FOR ENTRY LIST and FACT SHEET CLICK HERE

The Legend Car Asphalt Nationals returns to Thornburg, Virginia's Dominion Raceway this weekend, and there will be no shortage of excitement. From fast pace racing, to four championship battles, the 33rd edition of INEX's Asphalt Nationals will be one you won't want to miss. Legend Car drivers from 31 U.S. States and four Canadian Provinces will compete for the chance to become the next Asphalt National champion in their respective division, including 18 from Virginia. With Dominion previously hosting Asphalt Nationals in 2021, it joins Charlotte Motor Speedway, The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Lake Erie Speedway, and Lanier Speedway as the only tracks to host the event two or more times. 

One of the Virginian drivers, Pro Division driver Miles Murray, is a two-time winner at Dominion in 2024 and said because it is his home track, a win at Asphalt Nationals would be that much more special to him.

"[If I win], I woudl have won the track championship and the nationals at teh same track only 45 minutes from home! This is the only track where I can bring teachers, neighbors, friends, and family to come watch."

Murray isn't in the national championship points hunt, but the Pro Division, where the national champion hasn't won the Asphalt Nationals Championship Feature since Jason Irwin did so in 2020, has the largest spread in points. It is also the only divison where the points leader doesn't have a perfect 1900 points. Rhode Island's Jacob Burns sits at the top with 1885, only 33 points ahead of Georgia's Jensen Jorgensen adn 36 points clear of another Georgia driver, Nick Woodall. 2024 Summer Shootout Champion, Jake Bollman is fourth in points, but is 45 points back of Burns. 

In the Semi-Pro Division, there is a five-way tie at the top of the standings. Ayrton Brockhouse (MN), Ayden Christensen (NS), Michael Crafton (TN), London McKenzie (NC), and Cole Robie (ME) are tied at 1900 points. 

"I think around halfway through the season it started to become more clear who I was going to be competing against for the national title and ever since then I guess I’ve been shaping up the competition," said McKenzie. "I believe all five of us are very talented drivers in our own ways but we all have strengths and weaknesses... I believe with the support of 860 Motorsports and my driving skills behind the wheel, my odds of winning are just as good as anyone's."

For Crafton, he is going to do what he has done all year. "My mindset going into Asphalt Natoinals is all about the "big picture." It has what my team and I have worked so hard for all year."

In the Masters Division, Tennessee's Kevin Rollins has a perfect 1900 points, but has New York's Kevin Nowak and Georgia's Scott Moseley in hot pursuit, both 12 points behind.

There is yet another tie at the top of the Young Lions Division, but with four drivers. 2022 INEX Bandolero Bandits East Champion Cole Denton (MS), Rodney Dowless Jr. (NY), Keelan Harvick (NC), and Ashton Williams (CA) are locked together at 1900 points. But right behind them is the three-time Young Lions Dirt Nationals champion, Ryan Zima (NC), trailing by just 12 points. 

"Dominion Raceway is a challenge because if you make one mistake it can cost you positions," said Murray. "All of the front runners are super close - within a half a tenth - so one mistake could make you get freight-trained."

McKenzie has raced at Dominion in 2024 and believes that his experience will prove invaluable this weekend.

"Earlier this season when the word got out that the 2024 nationals would be held at Dominion Raceway, 860 Motorsports and I made it our main priority to become the fastest car of the track," he shared. "Over the season, not only did we improve our cars setup and dial it in for my comfort in different weather conditions, but I also got a ton of experience racing on such a fast track like Dominion and learn how every inch of the track handles."

For Crafton, track time at Dillon Motor Speedway and Huntsville Speedway will be the two tracks he will look at for a baseline at Dominion.

"All I race is quarter-miles in Tennessee and Alabama, and Dominion is a lot different that what I'm used to. I know I'm up for the challenge!"

Thursday kicks off on-track activities with practice. Friday will have ProFab Qualifying, Heat Races, ending with the Bassett Fastest Qualifier Asphalt Challenge. Saturday will include Bandoleros and will have B-Mains and the Legend Car Asphalt Nationals Championship features. You can stream the action on Friday and Saturday on USLEGENDCARS.TV. Friday's coverage will begin at approximately 12:15pm ET/9:15am PT. Coverage of Championship Saturday will start at approximately 1:30pm ET/10:30am PT. 

Following Asphalt Nationals, only one more INEX Championship National remains in 2024. Road Course World Finals will be November 15-17 at VIRginia International Raceway.