The countdown to the 2024 Castrol Gateway Dirt Nationals is on with the release of the first round of Summit Racing Equipment Modified invites for the December 5-7 event inside The Dome At America’s Center.

The first invite was handed out to the reigning Castrol Gateway Dirt Nationals Modified champion, Drake Troutman. The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Year contender won his first-career race with the series at Lernerville Speedway in his home state of Pennsylvania during the Friday night Group A Preliminary for the Firecracker 100.

After finishing on the podium in last year’s Modified main event, Mike Harrison and Jordan Grabouski have both been invited back to Gateway. Harrison was the Gateway Modified champion in 2018, while Grabouski won last year’s Friday night preliminary over eventual champion Troutman. 

Joining Troutman and Harrison as former Saturday night winners invited is Ray Bollinger. The Illinois driver has taken part in all seven editions of the Gateway Dirt Nationals, winning it all in 2017.

VIDEO: Watch an incredible drone tour of the Castrol Gateway Dirt Nationals.

After winning $100,001 in a Modified at Mississippi Thunder Speedway back in June, World of Outlaws Late Model Series competitor Cade Dillard has been invited. This would be his first-ever appearance inside the dome in either division.

Home state favorite Rick Conoyer joins the list of early invitees, along with former United States Modified Touring Series champion Rodney Sanders and current USMTS points leader Jim Chisholm.

Additional rounds of Modified invites are expected to be released in the coming weeks. A full list of Super Late Model drivers competing in this year's Gateway Dirt Nationals will also be announced prior to the event. 

The Castrol Gateway Dirt Nationals return on Thursday-Saturday, December 5-7 at The Dome At America’s Center in downtown St. Louis, MO. The Velocita Super Late Models and Summit Racing Equipment Modifieds will battle it out over three days with a $30,000 top prize for Super Late Models and a $10,000-to-win main event for Modifieds. 

Once again in 2024, fans unable to witness the one-of-a-kind event in person will be able to watch all three nights of racing live on FloRacing. If you're not already a FloRacing subscriber, click here to sign up today.