A new partnership with Steering Buddy will put extra cash in the pockets of first-time Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series winners, the series announced.

The Anniston, Ala.-based designer of systems that help teams maneuver race cars around the pits and into trailers is sponsoring the national tour’s new Dark Horse Winner award that will pay an extra $1,000 to drivers who win their first series events in 2026.

“We are incredibly grateful to welcome another partner to the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series — especially one that supports a program giving back to racers,” Wayne Castleberry, in corporate sales for FloRacing, said of the Mike and Grant Pearl-owned company. “We look forward to working with Mike and the entire Steering Buddy team and hope to see a Dark Horse driver in victory lane  at some point in 2026.”