The biggest weekend in Dirt Late Model racing is almost here. The World 100 returns to Eldora Speedway Sept. 10-12 for another three nights of high-level racing, with the sport’s top drivers battling for one of the most coveted victories of the season.

The historic event has been a staple at Eldora since 1971, creating decades of unforgettable moments and producing some of the biggest names in Dirt Late Model racing. Now, another chapter is ready to be written at the famed half-mile oval.

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With a massive field expected to take on the challenge, there will be no shortage of storylines to follow throughout World 100 weekend. Experience at Eldora, recent success and past performances in this race could all play a role.

Here are five drivers to watch as the 2026 World 100 gets underway and the battle for another piece of Eldora history begins.

Bobby Pierce

Bobby Pierce is one of the biggest names to watch at Eldora, and he enters the 2026 World 100 with plenty of momentum. Pierce won the World 100 in 2016 and 2024, and he is coming off a dominant 2026 season that includes a $100,000 Dream victory at Eldora. With four of the last six Eldora crown jewels on his resume, Pierce is chasing even more history this weekend.

Jonathan Davenport

Few drivers have the World 100 resume of Jonathan Davenport. The Georgia veteran has won the event five times, including four victories from 2015-2022, and another win in 2026 would tie Billy Moyer for the all-time record of six. Davenport also arrives in strong form, fresh off a $50,000 victory at Port Royal. With his history at Eldora, “Superman” is always a serious threat.

Ricky Thornton Jr.

Ricky Thornton Jr. returns to Eldora as the defending World 100 champion after capturing his first victory in the prestigious race in 2025. Thornton passed Jonathan Davenport midway through last year’s 100-lapper before holding off Dale McDowell for the win. He also finished fifth in the 2022 World 100, his first top-five at the event. Now, Thornton will try to become the first repeat winner since the modern stretch of champions began.

Hudson O’Neal

Hudson O’Neal knows what it takes to win the World 100, having captured the crown jewel in 2023. That victory made him one of the recent drivers to conquer Eldora’s demanding half-mile, and he has continued to be a major threat at the track. O’Neal enters 2026 with 16 wins on the season, although he is still searching for his first victory with SSI Motorsports since May.

Brandon Overton

Brandon Overton has already etched his name into World 100 history, winning the 2021 event during one of the most dominant stretches of his career. That victory came as his third consecutive Eldora crown jewel win after sweeping the Dirt Late Model Dream earlier that year. Overton remains one of the track’s most accomplished recent drivers and will look to return to Victory Lane after finishing second to Jonathan Davenport in the 2022 World 100.

2026 World 100 Weekend Schedule

Wednesday, September 9

• 9 a.m. - Ticket and pit pass sales begin
• Noon - Turn 1 camping load in
• 2 p.m. - Ballroom opens, buffet begins
• 3 p.m. - Fan zone vendor load in
• 4 p.m. - South end vendor load in
• 5 p.m. - Ticket and pit pass sales end
• 6 p.m. - Infield hauler parking (optional)
• 8 p.m. - Ballroom closes
• 9-11 p.m. - JB Aaron concert (fan zone)

Thursday, September 10

• 10 a.m. - Ticket and pit pass sales begin
• 11 a.m. - Pits open
• 1 p.m. - Grandstands closed and cleared
• 2 p.m. - All gates, suites and concessions open
• 2 p.m. - Ballroom opens, buffet begins
• 2 p.m. - Turn one camping load in
• 5 p.m. - Drivers’ meeting
• 6 p.m. - Hot laps
• 7:30 p.m. - Opening ceremonies
• 8 p.m. - Ballroom closes

Competition

• Late Model time trials
• Late Model shootout races (12 laps)
• Late Model first feature (25 laps)
• Late Model second feature (25 laps)
• ‘Saw Crush concert (fan zone)

Friday, September 11

• 11 a.m. - Ticket office opens (ticket and pit pass sales)
• Noon - Pits open
• 1 p.m. - Grandstands closed and cleared
• 2 p.m. - All gates, suites and concessions open
• 2 p.m. - Ballroom opens, buffet begins
• 2 p.m. - Turn one camping load in
• 4 p.m. - Larry Moore Memorial (fan zone)
• 5 p.m. - Drivers’ meeting
• 6 p.m. - Hot laps
• 7:30 p.m. - Opening ceremonies
• 8 p.m. - Ballroom closes

Competition

• Late Model time trials
• Late Model shootout races (12 laps)
• Late Model first feature (25 laps)
• Late Model second feature (25 laps)
• Fool House concert (fan zone)

Saturday, September 12

• 8 a.m. - Ballroom opens, breakfast buffet begins
• 11 a.m. - Ticket office opens (ticket and pit pass sales)
• 11 a.m. - Grounds closed and cleared
• Noon - All gates, suites and concessions open
• 1-1:30 p.m. - Miss Eldora photo shoot (Busch Light silo)
• 1-2:30 p.m. - Dave Argabright interview (ballroom)
• 2 p.m. - Church service (behind main office)
• 3:30-4:30 p.m. - Driver autograph session (fan zone)
• 4:30 p.m. - Public drivers’ meeting (fan zone)
• 6:30 p.m. - Hot laps
• 7:15 p.m. - Opening ceremonies
• 8 p.m. - Ballroom closes

Competition

• Late Model heats (15 laps)
• Late Model consolations (20 laps)
• 56th annual World 100 feature (100 laps)

How To Watch The 2026 World 100 at Eldora Speedway

The 2026 World 100 at Eldora Speedway 2026 is streaming live on FloRacing.

Subscribe to FloRacing to watch the World 100 and keep up with the latest dirt racing coverage, highlights, replays, breaking news and more throughout the season.

2026 World 100 Entry List At Eldora Speedway As Of Tuesday, Sept. 8

Who Won Last Year's World 100?

Ricky Thornton Jr. of Chandler, Ariz., his first career World 100 and first Eldora crown jewel victory.

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FloRacing Archived Footage

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