Sport Compact Archives

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]

El Paso County Raceway Opens Season April 4 With IMCA Action

By Suzan McCroy CALHAN, Colo. (Apr. 3, 2026) — Engines fire and dirt flies Saturday, April 4 as El Paso County Raceway opens its 2026 season with a full night of racing featuring four Speedway Motors IMCA Weekly divisions, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun. El Paso County Raceway will host 10 IMCA race nights this season, featuring Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars, Karl Kustoms IMCA Northern SportMods, Sunoco IMCA Hobby Stocks, and Mach-1 IMCA Sport Compacts. Events will be held on a bi-weekly schedule from April through September. The Colorado Alliance Tour makes a special appearance Friday, July 17, when Karl Kustoms IMCA Modifieds will join the program. Opening night will feature an earlier start time, with heat races at 4:00 p.m. and main events scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Standard start times for the season will be 5:00 p.m., but cooler evening temperatures prompted officials to move up the opener. “We aren’t afraid to race on Easter weekend,” said promoter Joe Bellm. “We know God understands our passion for racing — we can celebrate both.” Fans can [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]

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]

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]

Speedway Motors IMCA Weekly Racing National Point Standings through March 26, 2026

Karl Kustoms IMCA Modifieds – 1. William Gould, Calera, Okla., 399; 2. Jared Maupin, Helotes, Texas, 362; 3. Luke Silber, Laveen, Ariz., 319; 4. Kollin Hibdon, Pahrump, Nev., 314; 5. Dylan Thornton, Belle Plaine, Iowa, 300; 6. Steven Whiteaker, Robstown, Texas, 287; 7. Jonathan Mawhinney, Las Vegas, Nev., 285; 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. Chaz Baca, Stanhope, Iowa, 260; 14. Cole Szlauko, Shell Beach, Calif., 256; 15. Bryson Yeager, Green River, Wyoming, 234; 16. Jake Pike, Pahrump, Nev., 218; 17. Jeff Larson, Freeport, Ill., 216; 18. Brian McCaughan, Scottsdale, Ariz., 214; 19. Jason Barnhill, Milton, Florida, and Justin Erickson, Glendale, Ariz., both 208. Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars – 1. Cameron Starry, Robstown, Texas, 598; 2. Shelby Williams, Bonham, Texas, 561; 3. Curt Lund, Redwood Falls, Minn., 470; 4. Blake Clark, Joshua, Texas, 413; 5. Dillon Richards, Wymore, Neb., 403; 6. Mike Albertsen, Audubon, Iowa, 400; 7. Kaden Woodie, [Read More]

14th Annual Sunflower Classic Returns to RPM Speedway March 26–28

By Ben Deatherage HAYS, Kan. (Mar. 24, 2026) — RPM Speedway will host the 14th Annual Sunflower Classic presented by Nutrien Ag Solutions on March 26–28 at the 3/8-mile Kansas oval, featuring a full slate of Speedway Motors IMCA competition. Karl Kustoms IMCA Modifieds headline the program and will race for $1,000 to win each night. Each night’s feature will serve as a qualifier for the Fast Shafts All-Star Modified Invitational to be held during the Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s in September. Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars will compete for $750 to win nightly, while Sunoco IMCA Hobby Stocks and Karl Kustoms IMCA Northern SportMods will each race for $500 to win. Mach-1 IMCA Sport Compacts will battle for $200 top prizes. The three-day program opens Thursday, March 26 with a Test-N-Tune session. Grandstand admission will be free that evening and pit passes are $25. Racing begins Friday, March 27 and continues Saturday, March 28 with two complete draw-redraw programs that pay full purses each night. Gates open at 3:00 p.m., hot laps [Read More]

Speedway Motors IMCA Weekly Racing National Point Standings through March 19, 2026

Karl Kustoms IMCA Modifieds – 1. Jared Maupin, Helotes, Texas, 331; 2. William Gould, Calera, Okla., 326; 3. Luke Silber, Laveen, Ariz., 319; 4. Kollin Hibdon, Pahrump, Nev., 314; 5. Dylan Thornton, Belle Plaine, Iowa, 300; 6. Steven Whiteaker, Robstown, Texas, 287; 7. Jonathan Mawhinney, Las Vegas, Nev., 285; 8. Brandon Beckendorf, Danube, Minn., 280; 9. Dean Abbey, Boyd, Texas, 271; 10. Ethan Braaksma, Newton, Iowa, 270; 11. Troy III Morris, Waterloo, Iowa, 264; 12. Chaz Baca, Stanhope, Iowa, 260; 13. Bryson Yeager, Green River, Wyoming, 234; 14. Jeff Larson, Freeport, Ill., 216; 15. Gage McCaughan, Scottsdale, Ariz., 210; 16. Justin Erickson, Glendale, Ariz., 208; 17. Spencer Hughes, Meridian, Mississippi, 193; 18. Cole Szlauko, Shell Beach, Calif., 190; 19. Tim Ward, Harcourt, Iowa, 189; 20. Steve Askew, Valley View, Texas, 182. Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars – 1. Shelby Williams, Bonham, Texas, 561; 2. Cameron Starry, Robstown, Texas, 558; 3. Curt Lund, Redwood Falls, Minn., 470; 4. Blake Clark, Joshua, Texas, 413; 5. Dillon Richards, Wymore, Neb., 403; 6. Mike Albertsen, Audubon, Iowa, 400; 7. Kaden [Read More]

Bitting Charges from Rear to Win Saturday Hobby Stock Show at Central Arizona

By Rowdy Briggs CASA GRANDE, Ariz. (Mar. 14, 2026) — A strong field of 24 Sunoco IMCA Hobby Stocks answered the call for the $1000 to win feature at Central Arizona. Matt Rice and Joel Magee led the field to green, with Magee taking the early lead. Steve Bitting Jr. spun on lap two and was sent to the rear but mounted an impressive comeback. Up front, Magee and Anthony Madrid battled, for the lead until lap 18, when Bitting charged past both drivers to take over the top spot. Bitting went on to score the win over Magee, Madrid, Charles McDaniel Sr., and Hannah Miller. He stated in his post-race interview that he lost brakes early but kept his car on the bottom and worked his way through the field. Ty Warner and Steve Bitting Jr. led the 18-car field to the green for Friday’s 20-lap feature. Bitting led the opening six laps before Anthony Madrid took over in the Rick Thornton Sr. machine. Madrid pulled away while Bitting battled Joel Magee for second. Madrid [Read More]

Saathoff Delivers Hometown Victory on Final Night of Beatrice Spring Nationals

By Ben Deatherage BEATRICE, Neb. (Mar. 14, 2026) — Jaxon Saathoff delivered a thrilling hometown victory in the Karl Kustoms IMCA Modified feature on the final night of the 33rd annual Spring Nationals at Beatrice Speedway. The Beatrice driver charged from ninth to win the 25-lap, $2,000-to-win main event, which served as a Fast Shafts All-Star Modified Invitational qualifier for the 2026 Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s and placed him on the eligibility list to attempt to qualify. The triumph marked Saathoff’s first Jet Racing Central Region win of the season and his first career Spring Nationals title — exactly 30 years after his father Johnny captured the event in 1996. Shawn Harker, last year’s Jet Racing Central Region and Nebraska State champion as well as the reigning Eagle Raceway track titlist, initially shot to the lead on the opening start. Bryson Yeager, a two-time Sweetwater Speedway champion, wrestled the top spot away on the backstretch and led the opening lap. A caution slowed the field on lap four, but Yeager executed the [Read More]