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November 6&7 at Southern National Motorsports Park
LUCAMA, NC (October 15, 2026) – As the 24th Annual North-South Shootout prepares for its November 6-7 debut at Southern National Motorsports Park, event organizers have announced the team of officials who will oversee competition and operations throughout the weekend.
Leading the effort at Southern National is track owner Michael Diaz, whose support has been instrumental in providing a new home for one of Modified racing’s longest-running traditions. Diaz and his family have embraced the opportunity to bring the North-South Shootout to Lucama, helping ensure the event’s legacy continues while introducing competitors and fans to a new venue.
Diaz has been involved in the ownership and operation of Southern National since purchasing the facility with partners in 2011. After reopening the track in 2012, he and his family have spent nearly 15 years building its racing program and welcoming a variety of regional and national touring series. Today, Southern National remains a family operation, with wife and co-owner Janet Diaz, daughter Trinity Diaz serving as Operations Manager, and son Mason Diaz involved in competition management.
“Good officiating is important to the success of any race, especially an event like the North-South Shootout,” said North-South Shootout owner Chad Kepley. “Michael and his team have put a lot of effort into bringing together the right people. We’ve got a good mix of experienced Modified officials and Southern National’s regular staff, and I think that’s going to make for a well-run, fair event.”
Mason will serve as Competition Director for the North-South Shootout, working alongside Race Director Brian Vance, who will oversee the on-track racing program. A Tennessee native and former longtime Race Director of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, Vance brings decades of experience and a reputation for fairness and consistency to the position.
The technical inspection team will feature a blend of familiar faces and new additions. Robert Pettitt, a longtime southern Modified racing official and one of the constants throughout the North-South Shootout’s history, returns to the event. Pettitt’s experience also includes officiating at Bowman Gray Stadium, where he has worked with competitors in one of Modified racing’s most demanding environments. A welcome addition is Todd Smith, a former Technical Director at Lancaster Motorplex in Lancaster, New York, and a current NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour official. Smith brings technical experience from both weekly short-track competition and national touring events. Joining Pettitt and Smith in technical inspection will be Rick Hunter, Johnny Murfey and Charles Lindberg.
A group of officials will also be stationed throughout the facility to help keep the program running smoothly. Terry Haley, Carrie Lindberg, Chris Heib, RJ Miller, Daniel Spence and Juston Ellis will serve in various officiating capacities throughout the weekend. David Casey and Christine Maki will manage timing and scoring, with Tim Hale handling flagging duties and Jim Bushee serving as pace car driver. Behind the scenes, grounds managers Caroline and Bobby Jo Pittman will help prepare and maintain the facility for the weekend’s activities.
The 24th Annual North-South Shootout takes place November 6-7, 2026. Saturday’s racing program will be headlined by the 125-lap Tour-Type Modified feature, with additional competition featuring 602 Modifieds, Chargers, Legends and Any Cars. For event schedules, tickets, competitor registration and additional information, visit www.SNMPark.com/NSS. For historical event and travel information, visit NorthSouthShootout.com
