September 17, 2026

$30,000 Awaits Race for Hope 71 Winner at Batesville

By Ben Deatherage

BATESVILLE, Ark. (Sept. 17, 2026) — One of the richest Karl Kustoms IMCA Modified events of the entire season returns to Batesville Motor Speedway Sept. 30-Oct. 3 with First Community Bank’s 10th annual Race for Hope 71 presented by IMCA TV.

The four-day event culminates with a 71-lap championship feature paying $30,000 to win, while a deep purse will reward competitors throughout the field.

The runner-up will earn $12,500, with $11,500 going to third, $11,250 to fourth, and $11,000 to fifth. Sixth through ninth pay $10,800, $10,600, $10,400, and $10,200, respectively, while the 10th-place finisher will still collect $10,000.

The payout continues with $6,000 for 11th and $3,000 for 12th. Positions 13th through 17th pay $2,000, $1,900, $1,800, $1,700, and $1,600, respectively, with every starter finishing 18th through 30th earning $1,500.

In addition to the $30,000 payday, the Race for Hope 71 will serve as a qualifying event for the 2027 Fast Shafts All-Star Modified Invitational at the Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s, with the winner earning eligibility to attempt to qualify for the Invitational at Boone Speedway.

The event celebrates its 10th running in 2026 and has produced seven different winners over its first nine editions.

Ricky Thornton Jr. has been the most frequent visitor to victory lane, winning the inaugural event in 2017 before adding victories in 2019 and 2020. Kyle Strickler captured the 2018 edition.

Zane DeVilbiss became the event’s second multiple-time winner with victories in 2021 and 2025. Peyton Taylor won in 2022, Wendell Wallace prevailed in 2023, and Tom Berry Jr. took the checkers in 2024.

Race fans unable to make the trip to Batesville can watch all four days live on IMCA TV, where America comes to watch racing.

BatesvilleMotorSpeedway

Kay captures Thursday Race For Hope 74 IMCA Modified qualifier at Batesville

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Divisions

$30,000 Awaits Race for Hope 71 Winner at Batesville

By Ben Deatherage BATESVILLE, Ark. (Sept. 17, 2026) — One of the richest Karl Kustoms IMCA Modified events of the entire season returns to Batesville Motor Speedway Sept. 30-Oct. 3 with First Community Bank’s 10th annual Race for Hope 71 presented by IMCA TV. The four-day event culminates with a 71-lap championship feature paying $30,000 to win, while a deep purse will reward competitors throughout the field. The runner-up will earn $12,500, with $11,500 going to third, $11,250 to fourth, and $11,000 to fifth. Sixth through ninth pay $10,800, $10,600, $10,400, and $10,200, respectively, while the 10th-place finisher will still collect $10,000. The payout continues with $6,000 for 11th and $3,000 for 12th. Positions 13th through 17th pay $2,000, $1,900, $1,800, $1,700, and $1,600, respectively, with every starter finishing 18th through 30th earning $1,500. In addition to the $30,000 payday, the Race for Hope 71 will serve as a qualifying event for the 2027 Fast Shafts All-Star Modified Invitational at the Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s, with the winner earning eligibility to attempt [Read More]

Events

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News

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