By Ben Deatherage
SALINA, Kan. (May 15, 2025) — At 15 years old, Cale Lagroon is just starting to make a name for himself. But the Lagroon name? That’s already a staple in Kansas racing circles.
Currently wrapping up his sophomore year at Salina South High School, Cale is diving headfirst into the Friesen Performance IMCA Modifieds—a daunting move for any young driver, but especially for one with a legacy to uphold.
His father, Corey Lagroon, was a force to be reckoned with—a three-time Kansas State champion with four track titles at WaKeeney Speedway, three at RPM Speedway in Hays, two at Minneapolis Raceway, and a 2004 crown at Salina Speedway. Now, it’s Cale’s turn to take up the family torch, and he’s doing it in the unforgiving world of IMCA Modifieds.
Cale Lagroon (right) and his father Corey watch the on-track action from the fence. (Photo by Gary Cornelison)
But don’t mistake his youth for inexperience. Cale’s been chasing checkered flags since he was five years old, starting in go-karts around Salina and WaKeeney and venturing as far as Missouri to race. From there, he transitioned to Micro Sprints—a move that brought plenty of success.
In 2023, Cale captured a national championship in the Restricted 600cc Micros division, a milestone that put him on the radar as a driver to watch. The next year, he stepped up to Winged and Non-Wing A-Class 600cc competition, further sharpening his skills against top-tier competition.
Now, the big-time beckons.
Young Cale Lagroon joins his father Corey in victory lane after Corey’s win in the opening night of the 2016 Mid-America Clash at Salina Speedway. (Track Photo)
The Challenge of the Modifieds
Jumping into a Modified is a different beast altogether. The horsepower is up, the competition is stiff, and the learning curve is steep. But for Cale, the biggest adjustment has been under his feet.
“There is a lot more brake I’ve had to use in these Modifieds than I’ve ever had to use in Micros or anything else I’ve run,” he said.
He’s also adjusting to the balance between braking and throttle—a dance that can make or break a night.
“I wouldn’t say running these bigger tracks has been too much of a challenge,” Cale said. “I would say probably entering the corner, using the brake, and then throttling it up to get it to turn.”
That first Modified start came on May 3rd at Salina Speedway, a track he knows like the back of his hand. But knowing it and running it are two different things, especially when you’re sitting on the pole in your debut.
“I wasn’t too nervous going in,” Cale said. “Until I got into the redraw and drew a one. I was like, ‘Oh gosh.’ But I just figured out my line, ran my own race, and let everyone do their own thing.”
The result? A fifth-place finish. Not a win, but a solid first step in a division where few rookies even sniff the top five.
Salina’s Unique Corners
Salina Speedway isn’t just another track—it’s a study in contrasts. Turns three and four are tighter and sharper, while one and two open up, demanding a completely different approach from drivers.
“Three and four is sharper, but it opens up in one and two,” Cale said. “It’s way different, and both corners change your driving style.”
Cale has spent countless nights at Salina, watching his dad Corey wheel his Modified around the place. Now, he’s behind the wheel, applying what he’s learned and putting his own spin on things.
The #24C: A Family Affair
Cale rolls out the #24C—a number that’s more than just digits. It’s a tribute to his dad, Corey, with Cale’s personal touch added at the end.
“I wanted to run my dad’s number, but I put the ‘C’ on the end,” he said. “It just felt right.”
And there’s plenty of pride behind that number. Corey Lagroon didn’t just race; he won—a lot. Now, Cale’s out to carve his own legacy while keeping the family name relevant in the Kansas Modified ranks.
Cale Lagroon stands proudly next to his No. 24C Friesen Performance IMCA Modified, ready to tackle the 2025 season.
Beyond the Racetrack
For Cale Lagroon, racing is now the main focus. Once a three-sport athlete, he’s since traded in the pads and cleats for a fire suit and helmet. Football, basketball, and baseball are in the rearview mirror; now, it’s all about turning laps and gaining seat time.
Outside the cockpit, he’s found a couple of ways to unwind. Golf is a favorite, even if his skills are still a work in progress.
“It’s relaxing and nice to get your mind off of things,” he said. “Even though I’m not the best at it.”
Fishing is another way Cale unwinds, and with Mother’s Day just behind him, he recently spent some quality time on the water with his mom—a simple but cherished memory for a kid growing up fast.
A New Era for Salina’s Racing Scene
Cale isn’t just another young gun in the pits. He’s part of a new wave of Kansas racers looking to make their mark. With his dad’s legacy as a guiding light and a fifth-place finish already in the books, the goal for 2025 is simple: seat time, experience, and building a foundation for the future.
“This year, we’re going to focus on Salina, maybe hit RPM Speedway in Hays and WaKeeney,” he said. “But mostly, it’s about getting comfortable and getting more and more laps.”
Salina Speedway has seen its fair share of talents come and go, but with Cale Lagroon in the lineup, the future looks bright.
And for those planning to catch a race this summer, there’s more to Salina than just the speedway. A stop at The District Eat and Play offers go-kart racing, good food, and a chance to unwind before or after the night’s event.
For now, Cale Lagroon is all about putting laps under his belt and keeping the family tradition alive, one turn at a time. And with every green flag, he’s taking another step toward making his own name in Kansas racing.
