Key notes: The Northern Allstars Late Model Series opens a Hoosier State doubleheader weekend with Friday’s $10,000-to-win fifth annual C.J. Rayburn Tribute at Circle City Raceway. … The event honors Rayburn, of Whiteland, Ind., the late Hall of Fame chassis builder who died on Jan. 1, 2022, at the age of 81 after battling Covid pneumonia. … It’s the first NALMS race since June 13 at Lawrenceburg (Ind.) Speedway, won by Adam Stricker. … Ricky Thornton Jr. of Chandler, Ariz., topped 2024’s Rayburn Tribute at Circle City before last year’s edition rained out. … Dustin Nobbe of Batesville, Ind., outdueled Steve Peeden to win $3,000 in July’s Slingin’ Dirt Series debut at Circle City. … Tyler Neal of Paragon, Ind., earned an $800 Indiana Crate Late Model Series win there in July 2021. … Points leader Jason Jameson of Lawrenceburg, Ind., chases his third overall feature win of the season and first away from Ponderosa Speedway in Junction City, Ky. … Devin Gilpin of Columbus, Ind., is expected to compete aboard Zak Blackwood’s No. 93 entry. … Modifieds, pure stocks and Crown Vics are on the undercard. … Pits open at 4 p.m. and grandstands open at 5 with hot laps at 7. … Watch live on Hunt the Front TV.

Who to watch: Jason Jameson of Lawrenceburg, Ind., eyes his third feature win this season and first away from Ponderosa.

Points chase: Before Circle City: 1. Jason Jameson (1,326); 2. Trevor Landrum (1,300); T3. David Webb (1,264); T3. Cody Mahoney (1,264); 5. Devin Gilpin (1,250).

Expected entrants: Jason Jameson, Devin Gilpin, Carson Ferguson, Adam Stricker, Trevor Landrum, David Webb, Cody Mahoney, Dustin Nobbe, Steve Peeden, Billy Green, Tyler Collins, Derek Groomer, Shelby Miles, Jared Bailey, Tyler Neal, Jake Leitzman, Colby Reed, Brad Rickels, Tucker Chastain and others.

Current weather: Scattered Clouds, 81°F

Next series race: August 22, Brownstown Speedway (Brownstown, IN) $10,000