the name. It is about the trophy. It is about the history. It is about showing up in West Virginia and taking on the best. Now another generation gets its opportunity.

IN CLOSING

There are countless reasons to make the trip to West Virginia Motor Speedway for Hillbilly Weekend. The racing, camping, history and atmosphere combine to create one of the most unique weekends in dirt racing. From September 4th through September 6th, the hills surrounding Mineral Wells will once again echo with the sound of race cars as the Hillbilly Hundred celebrates its 58th running.

Three days of racing. Eight divisions. Major races every night. And finally, the race that has been at the center of dirt racing history for nearly six decades. The nation’s oldest major dirt late model race, The Hillbilly Hundred.