The 2026 Gateway Dirt Nationals will give fans a direct say in which race cars look the best on the track. Organizers confirmed that the Best Appearing Car Contest returns this year for both the Super Late Model and Modified divisions. Two drivers will walk away with cash prizes, and the crowd gets to pick the winners.
FloRacing and the event organizers plan to hand out $1,000 to the winner in each division. The money might seem small compared to the race purse, but the bragging rights are worth much more to the teams. Tyler Carpenter won the Super Late Model title in 2026, while Haleigh Gross took the award in the Modified class, according to FloRacing. Now the competition resets for a new year of paint jobs and creative designs.
A Decade of Indoor Racing
The race takes place inside The Dome at America’s Center, a venue that has hosted the event for ten years. This setting allows for unique paint schemes that might not survive on outdoor tracks. Drivers and teams arrive each December with eye-catching designs to grab the attention of the crowd. The contest celebrates this decade of racing indoors by rewarding the teams that put the most effort into their look.
They will select 10 cars from each division to become finalists before the public votes. This step ensures that only the most impressive rides make it to the final round. Photo galleries featuring all 20 finalists will appear on FloRacing so fans can see the details up close.
How the Voting Works
Once the finalists are announced, the fans take control of the outcome. Supporters can visit FloRacing.com to cast their votes for their favorite cars. During the voting period, rules permit fans to cast up to four votes each day. This high volume of voting keeps the engagement high as the event gets closer.
The specific dates for voting and other contest details will be released as the event approaches. FloRacing reported that the 2026 Kubota Gateway Dirt Nationals will bring Super Late Models and Modifieds indoors for three nights of racing in December. FloRacing will broadcast all three nights of racing live for viewers who cannot travel to St. Louis.
A Massive Field of Drivers
The race itself features a huge entry list that proves dirt racing is stronger than ever. The 2026 Gateway Dirt Nationals has 129 drivers entered in the Super Late Model division, according to a Monday verification by FloRacing. Rather than a small regional race, this gathering brings together the best dirt racers in the country. The field includes defending champion Bobby Pierce, who is the first three-time winner of this event.
Former champions including Brandon Sheppard, Tyler Carpenter, and Tyler Erb also appear on the list. The entry list resembles a roster of dirt racing royalty. Nick Hoffman, the World 100 champion, and Devin Moran, the 2025 Lucas Oil Late Model champion, are among the drivers in the field, according to FloRacing.
Dirt specialists are mixing it up with NASCAR stars. Carson Hocevar, a Cup star, has registered for the event. Cleetus McFarland, a YouTube star and versatile racer, joins the mix to attract a different crowd. Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing gains extra speed from Aaron Reutzel, who is a standout for the team.
The prize money is the real story here. The winner of the Saturday finale on December 5 will receive a record $75,000, according to FloRacing. Every driver who signs the entry form faces real pressure because such cash can change lives. The main event on Saturday runs 40 laps. As they compete for the big check, both the drivers and the cars face a challenge from that distance.
For the first two nights, the schedule splits the field into two groups. Pierce, Carpenter, Davenport, Owens, and Hocevar are among the drivers assigned for Thursday, December 3. Sheppard, Hoffman, Thornton, Erb, Moran, O’Neal, Schatz, and McFarland feature on Friday, December 4. Each preliminary night has its own main event. These races span 25 laps with a $10,000 prize for the winner.
This arrangement keeps the track hot and drivers sharp before the big finale. While entries are subject to change, the core group remains locked in. The Dome at America’s Center offers a unique setting unmatched by any other track. To get ready for three nights of non-stop action, fans should mark December 3 on their calendars.
