The field is officially set for the 2026 Eibach Gateway Dirt Nationals presented by O'Reilly Auto Parts Modified division, with 65 drivers receiving invitations to compete inside The Dome at America's Center in St. Louis.

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Unlike traditional dirt racing events that feature open registration, the Gateway Dirt Nationals Modified division is an invitation-only event. Organizers announced eight rounds of invitations, with eight drivers selected during each round to build a star-studded field of 64 competitors.

The final spot went to Brandon Francis, who was announced as the 65th and final driver under the designation "Last One In."

The completed entry list features an impressive collection of former Gateway Dirt Nationals winners, established Modified stars and competitors from across the country looking to conquer one of dirt racing's most unique events.

Former Gateway Dirt Nationals Winners Headline Invited Field

Defending Gateway Dirt Nationals Modified champion Ricky Thornton Jr. headlines the list of invited drivers as he prepares to return to St. Louis in search of another victory.

Thornton, who captured the 2025 Modified finale, is one of seven former event winners included in this year's field. He also won the event in 2022, making him the only two-time Modified winner in Gateway Dirt Nationals history.

The list of returning champions also includes Trevor Neville (2024), Drake Troutman (2023), Tyler Peterson (2021), Derek Losh (2019), Mike Harrison (2018) and Ray Bollinger (2017).

Modified Stars, NASCAR Driver Among Notable Invitations

Beyond the returning champions, the 2026 invitation list includes several of the biggest names in Modified racing.

Rodney Sanders, Jordan Grabouski, Mike McKinney, Tom Berry Jr., Tanner Mullens and Trent Young are among the established Modified competitors selected to compete inside The Dome.

Another notable invitation belongs to NASCAR Cup Series driver Justin Haley, who will trade pavement for dirt as part of the exclusive 65-driver field.

Other recognizable names on the list include Dallon Murty, Cody Laney, Tyler Wolff, Jim Chisholm and Joe Chisholm.

Brandon Francis Named "Last One In"

After eight rounds of invitations filled the initial 64 spots, Gateway Dirt Nationals organizers had one final announcement to make.

Brandon Francis received the 65th and final invitation, earning the distinction of being the "Last One In" for the 2026 Modified division.

His addition officially completed the invitation process, setting the stage for 65 drivers to battle for one of the most coveted victories in Modified racing.

The full list of invited drivers can be found at the bottom of this page. 

With the full list of invitees now announced, the 65 invited drivers will now be split into two separate preliminary nights for Thursday, December 3 and Friday, December 4. The main event for the 2026 Eibach Gateway Dirt Nationals presented by O'Reilly Auto Parts will be held on Saturday, December 5. 

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2026 Gateway Dirt Nationals Modified Entry List