Longtime Ohio Valley regional standout Freddie Carpenter is targeting his first-ever national touring campaign on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing this upcoming season, the Parkersburg, W.Va., native announced on New Year’s morning.

The 55-year-old founder and owner of Kryptonite Race Cars explained in his announcement on Facebook that “I’m running out of Saturdays” and because of that “it’s time to chase my dreams while I’m still able.”

“It’s been a dream of mine for more than 30 years to ‘to run with the big dogs,’ ” said the West Virginia veteran, who added that “it’s always been said you are only as good as your competition, and I feel I can learn a lot from these guys."

“I’m sure it will start a little rough — kind of like Cole Trickle’s rookie season (from the popular 1990 stock car racing movie starring Tom Cruise). Maybe I’ll get lucky and (crew chief) Harry (Hogge played by Robert Duvall in Days of Thunder) will sit me down for ‘the talk’ and our season will end with a big win.”

Carpenter, whose lone 2025 victory came in Oct. 4’s Finale at the Valley at Washington, W.Va.’s Ohio Valley Speedway for a $3,000 payday, joins a '26 Lucas Oil rookie class that also features Loudon, Tenn.’s Cory Hedgecock.

“You don’t know if you don’t try. I feel we are ready for the challenge. Wish us luck,” Carpenter said.