Thunderbird to host two Sooner shows this weekend

By John Rittenoure - TULSA, Okla. (April 21, 2026) - One event is in the books for 2026 and races 2 and 3 will take place this weekend at Thunderbird Speedway in Muskogee.

Eli Ross won the season opener April 4 at Enid Speedway and will be looking to take advantage of his home track when the Hayden Ross Motorsports Foundation Sooner Late Model Series visits Thunderbird on Friday.

The 2024 Sooner Series champion picked up four victories in five shows at the Thunderbird half-mile last season.

A complete points show will take place on Friday followed by a second complete points show on Saturday.

Three rookies, Ashley Buck, Dustin Schoonover, James Rini, were in the opening night field and will be contending for Rookie of the Year honors this season.

2026 Top 10: 1. Eli Ross 475; 2. Charlie Olsen 450; 3. Dakota Dellinger 430; 4. Jon Herring, Jr. 415; 5. Ashlee Buck 395; 6. Jake Nightingale, Dustin Bolster, Jay Janousek 390; 9. Dustin Schoonover 375; 10. Brandon Morton 360.

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 Arkansas.