Sooner Series visits Humboldt, 81 Speedway for Lonnie Smith Memorial May 15-16

By John Rittenoure - TULSA, Okla. (May 7, 2026) - Two nights of Hayden Ross Motorsports Foundation Sooner Late Model Series racing is coming to southern Kansas on May 15-16.

Humboldt Speedway will kick things off on Friday, May 15, followed by the 2nd annual Lonnie Smith Memorial on Saturday, May 16, at 81 Speedway.

Racing gets underway at Humboldt at 8 p.m. Topless late models will be allowed but not required. Pits open at 5, grandstands at 6, and racing begins at 8.

Last year Brandon Conkwright led veteran Kyle Berck and Joseph Gorby across the finish line to start the two-night weekend. It was the second Sooner career victory for Conkwright.

On Saturday, May 16, the 2nd annual Lonnie Smith Memorial race will be held at 81 Speedway and this will be a required topless late model event.

Berck, a 30-time winner with the old NCRA Late Model Series and a member of the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame, bounced back from his runner-up finish last year at Humboldt to win the next night at 81 Speedway. Berck was chased across the line by Joseph Gorby and Josh Leonard.

In addition to the $1,566 winners share of the Sooner Late Model purse, the Smith family is once again collecting lap money for the 25-lap 81 event. The payback breakdown is still to be determined. If you want to add to the lap money purse contact Sam Smith or Sherri Smith.

A tough luck award consisting of a $250 Certificate from Ultra Racewear will be given out, the top qualifier will receive a 5 gallon race jug, and the 7th place feature finisher will receive a pit mat from Smith Racing Supply.

Sponsors that have supplied lap money so far are: Nutrien Ag Solutions, Chris Hewitt, Justin Sly, Mel Hambelton Racing, K&A Performance, Logan’s Landscape, Rico Suave, Smith Racing Supply, Hoosier Tire Great Plains, Bratcher Welding and Tire, Avail Schneweis, Brandon Conkwright Racing, Devin Dame, Steve Foster, and Alyssa M. Foster.

Pits open at 3 p.m. at 81 Speedway, grandstands at 5, and racing fires off at 7.

2026 Winners: Eli Ross, Enid Speedway; Dakota Dellinger, Enid Speedway.

2026 Top 10: 1. Dakota Dellinger 905; 2. Ashley Buck 805; 3. James Rini 720; 4. Eric Brill 715; 5. Jon Herring, Jr. 530; 6. Eli Ross 475; 7. Jared Dunkin 470; 8. Charlie Olson 450; 9. Denver Howard 430; 10. Dustin Leatherman 425.

Hayden Ross Motorsports Foundation

Hayden Ross Motorsports Foundation goal is to help grow both high school, trade school and college programs to start and or develop a motorsports program, club, or organizations at their school as well as individual motorsports programs. HRMF will provide financial grants, equipment, expertise, scholarships, and educational opportunities for these organizations and individuals. This program will allow students to overcome the hurdle of entering motorsports due to the high costs and specialized experience needed to get started. This program will allow these students the opportunity to be part of a team with one overall goal of success on the track, including budgeting, marketing, mechanical skills, logistics, and team building efforts. All while honoring the life lost to early of Hayden Diesel Ross, #forever66.

Sooner Late Model Series

The Sooner Late Model Series was formed in 2016 by Enid Speedway co-promoter Mark Brill. Brill felt there was not many opportunities for late model competitors to race in Oklahoma and the Sooner Late Model Series was formed. Now the series has grown beyond the borders of Oklahoma with events held in the neighboring states of Kansas, Texas and Missouri, and Arkansas.