Belleville, IL. (11/3/25) The 2026 racing season at Lucas Oil Speedway is set to reach new heights with the 16th Annual Jesse Hockett/Daniel McMillin Memorial. Continuing to build what has become one of the premier crown jewels in open-wheel racing, the 2026 edition will feature not only the best of the POWRi ranks, but now welcomes the stars of Kubota High Limit Racing.
To build excitement leading into this marquee event, Lucas Oil Speedway will debut an all-new four-race mini-series titled “The Road to the Hockett,” featuring the POWRi WAR/MWRA Challenge Series, POWRi Honest Abe Roofing 410 Outlaw Sprints, and POWRi IMCA RaceSaver 305 Wing Sprints. This high-intensity challenge will serve as the ultimate prelude to September’s grand finale, offering its own points fund and a champion’s provisional into the 2026 Hockett/McMillin Memorial, set for September 17–19. (Wing 410, and NW 410)
The “Road to the Hockett” Schedule:
- Round 1: May 16
- Round 2: June 27
- Round 3: August 1
- Championship Round: August 22
All three division will compete for both cash and Lucas Oil Products rewards, with point fund payouts as follows:
1st – $1,000 + $1,000 in products
2nd – $750 + $750 in products
3rd – $500 + $500 in products
Lucas Oil Speedway General Manager Casey Shuman said the new mini-series was designed to fuel fan enthusiasm and driver momentum throughout the summer, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated weekends in all of sprint car racing.
“We’re thrilled to introduce The Road to the Hockett as part of our 2026 schedule,” Shuman said. “Fans and teams alike have been asking for more open-wheel action, and we’re proud to deliver. This four-race series will build excitement and anticipation leading right into the 16th Annual Hockett/McMillin Memorial.”
POWRi’s Talin Turner emphasized the continued leadership of POWRi in the event’s growth, adding:
“The Hockett/McMillin Memorial has become a staple in grassroots racing, and POWRi is proud to continue leading the charge in making it a marquee weekend for teams and fans across the country. The Road to the Hockett will further strengthen the event’s foundation and spotlight the passion and commitment that define open-wheel racing at Lucas Oil Speedway, with Kubota High Limit Racing joining the winged portion of the program.”
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