September 21, 2026

Battle for the Belt Brings Two Nights of Action to WaKeeney Speedway Oct. 16-17

Feature, Hobby Stock, Modified, News, Northern SportMod, Sport Compact, Stock Car

By Ben Deatherage

WAKEENEY, Kan. (Sept. 21, 2026) — Two nights of racing and a pair of All-Star Invitational qualifying opportunities headline the Battle for the Belt at WaKeeney Speedway on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 16-17.

Karl Kustoms IMCA Modifieds, Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars, Karl Kustoms IMCA Northern SportMods, Sunoco IMCA Hobby Stocks, and Mach-1 IMCA Sport Compacts will compete in complete shows both nights following an open practice Thursday, Oct. 15.

Saturday’s program will carry additional significance for the Modifieds and Stock Cars. The $3,000-to-win Modified feature will serve as a qualifying event for the 2027 Fast Shafts All-Star Modified Invitational, while the $3,000-to-win Stock Car feature will be a qualifier for the 2027 B&B Racing Chassis All-Star Stock Car Invitational.

The respective winners will earn eligibility to attempt to qualify for their All-Star Invitationals at the 2027 Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s at Boone Speedway.

Modifieds and Stock Cars race for $750 to win Friday, with $175 paid to start the 24-car features. Saturday brings a three-wide start and an increased purse of $3,000 to win and $300 to start.

SportMods and Hobby Stocks will each compete for $600 to win and $125 to start Friday. Their Saturday features will also start three-wide, with $2,000 awaiting each winner and $200 paid to start.

Sport Compacts race for $200 to win Friday, with Saturday’s three-wide feature paying $600 to win and $100 to start.

Friday and Saturday hot laps begin at 5 p.m., with racing to follow.

A one-time entry fee covering both nights is $200 for Modifieds and Stock Cars, $150 for SportMods and Hobby Stocks, and $50 for Sport Compacts. Tow money is equal to the entry fee and will be split between the two nights. Drivers must start a heat race to be eligible.

Competitors are encouraged to preregister for the Battle for the Belt through WaKeeney Speedway on MyRacePass.

Thursday’s open practice runs from 7-9 p.m.

The Battle for the Belt is promoted by Fifty1w Promotions, with Nutrien Ag Solutions among the event sponsors.

Race fans unable to make it to WaKeeney Speedway can watch both nights live on IMCA TV, where America comes to watch racing.

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