(Newton, NC) A stacked field of 27 Super Late Model entries is already shaping up for the Tar Heel 250 at Hickory Motor Speedway on Thursday, May 21, as the Appalachian Sucker Punch ASA STARS National Tour returns to “America’s Most Famous Short Track” for one of the marquee events of the 2026 season. The current entry list marks the largest field for an ASA STARS event at Hickory during the modern era of the series and continues to build excitement for the highly anticipated 250-lap showdown.
Former NASCAR Cup Series Champion Chase Elliott headlines the impressive field for the second consecutive season after coming within one position of victory one year ago. Elliott finished runner-up in the 2025 edition of the Tar Heel 250 as Colby Howard claimed his first career ASA STARS National Tour victory. Howard returns in 2026 looking to defend his Tar Heel 250 triumph aboard the red No. 44 with veteran crew chief Cody Glick calling the shots.
The field is loaded with talent from across the country including current ASA STARS point leader Carson Brown, short track veteran Stephen Nasse, rising stars Tristan McKee and Isaac Kitzmiller, along with standout competitors Jade Avedisian, William Sawalich, Casey Roderick, Caden Kvapil, Conner Jones, Derek Thorn, and Spencer Davis among many others expected to compete.
The Tar Heel 250 has quickly established itself as one of the premier events on the ASA STARS calendar. The 2023 event saw Gio Ruggiero make a dramatic last-lap pass over William Byron to score the victory, while Cole Butcher claimed the win in 2024 before Howard’s breakthrough triumph last season. Fans can expect another thrilling chapter to be added to the event’s growing history when the green flag waves Thursday night.
Thursday’s event schedule will feature support division racing beginning at 5:00 PM with Legend Cars and Bandoleros also competing during the evening. Kyle and Brexton Busch will be competing with the strong field of Legends.
The Tar Heel 250 Presented by Appalachian Sucker Punch will take the green flag at 7:35 PM. Fans are encouraged to purchase advance sale discounted tickets ahead of race day. Tickets, schedules, and additional event information are available at https://www.starsnationaltour.com and https://www.myracepass.com/series/1788/tickets/1529904.
Following Thursday night’s action at Hickory, the Appalachian Sucker Punch ASA STARS National Tour will travel just 30 minutes away to Tri County Speedway for the Carolina 250 on Saturday, May 23. The event marks the first-ever visit for the national touring series to the scenic North Carolina facility and serves as the second half of the highly anticipated North Carolina Double Header weekend. Along with the ASA STARS Super Late Models, fans at Tri-County will also see Legend Cars, Bandoleros, and Limited Late Models in competition.
