For the first time in Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series history, the "Big River Steel Chase for the Championship" was used to crown the 2023 season champion. Four drivers. One race. One champion. 

Ricky Thornton, Jr., Hudson O'Neal, Jonathan Davenport and Devin Moran entered the Dirt Track World Championship at Eldora Speedway as the "Big Four" who had a shot at winning the series title. The points were reset entering the final race and the driver with the best finish at Eldora would be crowned the 2023 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series champion. 

The new format delivered the excitement it was meant to deliver on Sunday night with the championship coming down to the final lap of the final race... literally. 

Behind eventual DTWC race winner Brandon Sheppard, Moran held the second position on the race track and the lead in the championship battle at the white flag with O'Neal hot on his heels. O'Neal pulled alongside Moran down the backstretch and made the championship-winning pass as he entered turn three. 

For his championship efforts, O'Neal claimed the $200,000 top prize. Moran collected $150,000 for finishing second in the standings. 

Thornton Jr., who experienced one of the most successful season in series history, suffered misfortune early in the race when his car bounced into Bobby Pierce off of turn four. Thornton's crew made repairs that allowed him to return to the race track a handful of laps down. He ultimately finished eighth in the race and third in the championship standings, earning himself a $125,000 points payout. 

Davenport, who led the four championship drivers for much of the race, pulled off the race track with a mechanical issue on lap 80. Davenport ultimately finished 10th in the running order and will earn $100,000 for finishing fourth in the championship.