Key notes: The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series kicks off a tripleheader weekend with Thursday’s 50-lap, $15,000-to-win 18th annual Slocum 50 at 34 Raceway. … The event pays tribute to Brent Slocum, a 28-year-old track champion who died as a result of an accident at 34 Raceway on June 11, 2005; it was originally scheduled for April 17-18 on the MARS Late Model Championship Series before getting washed out by rain. … Reigning Lucas Oil champ Devin Moran won 2024’s Slocum 50 at 34 Raceway, worth $15,555. … Garrett Alberson has two career wins at 34, including last July’s $15,000 Lucas Oil triumph. … Ricky Thornton Jr. earned a $15,000 series win there in May of 2023. … Brian Shirley topped 2021’s Slocum 50 opener in Midwest LateModel Racing Association competition, worth $5,000. … Points leader Hudson O’Neal grabbed a $10,000 Lucas Oil Series win there in May of 2019. … IMCA Late Models and modifieds are on the undercard. … Pits open at 3 p.m. and grandstands open at 5 with hot laps at 6:30; a driver autograph session will be held from 5-5:45. … Watch live on FloRacing.

Who to watch: Devin Moran of Dresden, Ohio, eyes his second career Slocum 50 victory at 34 Raceway.

Points chase: Before 34 Raceway: 1. Hudson O’Neal (4,370); 2. Brandon Sheppard (4,325); 3. Devin Moran (4,220); 4. Brandon Overton (3,945); 5. Max Blair (3,935); 6. Ricky Thornton Jr. (3,850); 7. Garrett Alberson (3,695); 8. Brian Shirley (3,590); 9. Josh Rice (3,585); 10. Kyle Bronson (3,495).

Expected entrants: Among drivers expected to join the top 10 in series standings: Chris Simpson, Dan Ebert, Dallon Murty, Carson Ferguson, Dylan Thornton, Clay Harris, Daniel Hilsabeck, Derrick Stewart, Dillon McCowan, Tyler Bruening, Aaron Marrant, Jeff Herzog, Brenden Smith, Kayden Clatt, Steve Stultz, Nick Marolf, Cory Lawler, Chevy Boyer, Jeff Tharp, Matt Furman, Rickey Frankel and more.

Next series race: July 10, Lucas Oil Speedway (Wheatland, MO) $15,000