One of the most anticipated dirt racing events of the year in the Sunshine State will take place this weekend at All-Tech Raceway. The 27th annual Powell Family Memorial will bring together the Florida racing community to pay tribute to James Powell III and his family, several of whom lost their lives in plane crash nearly three decades ago. 

The race, which was established in Ocala, Florida, has been held every year since 1996 and along the way has grown into Florida's most prestigious dirt late model event. Four different tracks have hosted the event including Bubba Raceway Park, Citrus County Speedway and Volusia Speedway Park before finding its new home at All-Tech Raceway in 2020. 

With this year's event being the 27th annual Powell Family Memorial, the Crate Racin' USA main event on Saturday will pay $27,000 to the winner, making it the richest dirt late model race of the weekend nationally. 

Over the years, many of Florida's most recognized drivers and well-known invaders have visited victory lane at the Powell Family Memorial. 

Wayne Anderson won the race on six occasions, four times at Bubba Raceway Park and twice at Citrus County Speedway. Florida dirt racing standout Mark Whitener has won the race five times, with four wins at Volusia Speedway Park and one win at All-Tech Raceway in 2020. Other well-known names such as Freddie Query, Jeff Purvis and David Reutimann have also won the race. 

Last year, 73 cars attempted to qualify for the race. At the end of the day, it was Tennessee standout Jimmy Owens claiming the victory in a rare appearance behind the wheel of a Crate Late Model. 

VIDEO: Watch highlights from last year's Powell Family Memorial on FloRacing. 

This year's event is once again expected to draw a competitive field. Florida stars Kyle Bronson and Mark Whitener are both expected to be among the fan favorites to claim the win, along with Hunt the Front YouTube stars Joseph Joiner and Jesse Enterkin. 

On-track action at All-Tech Raceway begins on Thursday night with an open practice from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET. 

Intensity will rise Friday night with qualifying and heat races for Crate Racin' USA Late Models, as well a 602 Late Model feature. On-track activity will begin with hot laps at 7 p.m. ET. 

This will all set the stage for a big Saturday with Crate Racin' USA Late Model B-Mains, a Last Chance Qualifier and the 67-lap main event. Hot laps are expected to begin at approximately 6 p.m. ET. 

Fans unable to make it out to All-Tech Raceway this weekend will be able to watch Friday and Saturday's action live on FloRacing. If you're not already a FloRacing subscriber, click here to sign up today.