High Plains Thunder $2,000 Bonus Ignites Year Two of USAC Plains Swing

2025 High Plains Thunder Bonus champion #15 Kevin Thomas Jr. battles #63 Cale Coons. (Jack Reitz Photo) USAC Racing October 14, 2026 Dodge City, Kansas & Amarillo, Texas (October 14, 2026)………The thunder is back! Centuries ago, the High Plains shook under the weight of massive herds of American buffalo, their powerful hooves creating a rumbling thunder across the flatlands. That same raw power and earth-shaking energy return to the region as the High Plains Thunder Bonus enters its second consecutive year, putting another $2,000 cash prize on the line for the standout driver of the USAC Plains Swing. This special award will go to the competitor who earns the highest overall points total across consecutive nights of high-velocity racing on Friday, October 16, at Kansas’ Dodge City Raceway Park and Amarillo, Texas’ Route 66 Motor Speedway on Saturday, October 17. Defending champion Kevin Thomas Jr. claimed the inaugural crown last year, and a hungry field of drivers are ready to chase his tire tracks. Built to reward pure grit under pressure, consistency is the absolute key to capturing the bonus. Drivers must master two completely distinct surfaces on back-to-back nights, transitioning smoothly from the wide, sweeping curves of Dodge City to the lightning-fast Texas clay of Amarillo. Because keeping a steady hand across both grueling events is paramount, a points tie at the end of the swing will be broken by the driver with the fastest qualifying lap time at Amarillo to determine the ultimate champion. Beyond the intensity on the track, the event is all about showing some genuine, good old-fashioned High Plains hospitality to the teams making the long haul. The bonus serves as a heartfelt thank you to the crews and drivers who travel to put on a spectacular show for the local fans. The bonus program was developed by Jeff Peck, a lifelong sprint car enthusiast deeply committed to team support and the preservation of local racing heritage. Though Peck was born and raised in Amarillo, he now lives across the country, yet his distance has done nothing to dim his dedication to his hometown and regional venues. Working alongside a dedicated network of close friends and community partners, Peck launched this grassroots effort from afar to provide meaningful recognition and support to the competitors who define the sport. “We wanted to keep that momentum going for year two,” Peck said. “Providing this extra incentive is our way of rolling out the red carpet for the teams and making sure they feel appreciated for making the trip. I want to encourage USAC to continue to come to these tracks. These are the best non-wing sprint car teams and drivers in the world, and we need to do our part to help keep them coming back.” Peck, who remains deeply tied to the local racing community, noted the personal significance of keeping these marquee events on the schedule. “I have family and lots of friends still in Amarillo, and it is truly spectacular to host national-level racing right at those tracks.” He added, “I’m incredibly grateful for the continued backing from great friends like Joey Saldana and Saldana Racing Oil Tanks, Charlie Brannon and Charlie’s Machine and Welding, Pete Elkins and Consignment Gallery and Estate Sales, and Kevin Conger and KC Graphics. They are joined by contributors David and Kristi Herrell, Sue Yingling, and Ott and DJ Coppock, individuals who love the sport just like Peck does. Their collective support highlights the independent, community-driven spirit that fuels sprint car racing. Adding to the prestige of the event, the Amarillo Area Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum joins the program as a proud partner in celebrating the region’s racing heritage. Representatives from the museum alongside local donors will be on hand trackside in Amarillo immediately following the final feature race to present the $2,000 check directly to the champion in front of the grandstands. For the winning driver, the High Plains Thunder Bonus is more than a major payday, it’s a definitive stamp of excellence and a prominent spot in a spectacular new High Plains tradition. ‍