INDIANAPOLIS, IN (April 14, 2016) – The Arizona Sport Shirt Company, in conjunction with the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame, have elected to annually present the “Earl Baltes Advancement of the Sport Award” – given to deserving recipients who have made a profound impact on Dirt Late Model Racing.

The award is named for the late, great Earl Baltes, one of the sport’s most prolific and ingenious race track promoters. Baltes’ flair and foresight helped deliver Dirt Late Model Racing to the enormous popularity it encompasses today.

The first selected honoree of the award is Forrest Lucas, Founder and CEO of one of the most recognized lubricant companies in the automotive world – Lucas Oil Products.

Mr. Lucas’ involvement has contributed in a mammoth way to the continuing professionalism in the sport, which is felt by fans and drivers alike across the nation. His national touring circuit, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, came into existence in 2005 and has since escalated into the sport’s number one followed traveling organization nationwide. The group’s roster carries America’s top dirt racing professionals, while entertaining fans with a number of the game’s Crown Jewel events.

“Through his generosity and support, Dirt Late Model Racing has shown an abundance of growth and prosperity from coast to coast. Mr. Lucas’ name and support is well known all across the industry through his series, his team and event sponsorship, track ownership, and national television coverage, which has no doubt succeeded in changing the direction and landscape of the sport. Forrest Lucas – a perfect selection for the first annual Earl Baltes Award,” stated Gerald Newton, Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame President.

Lucas will receive the award during the 2016 National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, held during the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series sanctioned – Sunoco North/South 100 weekend, August 11th-13th at Florence Speedway in Union, KY.

The National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame is a 501c3 non-profit organization which strives to preserve and promote the rich history of Dirt Late Model Racing in our country. Since 2001, the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame has inducted drivers and other contributors to the sport into the Hall of Fame. The National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame houses an extensive collection of artifacts such as photos, body panels, driver uniforms and even entire race cars from Dirt Late Model Racing’s past. To learn more about the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame or to contribute, visit www.ndlmhof.com.

For the latest breaking news concerning the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, including the latest series standings, 2016 tour schedule, driver information, and more visit the official website at: www.lucasdirt.com.