3/21/2026
Hunt The Front Super Dirt Series
The Hunt for the $50,000 Championship Starts at Dega
It all starts Sunday at Talladega Short Track, where the race for the $50,000 Hunt the Front Super Dirt Series championship and the $5,000 Base Racing Fuels Rookie of the Year Award officially gets underway… and both battles are wide open.
A strong group of title contenders is already in place, but with more drivers still expected to sign on, including a few who could immediately shake up the championship picture, there’s no clear favorite to take home this year’s crown.
A returning series champion, multiple proven contenders still chasing their breakthrough, a veteran stepping into his first full HTF run, and a talented rookie class of six are all already in the mix.
Here’s a look at who’s signed up so far:
Dalton Cook
Cook returns as one of the tour’s most proven contenders after top-five finishes in 2023 and 2025. With multiple HTF wins and championships outside the tour, he brings momentum and experience into this year’s title chase.
Mario Gresham
Gresham showed steady improvement during his rookie campaign in 2025, closing strong with multiple top-10 finishes. Now entering year two, he’ll look to turn that experience into consistent front-running results.
Walker Greer (R)
Greer shifts his focus fully to Super Late Models in 2026 after splitting time last season. The Alabama native brings versatility and will look to make an immediate impact in a competitive rookie class.
Dillard Hatchett
After a solid rookie season that included a top-10 points finish, Hatchett returns more experienced and confident. His ability to adapt quickly makes him a driver capable of taking a big step forward.
Jackson Hise
The 2024 Rookie of the Year returns full-time after gaining experience nationally in 2025. Hise enters the season focused on translating that experience into wins and a championship run.
Jake Jackson (R)
Jackson joins the tour full-time with prior Super Late Model success already under his belt. The North Carolina driver looks to build experience while competing for Rookie of the Year honors.
Joseph Joiner
A perennial contender, Joiner returns after a third-place finish in last year’s standings. With consistency and speed, he remains one of the favorites to challenge for the title.
Jason Lively (R)
Lively steps into full-time Super Late Model competition after success in the Crate ranks. Racing at his home track Sunday, he’ll look to make an early statement in his rookie campaign at Talladega.
Kaede Loudy
Loudy returns for his second full season after finishing 12th in points last year. With a year of experience behind him, he’s poised to improve and climb the standings.
Beckham Malone (R)
At just 14 years old, Malone is one of the youngest competitors in series history. With early success across multiple divisions, the South Carolina teen enters his first full season as a high-upside rookie to watch.
Trenton Mathis (R)
A back-to-back Crate Late Model champion at Penton Raceway, Mathis brings a strong winning background into his rookie Super Late Model season. Expect steady progression as the young Alabama driver adjusts to the competition.
Zack Mitchell
After back-to-back fourth-place finishes in the standings and with four career series wins, Mitchell enters 2026 determined to take the next step. His consistency makes him a constant presence in the title hunt.
Jake O’Neil (R)
Moving east from Arizona, O’Neil adds a national flavor to the rookie class. With limited Super Late Model experience but plenty of potential, the longtime open-wheel standout will look to grow throughout the season.
Josh Putnam
The 2023 series champion returns with proven consistency and experience. Putnam’s ability to stay in the hunt all season long makes him a serious threat once again.
Austin Smith
Smith builds on his 2025 experience, highlighted by a strong run at Talladega. With momentum and familiarity at the opener, the team Capital driver could be one to watch.
Ashton Winger
The 2024 runner-up and three-time series winner brings both speed and big-race experience. Winger’s résumé, including national-level success, makes him a top contender for the title.
Submitted By: Joshua Joiner
