At last. After two formative seasons with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series defined by growing pains and nine runner-up finishes, Daulton Wilson emerged Saturday at East Bay Raceway Park as the breakthrough touring winner he’s always sought to be.

Daulton Wilson must face the hard questions. Since he buzzed off his poofy hair and the very look that’s earned him the nickname Big Perm, is he afraid he’s going to lose the moniker if the hair doesn’t grow back quick enough?

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series enters a brave new world when it kicks off the 2023 season Thursday at Golden Isles Speedway near Brunswick, Georgia. A new year will bring both new and familiar faces to the series this season.