National notebook
Notes: Andy Eckrich climbs out of driver's seat
Andy Eckrich (DirtonDirt)
Another page has turned in the history of one of Iowa’s most successful dirt racing families.
Andy Eckrich of Oxford, Iowa, a two-time touring champion whose more than 20 special event victories included a pair of five-figure paydays, this week announced his retirement from Dirt Late Model racing as he passes his No. 56 on to his son Bryson.
The shock tech at Precision Performance Racing Suspensions captured the final championship on the Deery Brothers Summer Series in 2019 and 2024’s Malvern Bank East Series title.
"Thank you to everyone that has ever been a sponsor on the side of our No. 56 Late Model. To my parents for giving me the opportunity to be able to race, I cannot express the gratitude I have for your guidance and support. To my wife and kids for understanding when I’m away and the long hours I put in at the shop,” Eckrich said, adding thanks to his dedicated crew members and fans. “I will be forever grateful to have experienced and accomplished all that I have in my 26 years of racing. Our years were filled with success with many wins and championships and some bumps along the way, but there is nothing I wouldn’t change for the friendships and memories we made while traveling track to track in the old ambulance or Red Rooster.”
Eckrich, whose parents Larry and Penny Eckrich are members of the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame as team owners, followed the tire tracks of older brothers Denny and Dave into competition, joining them as some of Iowa’s most successful dirt racers.
Besides his touring titles, among Andy Eckrich’s best seasons was an 11-victory campaign at West Liberty (Iowa) Raceway. He was a nine-time winner on the Deery Brothers circuit and a three-time winner on the Malvern Bank East tour. He also had three podium finishes at the Yankee Dirt Track Classic.
Eckrich tallied seven career victories paying $5,000-to-win or more, including $10,000 paydays in 2009’s Tornado Tuesday event at Farley (Iowa) Speedway and 2011’s Pepsi USA Nationals at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa.
He’ll still be spending time at the track with son Bryson.
“My journey is far from over, but will just be taking a right turn off the track,” Eckrich wrote on his team’s Facebook page, adding that “just like my dad was a mentor to me, I hope to be a mentor to him as Bryson starts his racing career in a performer sport mod.
“I look forward to being more present in my kids' lives and also being able to help our customers trackside and concentrate on taking our race business to the next level.”
NEW LIMITED SERIES: The RidgeRunner Late Model Series has been established for 2026 with events planned for Oak Level Raceway in Bassett, Va., Ararat (Va.) Bullring and Wythe Raceway in Rural Retreat, Va. Find rules and details on the tour’s Facebook page. The tour plans four races at each track for a 12-race series with minimum $3,000-to-win purses and $3,000 to the series champion.
WEEKENDS AT MOBERLY: After primarily running Tuesday night events the past two seasons, Moberly (Mo.) Motorsports Park is returning to Saturdays in 2026 with unsanctioned Limited Late Models part of most programs. The season opener for the Reid Millard-owned track is April 17 with the first Limited Late Model event on May 2. The Limited Late Model rules will match those run at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Mo.
CRUSA PODCAST: Crate Racin’ USA announcer Cody Earley announced plans to launch a podcast covering CRUSA action. The 60-minute show is expected to feature two guests from an array of racers, track owners, promoters and others. See the organization’s Facebook page for a preview of the content.
KENTUCKY TOUR HONORS LATE DRIVER: The Battle of the Bluegrass DIRTcar Series announced that 2026’s fast time awards will honor a late Kentucky driver. The Dennis Selby Fast Time Award presented by Selby Motorsports will earn $246 and a commemorative check. The amount comes from Selby's running the No. 2 early in his modified career and No. 46, the family number used by Selby Motorsports. The announcement was made on what would’ve been Selby’s 60th birthday.
ODDS AND ENDS: Thunder Valley Speedway in Glenmora, La., has announced plans to reopen after a three-year closure, but the track’s tentative program plans don’t include Crate Late Models. … The Valvoline American Late Model Iron-Man Series has established the Valvoline Weekend Allstars miniseries with 10 races within the 37-race schedule with its own point fund. The miniseries champ will receive $2,000. … Gary Dyer of Maine, N.Y., a Late Model team owner for drivers including Alan Sagi, died on March 1. He was 78. Dyer fielded cars for several drivers and Sagi from 2002-06. … DIRTVision has launched a multiview function for World of Outlaws sprint and Late Model events. Viewers can select an alternative view option on the right-hand side of the screen and toggle between the primary stream and multiview feature. … The first-year Ozark Limited Late Model Series will stream its races live on ArrowVision.
