Late Model Archives

Merchant Storms from 16th to Capture Park Jefferson Modified Feature

By Chance Riley JEFFERSON, S.D. (Apr. 16, 2026) — The Karl Kustoms IMCA Modifieds were the stars of the show Thursday night at Park Jefferson Speedway with a thrilling 20-lap main event. For most of the race, it was a two-car battle for the lead between Shane DeMey and Brian Mahlstedt. But on the white flag lap, charging down the front stretch, R.J. Merchant of South Sioux City, Nebraska stormed from his 16th starting position to steal the win—despite a bent suspension. It was Merchant’s first victory of the year in the Razor Chassis North Central Region. DeMey finished second ahead of Duke Erickson, while Mahlstedt and Ricky Stephan completed the top five. The Karl Kustoms IMCA Northern SportMods also delivered an exciting 18-lap feature. Braydon Ahlers controlled much of the race, but Willy Kirk, who restarted at the back following an early caution, made a last-lap pass on the front stretch during a green, white, checkered finish to take the win. The Salix, Iowa driver earned his first victory of the season. Ahlers settled for [Read More]

Speedway Motors IMCA Weekly Racing National Point Standings through April 16, 2026

Karl Kustoms IMCA Modifieds – 1. William Gould, Calera, Okla., 585; 2. Jared Maupin, Helotes, Texas, 481; 3. Luke Silber, Laveen, Ariz., 399; 4. Jason Barnhill, Milton, Florida, 392; 5. Chris Smith, Brewton, Alabama, 381; 6. Jonathan Mawhinney, Las Vegas, Nev., 357; 7. Steven Whiteaker, Robstown, Texas, 343; 8. G. W. IV Egbert, Belton, Texas, 336; 9. Trevor Egbert, Belton, Texas, 333; 10. Kollin Hibdon, Pahrump, Nev., 314; 11. Dylan Thornton, Belle Plaine, Iowa, 300; 12. Jake Pike, Pahrump, Nev., 298; 13. Greg Hopkins, Repton, Alabama, 287; 14. Justin Erickson, Glendale, Ariz., 282; 15. Brandon Beckendorf, Danube, Minn., 280; 16. Dean Abbey, Boyd, Texas, 271; 17. Ethan Braaksma, Newton, Iowa, and Gage McCaughan, Scottsdale, Ariz., both 270; 19. Troy III Morris, Waterloo, Iowa, 264; 20. Mark Carrell, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., 263. Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars – 1. Cameron Starry, Robstown, Texas, 714; 2. Blake Clark, Joshua, Texas, 592; 3. Shelby Williams, Bonham, Texas, 561; 4. Curt Lund, Redwood Falls, Minn., 470; 5. Dillon Richards, Wymore, Neb., 403; 6. Mike Albertsen, Audubon, Iowa, 400; 7. [Read More]

Sobbing Holds Off Late Charge for Thrilling IMCA Late Model Win at Park Jefferson

By Chance Riley JEFFERSON, S.D. (Apr. 10, 2026) — The Sunoco IMCA Late Models set the tone for the night at Park Jefferson Speedway, with Jesse Sobbing of Malvern, Iowa taking the early lead from Jordan Krug. Sobbing paced the field but had to withstand a last-lap slider attempt from Zach Zeitner, holding on at the line for his first Late Model win of the year and his second Speedway Motors IMCA Weekly victory of 2026, following a Sunoco IMCA Stock Car score during the Beatrice Spring Nationals. Zeitner finished second, followed by Krug, Landen Rojewski, and Cody Thompson. The Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars delivered a strong run as Mike Vondrak led much of the feature before Dan Mackenthun went to work. Charging from 11th, Mackenthun methodically worked the bottom groove to take over and drive away to his first EQ Cylinder Heads Northern Region win of the season. The Hamburg, Minnesota driver piloted the Jared Fasching-owned no. 7X to victory. Travis Barker was second, Ryan Harris third, with Greg Peck and Jordan Rogotzke completing the [Read More]

TomCat Performance and Carolina Racing Supply Mark 15 Years as IMCA Sponsors

By Ben Deatherage MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Apr. 7, 2026) — TomCat Performance and Carolina Racing Supply return for their 15th season as sponsors of the Speedway Motors IMCA Weekly Racing program, continuing their support of competitors across multiple divisions with awards at the Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s. The North Carolina-based companies will again provide a variety of awards during Super Nationals, recognizing both top finishers and hard-fought efforts throughout the week. In Karl Kustoms IMCA Modifieds, Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars, Sunoco IMCA Hobby Stocks, and Karl Kustoms IMCA Northern SportMods, a set of TomCat deluxe toe plates will be awarded to the first non-qualifier in points for Saturday’s Big Dance. In Stealth Racing IMCA Mod Lites, each heat race winner will receive a wheel cover, while the Big Dance champion earns a set of four wheel covers. Champions in all Super Nationals Big Dance divisions, including Sunoco IMCA Late Models and Mach-1 IMCA Sport Compacts, will receive custom-wrapped TomCat pit mats. Custom-wrapped pit mats will also be awarded to winners of the Race [Read More]

Performance Distributors Marks 20 Years as IMCA Sponsor, Continues National and Super Nationals Awards

By Ben Deatherage MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Apr. 7, 2026) — Performance Distributors returns for its 20th season as a sponsor of the Speedway Motors IMCA Weekly Racing program, continuing its longtime support of competitors across multiple divisions. The Memphis, Tennessee-based manufacturer remains a leader in ignition system innovation, highlighted by its flagship D.U.I. (Davis Unified Ignition) products, which are used in a wide range of racing and performance applications worldwide. Built on a foundation of hands-on racing experience, Performance Distributors continues to focus on quality, durability, and performance through rigorous testing and in-house manufacturing. At the national level, Performance Distributors will again recognize top drivers across IMCA divisions. Both the Sunoco IMCA Late Model national champion and national rookie of the year will receive D.U.I. distributors. Second through fifth place finishers in national Late Model standings earn $50 product certificates. Top eligible drivers in both Stock Car regions and both Hobby Stock regions will also receive D.U.I. distributors. Eligible runners-up in each division earn $100 product certificates, with $75 awarded for third, $50 for fourth, and $25 [Read More]

Kirkey Racing Fabrication Marks 20 Years as IMCA Sponsor, Continues National and Super Nationals Awards

By Ben Deatherage ST. ANDREWS WEST, Ont. (Apr. 6, 2026) — Kirkey Racing Fabrication returns for its 20th season as a sponsor of the Speedway Motors IMCA Weekly Racing program, continuing its longstanding support of competitors across multiple divisions. The Canada-based manufacturer will again recognize top performers at the national level. The Karl Kustoms IMCA Modified national champion will receive an 86 Series layback containment seat, while the RaceSaver IMCA Sprint Car national champion earns an 85 Series containment seat, with both awards presented during the IMCA national banquet in November. Kirkey will also distribute $250 product certificates to champions in the remaining IMCA divisions, along with awards for the Junior National Champion and the Lady Eagle competitor. At the Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s, Kirkey will award two $150 product certificates in each division, distributed to drivers finishing in mystery positions between fifth place and the final finishing position in Saturday’s Big Dance for Karl Kustoms IMCA Modifieds, Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars, Karl Kustoms IMCA Northern SportMods, Sunoco IMCA Hobby Stocks, Sunoco [Read More]

Velocita Marks 15 Years as IMCA Sponsor, Awards Multiple Firesuits at Super Nationals

By Ben Deatherage CLEMMONS, N.C. (Apr. 6, 2026) — Velocita continues its longstanding support of IMCA in 2026, marking 15 years as a sponsor of the Speedway Motors IMCA Weekly Racing program and providing a wide array of awards at the Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s. The North Carolina-based manufacturer will again award custom firesuits across multiple divisions during Super Nationals, recognizing both top performers and special participants throughout the week. In the Karl Kustoms IMCA Modified division, Velocita will award a “Team Racing” firesuit to the first non-qualifier in points for Saturday’s Big Dance. Each participant in the Fast Shafts All-Star Modified Invitational will also receive a custom Velocita firesuit. For Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars, Karl Kustoms IMCA Northern SportMods, and Sunoco IMCA Hobby Stocks, a custom firesuit will be awarded to the first non-qualifier in points for Saturday’s Big Dance. Sunoco IMCA Late Model, Mach-1 IMCA Sport Compact, and Stealth Racing IMCA Mod Lite Big Dance champions will each receive a custom firesuit, with Mod Lites awarded on Sunday, Late Models [Read More]

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]

KSE Racing Products Celebrates 30 Years of IMCA Support

By Ben Deatherage WHITE HOUSE, Tenn. (Mar. 30, 2026) — KSE Racing Products marks a major milestone in 2026, celebrating 30 years as a valued partner of the Speedway Motors IMCA Weekly Racing program. The White House, Tennessee-based manufacturer continues its long-standing support of grassroots racing, renewing awards for Karl Kustoms IMCA Modified, Sunoco IMCA Late Model, RaceSaver IMCA Sprint Car, Sunoco IMCA Stock Car, Karl Kustoms IMCA Northern SportMod, and Smiley’s Racing Products IMCA Southern SportMod competitors, including $100 product certificates to be awarded at designated specials throughout the season. The Modified National champion receives a KSE tandem power steering/fuel pump. Second through fifth place finishers in the national standings receive $200 product certificates, while sixth through 10th place drivers earn $100 certificates. The Sprint Car National champion receives a Gen2 power steering gear, with second through 10th place finishers in national standings receiving $100 product certificates. Modified regional rookies, along with the national rookies of the year in the Stock Car, Northern SportMod, and Southern SportMod divisions, each receive a 700 Series steering box. [Read More]

Sunoco IMCA Late Model Bonus Money Nights Return for 2026 Season

By Ben Deatherage VINTON, Iowa (Mar. 30, 2026) — Sunoco IMCA Late Model drivers will once again have added incentive to chase checkered flags this season, as the 2026 Bonus Money Nights program returns with a 15-race slate across Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, and South Dakota. The program rewards the highest eligible finisher at each event with a $300 bonus, along with a Sunoco fuel jug, a Sunoco hat, and a Sunoco IMCA door panel trophy. To ensure a wide range of competitors share in the rewards, drivers can only earn the bonus once per season, guaranteeing 15 different recipients over the course of the schedule. In addition to the bonus payout, several contingency certificates will be distributed each night from IMCA sponsors, recognizing performances such as top-five finishes, hard charger efforts, and hard luck recipients. These include a certificate from Penske Racing Shocks and a right rear quarter panel from STAKT Products. The 2026 schedule opens May 1 at Highway 39 Speedway in Denison, Iowa, and continues May 2 at Shelby County Speedway in Harlan. Lee [Read More]