Texas Sprint Car Nationals Brings $5,000-to-Win Show to Kennedale May 9

Feature, News, Southern SportMod, Sprint Car, Stock Car

By Ben Deatherage

KENNEDALE, Texas (Apr. 8, 2026) — A new chapter begins at Kennedale Speedway Park as the former Michael Melton race transitions into the Texas 305 Sprint Car Nationals, a one-night, high-paying event set for Saturday, May 9.

The RaceSaver IMCA Sprint Car special will feature a $5,000-to-win main event with a total purse exceeding $20,000, offering multiple bonus opportunities that could see a driver earn as much as $9,000 in a single night. Incentives include $500 for quick time, $500 to win the pole dash, and a $3,000 bonus for leading every lap of the feature. Lap sponsorships will also be available at $100 per lap led.

Mike Frieri of Photos by Mike is a primary supporter of the event, alongside presenting sponsor 2nd Opinion Auto Center, owned by Dan and Patricia Harris of Haltom City, Texas.

“We wanted to create something big but keep it simple for teams,” said promoter James Lopez. “This is a one-night show that helps racers save on fuel, hotels, and travel expenses while still competing for a strong purse.”

Time trials, sponsored by Burress Plumbing Solutions, will set heat race lineups, with the fastest qualifier earning the $500 quick time award. The top two finishers from each heat will redraw for the $500-to-win pole dash, presented by 2nd Opinion Auto Center.

A total of 22 cars will start the feature, including two provisional positions sponsored by 2nd Opinion Auto Center. Standard fields typically start 20 cars, making the expanded lineup an added opportunity for competitors.

Pre-registration opens April 9 on MyRacePass, with an early entry fee of $100. Late registration increases to $160 after May 3. The first 30 pre-registered drivers will be entered into a drawing to win two general admission tickets and two pit passes.

In addition to the Sprint Car headliner, the program will also feature Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars and Smiley’s Racing Products IMCA Southern SportMods.

Pit parking opens at 10 a.m., with pit pass sales beginning at 3 p.m. Grandstands open at 5 p.m., and racing is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.

Pit passes are $35. General admission is free for kids five and under, $7 for ages 6–11, $15 for seniors and military, and $20 for adults.

For more information or to register, visit raceksp.com.

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