Key notes: The Schaeffer’s Southern Nationals officially concludes its 2026 season with Thursday’s 40-lap, $7,571-to-win finale at Toccoa Raceway. … Toccoa, celebrating its 71st year of competition, was originally scheduled to host the Southern Nationals on July 19 before that event was rained out and moved to Aug. 20 as a non-points finale. … Donald McIntosh of Dawsonville, Ga., scored seven top-fives and three runner-up finishes in eight starts to clinch his third career series title (2021, ’24, ’26). … Zack Mitchell of Enoree, S.C., has won the last two Southern Nationals visits to Toccoa (2023, ’25), but he is expected to focus on the World of Outlaws-sanctioned Hawkeye 100 this weekend at Maquoketa (Iowa) Speedway. … Casey Roberts has four Toccoa specials since 2009, including a $5,016 Limited Late Model victory last fall at his home track. … Kenny Collins of Colbert, Ga., collected a $10,000 Limited Late Model payday in October 2024. … David McCoy of Franklin, N.C., has 11 major wins since 2012 at Toccoa, combining for more than $22,000 over that span. … The Red Clay 602 Series ($2,000-to-win), modified street, front-wheel drive, mini late models and a 100-lap enduro are on the undercard. …Pits open at 2 p.m. and grandstands open at 4 with hot laps at 7. … Watch live on FloRacing.

Who to watch: Casey Roberts of Toccoa, Ga., seeks his second feature win of the season and first this year at his home track.

Points chase: Donald McIntosh was crowned the 2026 Southern Nationals champion.

Expected entrants: Casey Roberts, Cody Overton, Garrett Smith, Donald McIntosh, Joseph Joiner, Benji Hicks, Kenny Collins, David Payne, Allen Styck, Mike Benedum, Landen Zakalowski, David McCoy, Caleb Gay, Matt Long, Daniel Boles, Mathew Porter and more.