November 13, 2025 | By MLRA Racing PR

MLRA returns in 2026 with Ernie Leftwich at the helm

NEVADA, Mo.—Following a one-year hiatus, the Midwest LateModel Racing Association (MLRA) is slated to return in 2026 behind the new ownership and tenured direction of Ernie Leftwich. The long time MLRA Series Director along with his family, are excited to bring the MLRA back to life after its 36-year run came to a halt at the conclusion of the 2024 season.

Leftwich becomes the fourth owner of the series since its inception and is looking forward to the challenge of returning the Midwest premier Super Late Model series to the forefront. “Open Late Model racing is where my heart is, and I want to see this type of racing continue in our area,” noted Leftwich.

With the 2026 schedule nearing completion, Leftwich says he is targeting 20 - 24 races in the MLRA’s first season back in action. The upcoming schedule will include many of the series’ former venues and events, as well as some that have not seen the MLRA in a number of years. “It’s going to take some
time obviously to get to where we want the series to be, but I know how popular Super Late Model racing is in this area and the desire for this type of racing among drivers, fans, and track promotors alike.”

Leftwich served as the Series Director for the COMP Cams Super Dirt Series (CCSDS) in 2025. Since resigning from that role in early November to pursue the MLRA, he has been actively working to reconnect with many of the series’ former partners that were key to its long-term success. “Once Kayli (wife) and I decided to move forward with this I started making calls to gauge the interest from all sides.  So far, the response from everyone has been overwhelming, with everyone excited to see the MLRA returning.”

“I’ve had drivers calling and asking, hey what’s going on with MLRA? The racetracks and marketing partners we’ve spoken to thus far have been extremely welcoming and are excited to partner with the comeback of the MLRA. I attribute a lot of this interest to the strong foundation our series laid over the years,” explained Leftwich. “People came to expect national caliber drivers and well ran shows when the MLRA came to town and that’s what we intend to provide as we move forward.”

The MLRA will follow the same basic Super Late Model engine rules and unified body rules as used in past years, with full rules being made available to teams in the coming weeks.

The MLRA is also seeking additional marketing partners for the upcoming season. “Our partners over the years have been a huge asset to the MLRA, but more importantly to our drivers and teams. We truly appreciate every sponsor that we have, and we strive to do our best in helping to use the MLRA platform
and our reach to help market and expand their brand to our many dedicated race teams and fans.”

Track promoters interested in hosting the MLRA in 2026 and beyond are encouraged to reach out to Leftwich soon. “I’d say our schedule is about 85% complete, but we are still looking to fill a few open dates. I’m expecting to have multiple weekends with back-to-back events at the same track and other

weekends we will venture to multiple tracks just like in years past. It’s only November, but I’m ready to go and excited to get the MLRA back up and running,” he concluded.

Be sure to "Like" and follow the series Facebook page, MLRA · Midwest Latemodel Racing Association for the latest updates. A new series website for the MLRA is still under construction and anticipated to be up and running in the coming months.

CONTACT:

Ernie Leftwich
MLRA Midwest LateModel Racing Association
Mobile: (417) 309-3509
E-Mail: Ernie.Leftwich@gmail.com