Key notes: The World of Outlaws Late Model Dirt Series begins its trek across the Midwest, stopping at Independence for a 40-lap, $12,000-to-win main event. … It’s the seventh-ever WoO visit to the 3/8-mile oval and first since Bobby Pierce of Oakwood, Ill., won $10,000 in 2024 before last year’s race rained out. … The midweek stop sets teams up to continue their Midwestern trek to Fountain City, Wis., for this weekend’s three-race Dairyland Showdown at Mississippi Thunder Speedway. … Points leader Nick Hoffman of Mooresville, N.C., enters Tuesday with a slim two-point advantage over Pierce. … Ryan Gustin of Marshalltown, Iowa, chases his first WoO victory of the season and enters with wins in three straight starts overall, dating back to April 17 at Paragon (Ind.) Speedway, earning more than $20,000 over that span. … Dallon Murty of Chelsea, Iowa, topped last May’s $3,500 Malvern Bank East Series event at Independence; he's now with Iowa-based Skyline Motorsports. … The newly renamed Karl Chevrolet Premier (formerly Pro) Late Model Series ($2,000-to-win), modifieds and stock cars are on the undercard. … Pits open at 2 p.m. and grandstands open at 3 with hot laps at 6:30. … Watch live on DIRTVision.

Who to watch: Ryan Gustin of Marshalltown, Iowa, eyes his first WoO victory of the season and fourth overall win in as many starts.

Points chase: Before Independence: 1. Nick Hoffman (2,298); 2. Bobby Pierce (2,296); 3. Tim McCreadie (2,159); 4. Daulton Wilson (2,140); 5. Tyler Erb (2,125); 6. Ryan Gustin (2,120); 7. Drake Troutman (2,106); 8. Ethan Dotson (2,092); 9. Dustin Sorensen (2,037); 10. Dennis Erb Jr. (2,031).

Expected entrants: Among drivers expected to join the top 10 in series standings: Jonathan Davenport, Garrett Alberson, Drake Troutman, Cade Dillard, Dallon Murty, Chris Simpson, Gordy Gundaker, Tyler Bruening, Trey Mills, Chad Simpson, Dylan Thornton, Derrick Stewart, Tim Ward, Logan Zarin, Brent Larson, Blair Nothdurft, Tristan Chamberlain, Curt Schroeder, Jeff Tharp, Eli Johnson and more.

Next series race: April 30, Mississippi Thunder Speedway (Fountain City, WI) $10,000