Ryan Clark

MPI Continues IMCA Partnership, Awards Steering Wheels at Super Nationals and RaceSaver Nationals

By Ben Deatherage MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Apr. 3, 2026) — Max Papis Innovations (MPI) will continue its partnership with IMCA in 2026, bringing its racer-built steering wheel technology back to the Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s while also awarding the top rookie at the RaceSaver Nationals. Founded in 2009 by Max Papis and his wife Tatiana Fittipaldi Papis, MPI is based in Mooresville, North Carolina, and has grown into a respected name in motorsports steering wheel design and manufacturing. Max Papis brings decades of experience behind the wheel, having competed at the highest levels of motorsports, including Formula 1. That extensive background helped shape MPI’s mission — to deliver state-of-the-art products designed by racers, for racers. Throughout his career, Papis collaborated with leading steering wheel manufacturers, building the knowledge and passion that ultimately led to the creation of MPI. Safety and construction remain at the forefront of MPI’s philosophy. Each product undergoes rigorous internal testing, including extreme torque structural evaluations and stress testing designed to simulate real-world racing impacts. These measures ensure durability and [Read More]

Speedway Motors IMCA Weekly Racing National Point Standings through April 2, 2026

Karl Kustoms IMCA Modifieds – 1. William Gould, Calera, Okla., 473; 2. Jared Maupin, Helotes, Texas, 362; 3. Jonathan Mawhinney, Las Vegas, Nev., 322; 4. Luke Silber, Laveen, Ariz., 319; 5. Kollin Hibdon, Pahrump, Nev., 314; 6. Dylan Thornton, Belle Plaine, Iowa, 300; 7. Steven Whiteaker, Robstown, Texas, 287; 8. Brandon Beckendorf, Danube, Minn., 280; 9. Dean Abbey, Boyd, Texas, 271; 10. Ethan Braaksma, Newton, Iowa, and Gage McCaughan, Scottsdale, Ariz., both 270; 12. Troy III Morris, Waterloo, Iowa, 264; 13. G. W. IV Egbert, Belton, Texas, 262; 14. Chaz Baca, Stanhope, Iowa, 260; 15. Jake Pike, Pahrump, Nev., 258; 16. Gavyn Manning, Bakersfield, Calif., and Cole Szlauko, Shell Beach, Calif., both 256; 18. Jason Barnhill, Milton, Florida, 248; 19. Markus Frazier, Santa Maria, Calif., 244; 20. Chris Smith, Brewton, Alabama, 241. Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars – 1. Cameron Starry, Robstown, Texas, 598; 2. Shelby Williams, Bonham, Texas, 561; 3. Blake Clark, Joshua, Texas, 491; 4. Curt Lund, Redwood Falls, Minn., 470; 5. Dillon Richards, Wymore, Neb., 403; 6. Mike Albertsen, Audubon, Iowa, 400; 7. [Read More]

Anthony Davis: Signals, Service, and a Return to Racing

By Ben Deatherage ESSEX, Iowa (Apr. 3, 2026) — Before the racetrack, before the roar of engines and the rhythm of laps, Anthony Davis was a 19-year-old soldier deployed to Afghanistan, surrounded by steep mountain ranges, dust-covered valleys, and isolated outposts in a world few ever truly understand. One week in, and he was in the middle of nowhere with an explosive ordnance disposal unit, watching controlled detonations rip through the silence. The next, he was inside a forward operating base taking mortar fire. Then, just as quickly, he was sitting down with members of the Afghan National Army, sharing a meal and planning the next mission. “It was unreal,” Davis said. “I had no idea what I was doing at first. It was a culture shock, but at the same time, it was an amazing experience.” As a satellite communications specialist, Davis had a role that placed him at the center of everything. “I had the coolest job,” he said. “I got to go on every mission, be part of everything that was happening.” Those [Read More]

All-Star Shootout Returns for 2026 With Increased Payouts and All-Star Qualifiers Each Night

By Ben Deatherage VINTON, Iowa (Apr. 2, 2026) — Bigger paydays and a full slate of All-Star qualifying opportunities headline the return of the All-Star Shootout, which brings four consecutive nights of racing across Oklahoma and Texas from May 21 through May 24. Karl Kustoms IMCA Modifieds, Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars, and Smiley’s Racing Products IMCA Southern SportMods will again anchor the tour, with increased payouts across all three divisions. Modifieds will race for $1,250 to win and $125 to start each night, while Stock Cars and Southern SportMods will compete for $1,000 to win and $100 to start. All four nights of the tour will serve as Fast Shafts All-Star Modified Invitational and B&B Racing Chassis All-Star Stock Car Invitational qualifiers, giving drivers multiple opportunities to add their names to the eligibility lists ahead of the Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s in September. The 2026 tour opens Thursday, May 21 at Southern Oklahoma Speedway in Ardmore, followed by Friday, May 22 at Grayson County Speedway in Bells. The series then heads to [Read More]

Dodge City Raceway Park Ready For 2026 IMCA Weekly Schedule With Added Incentives

By Ben Deatherage DODGE CITY, Kan. (Apr. 2, 2026) — Dodge City Raceway Park is set for an exciting 2026 campaign, featuring nine nights of Speedway Motors IMCA Weekly Racing action from April 18 through September 26. Four divisions will headline the weekly program, including Karl Kustoms IMCA Modifieds presented by Turbine Bar & Grill, Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars presented by O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, Karl Kustoms IMCA Northern SportMods presented by Murphy Tractor, and Sunoco IMCA Hobby Stocks presented by Midas Brakes and Alignment. Track management is also introducing new incentives for competitors throughout the season. “If you haven’t raced with us at Dodge City, we want to welcome you down,” said Kyler Fetters. “If you’re a registered driver with DCRP, all driver pit passes are $20 all year long.” Fetters enters his fourth season as general manager of Dodge City Raceway Park and continues to build on the track’s strong foundation in IMCA competition. In addition, a new program rewards feature drivers. If a main event goes green to checkered without a caution, all drivers [Read More]

Danell Rallies Back for Thunderbowl Triumph with California 305 Sprint Series

By Brad Kennedy TULARE, Calif. (Mar. 28, 2026) — Conner Danell turned adversity into victory Saturday night at Thunderbowl Raceway, charging to his first California 305 Sprint Series win after rebounding from a violent crash just 24 hours earlier. The Visalia driver and his team thrashed overnight to repair his car following a nasty tumble during Friday heat race action. Starting third in Saturday’s 25-lap feature, Danell wasted no time getting to work, ripping the middle groove in the early laps to take control. Davey Pombo set the early pace, but a slip in turns one and two opened the door for Danell, who capitalized to take over the top spot. The two front-runners kept each other honest throughout the race. At one point, Danell stretched his advantage to a straightaway lead, but as the race reached the midway point, that margin began to shrink as Pombo mounted a furious charge. Pombo erased a 2.5-second deficit in just a handful of laps and made multiple bids for the lead, including a strong move to the inside [Read More]

Smith Scores First Career Carolina Sprint Tour Victory at Lavonia Speedway

By Evan McCrory LAVONIA, Ga. (Mar. 28, 2026) — The Carolina Sprint Tour presented by GSR Chassis made its lone appearance in the Peach State Saturday night, bringing 18 RaceSaver IMCA Sprint Cars to Lavonia Speedway for an action-packed program. Ontario, Canada’s Josh Shantz and Floridan Robbie Smith—making just his second weekend start with the series—led the field to green. Smith wasted no time asserting himself, grabbing the lead in the opening corners and quickly establishing control out front. A lap three incident involving George Loux and Dillan Baldwin brought out the first caution, though both drivers were able to continue. On the restart, Smith once again pulled away from Shantz and the rest of the field. The race’s second caution came on lap 20 when Ben McCall spun in front of the leaders. Another stoppage with two laps remaining, involving Chris Humblet, set up a dramatic finish. On the ensuing restart, Trevor Gach went over the wheel of another car and flipped in turn four. Gach was uninjured. On the final restart, Smith remained composed [Read More]

Schwien Stuns Field with Last-Corner Pass in Sport Compact Thriller at RPM’s Sunflower Classic

By Sheldon Wickwar HAYS, Kan. (Mar. 28, 2026) — The Mach-1 IMCA Sport Compacts delivered one of the races of the night on the final night of the 14th Annual Sunflower Classic at RPM Speedway, with their 15-lap feature kicking off with Kiowa Higdon and Makennon Sanders on the front row. Early trouble for both drivers opened the door for Johnny Thomas and Connor Schwien to charge forward. A thrilling three-car battle developed between Schwien, J.D. Renfro, and Thomas, with the trio swapping positions in the closing laps. Schwien made a bold move in the final corner to steal the win and secure his first victory of 2026. Russell’s Schwien took the win, followed by Cheyenne, Wyoming’s J.D. Renfro in second and Beatrice, Nebraska’s Johnny Thomas in third. Kyle Mortensen finished fourth, with Gage Porter rounding out the top five. Schwien also earned hard charger honors, gaining 14 spots on his way to victory lane. Kiowa Higdon, Johnny Thomas, and Kaishen Brack each picked up heat race wins. Friday night’s feature was won by Johnny Thomas, [Read More]

Taylor Takes Batesville Stock Car Victory at Wimp Reed Memorial Arkansas Spring Nationals

By Ben Deatherage LOCUST GROVE, Ark. (Mar. 28, 2026) — Peyton Taylor capitalized on early misfortune and never looked back in winning the Sunoco IMCA Stock Car feature at the Wimp Reed Memorial Arkansas Spring Nationals. The 25-lap, $1,500-to-win main event served as a qualifier for the B&B Racing Chassis All-Star Stock Car Invitational to be held during the Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s, placing Taylor on the eligibility list to attempt to qualify. Taylor assumed command just a few laps into the race after early leader Curtis Cook, who had grabbed the point on the opening circuit from the bottom, suffered mechanical issues and was forced to retire. Once out front, Taylor — wheeling the Cadillac Chassis house car no. 11T for car owner Jack Sullivan — quickly built a sizeable advantage. Behind him, a spirited battle for second developed between 2024 Natural State Nationals winner Hayden Linn and T.J. Herndon, the winner of the final night of the 2024 Arkansas Spring Nationals. Herndon initially secured the runner-up spot before a caution [Read More]

King Holds Strong at Watsonville for First SportMod Triumph

By Gary Thomas WATSONVILLE, Calif. (Mar. 27, 2026) — The Karl Kustoms IMCA Northern SportMods brought a fantastic 24-car field to Watsonville Speedway on Friday. Pismo Beach driver Landon King rocketed out to the early lead in the 20-lap finale. Bakersfield’s Nicholas Johnson was on the move right from the get-go and assumed the runner-up spot on lap eight. Johnson applied pressure to King and seemed to have the speed to win, but got into a spin seven circuits shy of the finish to draw a caution. King, who cut his teeth in Outlaw Karts, went on to tally his first Watsonville Speedway IMCA Northern SportMod triumph. Following King across the stripe were Ethan Johnson, Jason Bannister, Danny Wagner, and Buddy Kniss. The Watsonville Speedway debut of the Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars saw the main event go right down to the wire. A solid field of 16 IMCA Stock Cars came out and provided some excellent action in their finale. Atwater racer Mike Villanueva ended up leading all 20 laps, but he certainly had to work [Read More]