Elmer Saathoff Classic Headlines Octoberfest at Beatrice Speedway Oct. 9–11

By Ben Deatherage

BEATRICE, Neb. (Sept. 21, 2025) — The seasons are changing, and so is the 2025 campaign at Beatrice Speedway, where the annual Octoberfest will run Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 9–11, capped by the prestigious Elmer Saathoff Classic on Saturday night.

The weekend begins Thursday, Oct. 9, with an open practice session for all divisions from 6:00–9:00 p.m. Any class of cars is welcome, pit passes are $20, and admission to the grandstands is free.

Friday, Oct. 10, will feature a complete program for Friesen Performance IMCA Modifieds, Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars, Karl Chevrolet IMCA Northern SportMods, Sunoco IMCA Hobby Stocks, and Mach-1 IMCA Sport Compacts. Modifieds headline with $1,000 to win and $130 to start, while Stock Cars, SportMods, and Hobby Stocks will also race for $1,000 to win. Sport Compacts join the card with a $600-to-win program.

Pit gates open at 3:00 p.m., grandstands at 6:00, the drivers meeting and draw close at 6:30, opening ceremonies are at 6:55, and racing begins at 7:00.

Saturday, Oct. 11, kicks off early with breakfast served by Women for Racing under the grandstands from 8:00–11:00 a.m. Later in the day, the pits will be open to the public from 1:00–2:00 p.m. for Trailer Trick o’ Treating, giving young fans a fun and safe chance to dress up and meet drivers. A $100 prize will also be awarded for the best decorated trailer.

Racing that evening again features all five Speedway Motors IMCA divisions, with Modifieds paying $1,500 to win and $140 to start, while Stock Cars, SportMods, and Hobby Stocks each race for $1,500 to win. Sport Compacts return with another $600-to-win program. Pits and draw open at 2:30 p.m., grandstands at 5:00, the drivers meeting and draw close at 5:30, opening ceremonies are at 5:55, and heat races start at 6:00.

Admission prices are the same on Friday and Saturday. Grandstand tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors (65+) and veterans, and $15 for students ages 11–17, while children 10 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. Pit passes are $40, with ages 2 and under admitted free with a completed minor waiver.

Early registration is encouraged. For the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Northern SportMods, and IMCA Hobby Stocks divisions, entry fees are set at $40 for Friday and $50 for Saturday if completed by Oct. 7. After that date or on race day, fees increase to $50 for Friday and $60 for Saturday. Sport Compact entry fees are $20 per night.

Modified and Stock Car feature winners will be eligible to qualify for the 2026 All-Star Races at the Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s.

Fans unable to attend in person can watch both nights of racing live on IMCA TV.

For more information, contact Jerry Vansickel at 515-231-4046 or Tommy Denton at 402-239-9772.