The 2025 DIRTcar Summer Nationals "Hell Tour" Schedule: 7 Must-See Races, New Tracks, And The $10,000 Championship Bonus

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The DIRTcar Summer Nationals, affectionately known as the "Hell Tour," is roaring back in 2025 for its 40th Anniversary season, promising one of the most grueling and rewarding schedules in dirt track history. This legendary, month-long marathon will pit the nation's top Late Model and UMP Modified drivers against each other in a relentless pursuit of championship glory and massive prize money, traveling across nine states for a combined 31 races in just 34 days. The 2025 schedule is not just a list of dates; it's a testament to the endurance, skill, and sheer will required to conquer the most demanding tour in motorsports.

The 2025 edition celebrates four decades of high-octane action, featuring a 30-race slate for the DIRTcar Late Models and a 28-race schedule for the Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals. From the season opener to the final checkered flag, fans and competitors alike can expect a fresh and unique challenge with the introduction of new venues and the return of historic, high-paying events. This is everything you need to know about the 2025 DIRTcar Summer Nationals schedule, the tracks, the money, and the drivers to watch.

The 2025 DIRTcar Summer Nationals & Summit Modified Nationals at a Glance

The "Hell Tour" is a unique spectacle in motorsports, requiring teams to log thousands of miles while competing almost every night. The 2025 schedule is structured to test the limits of both man and machine, offering a combined championship purse that makes the sacrifice worthwhile.

  • Late Model Tour: 30 Races in 33 Days
  • Modified Tour: 28 Races in 33 Days (15th Anniversary Season)
  • Combined States Visited: 9 (Including Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri, Tennessee, and more)
  • Late Model Championship Bonus: $10,000 for the overall champion in addition to nightly winnings.
  • Modified Points Fund: $15,000 distributed to the top-10 finishers.
  • Defending Late Model Champion: Tyler Erb (2024 Champion).

The schedule is broken down into four intense weeks, each a mini-championship in itself, but the ultimate goal is the overall points title. The tour's grueling nature has historically molded dirt racing's top stars, with past champions like Bobby Pierce, Ashton Winger, and Jason Feger proving their mettle against a rotating cast of national and local heroes.

Key Dates and 7 Must-See Races on the 2025 Hell Tour Schedule

While every night on the DIRTcar Summer Nationals schedule is a battle, a few races stand out due to their historical significance, massive payouts, or the sheer challenge of the track. These are the dates that every fan should circle on their calendar and every driver will be targeting for a career-defining win.

Week 1: The Illinois Opener and Fairbury's Big Show

The tour traditionally kicks off in the heartland, and 2025 is no exception. The Modified Nationals begins the action, setting the tone for the entire month.

  • The Modified Nationals Kickoff: The Summit Modified Nationals begins its 15th-anniversary season with its opener at Kankakee County Speedway.
  • Must-See Race #1: Fairbury Speedway (Saturday, June 14, 2025). Fairbury Speedway is a jewel in the crown of the Hell Tour. This high-banked quarter-mile track hosts the Late Models on the first Saturday of the month-long tour, always drawing a massive field of cars and a huge crowd.

Week 2 & 3: New Venues and Mid-Tour Grinders

The middle weeks are where the championship is truly won and lost, as fatigue sets in and the tour pushes into new territory, testing the adaptability of the teams.

  • Must-See Race #2: Double Debut at Lee County Speedway. The 2025 schedule introduces Lee County Speedway in Iowa for the first time, hosting both the Late Models and the Modifieds. New tracks always provide unpredictable racing and an even playing field.
  • Must-See Race #3: Double Debut at Duck River Raceway Park. The tour heads south to Tennessee for another brand-new challenge at Duck River Raceway Park. This track will also host both classes, adding a unique southern flair to the schedule and testing teams on a different soil composition.
  • Must-See Race #4: I-55 Raceway (Pevely, MO). The high-speed, high-banked action at I-55 is a staple of the tour, often leading to some of the most spectacular slide jobs and close finishes of the season.

Week 4: The Championship Deciders and High-Payout Weekends

The final week is a sprint to the finish, featuring some of the highest-paying events that can dramatically swing the points standings.

  • Must-See Race #5: Oakshade Raceway (Wauseon, OH - Sunday, July 12, 2025). The annual "Birthday Race" at Oakshade Raceway is a fan favorite and a major $10,000-to-win event. The intense, tight racing at this venue makes it a true championship-caliber test.
  • Must-See Race #6: Wayne County Speedway (Orrville, OH - Monday, July 13, 2025). The action immediately follows Oakshade with a $5,000-to-win race at Wayne County Speedway. Back-to-back high-paying nights in Ohio require peak performance from the teams.
  • Must-See Race #7: The Championship Finale. While the final track is the ultimate stop, the entire last week is a pressure cooker. The overall Late Model champion will be crowned, taking home the coveted $10,000 points fund bonus, cementing their place in Hell Tour history.

The Drivers and Entities to Watch in 2025

The 2025 DIRTcar Summer Nationals is more than just a schedule; it's a showcase for the top talent in dirt Late Model and UMP Modified racing. The level of competition is exceptionally high, with several key entities vying for the title.

The Late Model Title Contenders

The Late Model championship is wide open, but the field is stacked with veterans and young guns who have proven they can handle the pressure of the Hell Tour.

  • Tyler Erb: As the 2024 DIRTcar Summer Nationals Champion, Erb will be looking to defend his title. His consistency and ability to secure big wins make him a favorite to repeat.
  • Jason Feger: A past champion and perennial contender, "The Feger" is always a threat on the tour. His experience on the diverse range of tracks is invaluable for a championship run.
  • Bobby Pierce: The multi-time champion, known as "The Smooth Operator," is one of the most successful drivers in the tour's history. Whenever Pierce is on the entry list, he is the man to beat.
  • Ashton Winger: The 2023 champion, Winger brings youthful aggression and speed to the tour, proving that he has the stamina to go the distance.

The Summit Modified Nationals Masters

The UMP Modified division is equally competitive, with the Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals title being a highly sought-after prize. The Modifieds have their own $15,000 points fund to fight for.

  • Nick Hoffman: The all-time winningest driver in the Summit Modified Nationals, Hoffman is arguably the most dominant force in the history of the division. His presence elevates the competition every night.
  • Michael Ledford: A strong local competitor and defending track champion at Fairbury, Ledford and other regional stars often challenge the national touring Modified drivers, especially at their home tracks.

The 2025 DIRTcar Summer Nationals and Summit Modified Nationals schedules represent a true test of endurance and skill. With 31 races across nine states, two new venues, and a massive championship payout, the 40th-anniversary Hell Tour is set to be one for the history books. Whether you are a fan of the powerful Late Models or the fender-banging UMP Modifieds, the action this summer is unmissable. Be sure to check DIRTcar's official schedule for the complete, detailed calendar and to plan your trip to witness the most grueling dirt racing tour in the world.

The 2025 DIRTcar Summer Nationals
dirtcar summer nationals 2025 schedule
dirtcar summer nationals 2025 schedule

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