Big money will be on the line for Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series competitors during the 2023 season, but it's not going to come without a twist. On Thursday, series officials announced a record $1 million point fund and a new chase-style championship format for the upcoming season. 

The new championship format will be an elimination style format that includes four rounds of eliminations prior to the championship round. After four rounds of elimination, four drivers will enter the season-ending Dirt Track World Championship at Eldora Speedway with an equal shot at winning the championship. 

In addition to the all-new championship format, more than $470,000 has been added to the point fund for the 2023 season. This brings the total championship point fund to just over $1,000,000, a number that includes a final championship payout and bonuses for each round a driver advances. 

“The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series has seen tremendous growth throughout its history,’ said Rick Schwallie, Series Director. “We look forward to crowning our 18th National Champion, Tim McCreadie, on Friday night. As we look ahead to our 19th season, we’re ready for an action-packed season that will culminate in our first ever visit to the historic Eldora Speedway. Only twice in our Series history has the championship been contested at the season finale. The Dirt Track World Championship is an event that is worthy of crowning a Champion. Not only will the crown jewel pay $100,000 to win, but now, the race inside the race is worthy of the persona that is the Dirt Track World Championship. For us to be proud of this program, there were two key factors. First, the event needed to be contested at the speedway that dirt late model racing calls home, Eldora. Second, the four finalists contending for a national title needed to be well compensated for their efforts all season. The unwavering dedication of Lucas Oil, our exclusive broadcast partner FloRacing, and our great marketing partners allow us to strive as the elite dirt late model tour.”

"We are passionately committed to our involvement in motorsports and the continued growth of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. We are incredibly excited about the new million-dollar point fund and elimination-style championship format for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series - it elevates the drama, the action, the stories, and the passion that fans like us have for these drivers and teams," said Morgan Lucas, president of Lucas Oil. "Motorsports, and the Late Models series specifically, is in our DNA. Ratcheting up the fan experience and excitement for the sport while celebrating and supporting these tremendous athletes is a win-win. I can't wait to see how this season shakes out."

The first round of eliminations will take place following the prestigious Show-Me 100 at Lucas Oil Speedway on May 27. Following that event, the field of championship drivers will be narrowed down to 15. 

Teams advancing to the Round of 15 will receive the following bonus payouts: 

Sunoco Road To Wheatland - 1. $2,500, 2. $1,500, 3. $1,500, 4. $1,500, 5. $1,500, 6. $1,000, 7. $1,000, 8. $1,000, 9. $1,000, 10. $1,000, 11. $500, 12. $500, 13. $500, 14. $500, 15. $500 = $16,000

From there, teams will continue to battle leading into the second round of eliminations at Lucas Oil Speedway's Diamond Nationals on July 15. Teams advancing though to the Round of 12 will receive the following bonus payouts: 

Summit Racing Equipment Super 12 - 1. $5,000, 2. $1,000, 3. $1,000, 4. $1,000, 5. $1,000, 6. $1,000, 7. $1,000, 8. $1,000, 9. $1,000, 10. $1,000, 11. $1,000, 12. $1,000 = $16,000

The third round of eliminations will take place following The Rumble By The River at Port Royal Speedway on August 26. "Super Eight" teams advancing to the Round of 8 will collect the following payouts: 

UNOH Great Eight - 1. $7,500, 2. $1,500, 3. $1,500, 4. $1,500, 5. $1,500, 6. $1,500, 7. $1,500, 8. $1,500 = $18,000

The "Big Four" driver who will be battling for the championship will be decided during the Pittsburgher at Pittsburgh's PA Motor Speedway on September 30. Following that race, the top four drivers in the standings will have their points consolidated and collect the following bonus money: 

Big River Steel Big Four - 1. $10,000, 2. $2,000, 3. $2,000, 4. $2,000 = $16,000

The first of the "Big Four" drivers to cross the finish line during the Dirt Track World Championship at Eldora Speedway will be crowned the 2023 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series champion. 

2023 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Point Fund

1. $200,000

2. $150,000

3. $125,000

4. $100,000

5. $75,000

6. $60,000

7. $50,000

8. $45,000

9. $40,000

10. $35,000

11. $30,000

12. $25,000

A regular point fund of $935,000 plus $66,000 in chase bonuses brings the total point fund to $1,001,000. 

The Big River Steel Chase for the Championship presented by ARP kicks off at Golden Isles Speedway with the Super Bowl of Racing on January 25-28. From there, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series is back at Bubba Raceway Park for two nights on January 29-30 before heading to All-Tech Raceway, February 2-4. The 47th Annual Wieland Winternationals will close out Speedweeks, February 5-11, at East Bay Raceway Park.

Race fans can watch every Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series race in 2023 live on MAVTV on FloRacing.