Key notes: Fresh off an I-55 Raceway doubleheader co-sanctioned with the Summer Nationals, the World of Outlaws Real American Late Model Series kicks off a four-race Midwestern swing with Thursday’s $12,000-to-win opener at I-94 EMR Speedway. … The weekend includes another $12,000-to-win feature at River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, N.D., then $15,000-to-win shows at Norman County Raceway in Ada, Minn., and Nodak Speedway in Monot, N.D. … Points leader Bobby Pierce won $15,000 on July 1, 2023, the last WoO event there after last year’s rained out. … Reigning WISSOTA national champ Tyler Peterson of Hickson, N.D., is planning to attempt the entire weekend in a full-fledged Super Late Model. … Amelia and Laela Eisenschenk, both of Fargo, N.D., and nieces of 10-time WoO sprint car champ Donny Schatz, are expected to attempt their series debuts over the weekend. … Midwest mods and street stocks are on the undercard. … Pits open at 3 p.m. and grandstands open at 5, with hot laps at 7. … Watch live on DIRTVision.

Who to watch: Bobby Pierce of Oakwood, Ill., seeks his second straight World of Outlaws series victory at I-94.

Points chase: Before I-94: 1. Bobby Pierce (2,574); 2. Nick Hoffman (2,472); 3. Ryan Gustin (2,434); 4. Drake Troutman (2,356); 5. Tim McCreadie (2,350); 6. Brian Shirley (2,292); 7. Cody Overton (2,286); 8. Dennis Erb Jr. (2,278); 9. Ethan Dotson (2,264); 10. Ashton Winger (2,222).

Expected entrants: Among drivers expected to join the top 10 in series standings: Dennis Erb Jr., Tyler Peterson, Sammy Mars, Dustin Sorensen, Don Shaw, Jake Timm, Brent Larson, Tristan Chamberlain, Amelia Eisenschenk, Brad Seng, Chad Mahder, Jesse Glenz, Laela Eisenschenk and more.

Current weather: Overcast, 61°F

Next series race: June 27, River Cities Speedway (Grand Forks, ND) $12,000