Ricky Thornton Jr. Claims $200,000 Lucas Oil Late Model Series Championship
The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series celebrated its 20th season with the Championship Gala at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The series completed 53 A-Main events in 2024, featuring 350+ drivers and averaging 48.3 cars per event - the highest since 2011.
Men stand on presentation stage
Ricky Thornton Jr. claimed the 2024 National Championship, earning $200,000 plus additional awards. His impressive season included 14 victories, 34 top-five finishes, and 41 top-ten performances, making him the ninth different champion in series history.
Notable Awards and Winners:
- O'Reilly Auto Parts Rookie of the Year: Drake Troutman ($20,000)
- Miller Welders Chassis Builder of the Year: Longhorn Chassis (4th consecutive win)
- ARP Engine Builder of the Year: Clements Racing Engines (4th consecutive win)
- Arizona Sport Shirts Crown Jewel Cup: Devin Moran ($15,000)
- Brandon Ford TV Race Challenge: Devin Moran ($15,000)
- Sunoco Race for Gas Winner: Ricky Thornton Jr. ($3,000)
The Mike Swims Award of Excellence honored Earl Pearson Jr. and Al Varnadore for their significant contributions to the sport.
Final Championship Standings Top 5:
- Ricky Thornton Jr. - 6,910 points ($652,060.18)
- Devin Moran - 6,850 points ($551,446.18)
- Jonathan Davenport - 6,780 points ($521,116.18)
- Tim McCreadie - 6,765 points ($357,816.18)
- Hudson O'Neal - 5,985 points ($274,669.18)
Special recognition went to Lernerville Speedway as Track of the Year and Port Royal Speedway (August 23) for Race of the Year. The series demonstrated continued growth and competition excellence throughout the 2024 season.
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