Late Model News

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

By Ben Deatherage BANGOR, Wis. (Feb. 25, 2026) — Wehrs Machine & Racing Products continues its strong commitment to grassroots racing, entering its 15th year as a valued sponsor of IMCA competition. Led by founder Chad Wehrs, the Wisconsin-based company has become a familiar presence throughout Speedway Motors IMCA Weekly Racing pit areas, supporting racers through product development, contingency programs, and event partnerships across the country. “It’s very cool to be a part of IMCA,” Wehrs said. “It’s probably one of the best decisions we’ve made as a company, coming onboard back in 2011. They’re a great group of people, a great group of racers, and it’s our core market.” Wehrs Machine continues to bolster that partnership through an extensive contingency awards program spanning multiple divisions and premier events. The company will award $50 gift certificates to top-five finishers at each of 80 designated special events for Karl Kustoms IMCA Modifieds, Sunoco IMCA Late Models, Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars, Sunoco IMCA Hobby Stocks, Karl Kustoms IMCA Northern SportMods, and Smiley’s Racing Products IMCA Southern SportMods. Wehrs [Read More]

By Ben Deatherage CHINO HILLS, Calif. (Feb. 5, 2026) — Swift Springs is celebrating its 10th anniversary as a sponsor of IMCA in 2026, marking a decade-long partnership rooted in grassroots racing and performance-driven innovation. Swift Springs traces its roots to Tokyo Hatsujo Manufacturing Co., Ltd., founded in 1924 as a leader in spring technology. That engineering foundation entered motorsports in 1997 with the creation of Swift Springs, applying decades of manufacturing expertise to racing suspension. Since then, Swift has become a trusted name in American dirt track racing, known for producing lightweight, durable, and highly consistent coil springs designed to meet the demands of competitive racers. As part of its continued support of IMCA competitors, Swift Springs will again award a set of springs to each Rookie of the Year in the Karl Kustoms IMCA Modifieds, Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars, Karl Kustoms IMCA Northern SportMods, Smiley’s Racing Products IMCA Southern SportMods, Sunoco IMCA Late Models, and Stealth Racing IMCA Mod Lites divisions. In addition, the other four regional IMCA Modified rookies of the year will [Read More]

Karl Kustoms IMCA Modifieds – 1. Steven Whiteaker, Robstown, Texas, 153; 2. Cody Laney, Fort Dodge, Iowa, 152; 3. Izac Mallicoat, Boone, Iowa, 138; 4. Dean Abbey, Boyd, Texas, 134; 5. Chris Morris, Thorndale, Texas, and Troy III Morris, Waterloo, Iowa, both 132; 7. Jeff Taylor, Duncan, Okla., 128; 8. Spencer Hartwick, Rose Bud, Arkansas, 126; 9. Owen Barnhill, Milton, Florida, 125; 10. William Gould, Calera, Okla., and Jared Maupin, Helotes, Texas, both 119; 12. Brenda Kirby, Thorndale, Texas, 113; 13. Jason Barnhill, Milton, Florida, 104; 14. Ryan Doyon, Castroville, Texas, 97; 15. Rick Green, Bertram, Texas, and Chris Smith, Brewton, Alabama, both 90; 17. Steve Askew, Valley View, Texas, 86; 18. Robert Liese Jr., Schertz, Texas, 61; 19. Cody Tidwell, Georgetown, Texas, 52; 20. Rickey Talley, Adkins, Texas, 51. Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars – 1. Cameron Starry, Robstown, Texas, 215; 2. Shelby Williams, Bonham, Texas, 183; 3. Dan Mackenthun, Hamburg, Minn., 140; 4. Mason Martin, Kaufman, Texas, 139; 5. Beau Collins, Savoy, Texas, and Doug Holzmeister, Colby, Kan., both 136; 7. Cody Leonard, Sinton, [Read More]

By Ben Deatherage DONNELLSON, Iowa (Jan. 20, 2026) — Lee County Speedway will return to Speedway Motors IMCA Weekly Racing on Friday nights in 2026 under new promoter Darin Weisinger, featuring five sanctioned divisions that will crown track champions. The weekly lineup will include IMCA Modifieds, Sunoco IMCA Late Models, Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars, Karl Chevrolet IMCA Northern SportMods, and Mach-1 IMCA Sport Compacts. A 15-race schedule is currently planned at the historic 3/8-mile oval beginning April 24, with the first point-paying event set for May 1 and the final night for points on August 21. Drivers will earn track, Iowa State, and national points in all divisions. In addition, Razor Chassis North Central Region points will be awarded to IMCA Modifieds, while EQ Cylinder Heads Northern Region points will be on the line for Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars. Weisinger enters his first season promoting Lee County Speedway after spending several years in Illinois as a track manager. “This is a new venture for me at Lee County, and I’m excited,” said Weisinger. “I’ve been around [Read More]

By Ben Deatherage VINTON, Iowa (Jan. 13, 2026) — SR Promotions will bring Speedway Motors IMCA Weekly Racing back to West Liberty Raceway in 2026 with six race dates, while also expanding the weekly lineup at Davenport Speedway with the addition of Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars. West Liberty will host IMCA Modifieds, Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars and Karl Chevrolet IMCA Northern SportMods on a roughly once-a-month schedule. All events will be sanctioned and will pay Iowa State and National points, along with Razor Chassis North Central Region points for Modifieds and EQ Cylinder Heads Northern Region points for Stock Cars. Race dates at West Liberty Raceway are scheduled for Saturday, April 11; Wednesday, June 16; Wednesday, July 15; Saturday, September 5; and a two-day finale on Friday and Saturday, October 23-24. “Usually it’s just a fair race that we have sanctioned, but this year we’re able to do quite a bit more,” said promoter Jeff Struck, who enters his third year promoting at Davenport. “The West Liberty fair race on July 15 will have extra money [Read More]

By Ben Deatherage VINTON, Iowa (Jan. 6, 2026) — With the 2026 racing season approaching, the International Motor Contest Association (IMCA) is reminding competitors that completion of the official Contingency Form is required to qualify for contingency awards and manufacturer-supported benefits. IMCA’s contingency programs are built around long-standing partnerships with manufacturers and sponsors who support drivers throughout the season. Completing the Contingency Form ensures that this support is properly directed to eligible competitors based on their on-track performance. Available at www.imca.com/contingencies, the form allows IMCA to properly link drivers with participating sponsors and register competitors for reward programs offered throughout the season. Drivers who complete the form are eligible for contingency awards tied to on-track performance across all Speedway Motors IMCA-sanctioned divisions. Completing the Contingency Form is a simple process: IMCA’s contingency structure plays an important role in recognizing driver performance while reinforcing long-standing relationships with industry partners. Participation by competitors helps maintain and grow programs that provide meaningful benefits both during and beyond race night. Drivers with questions or needing assistance can contact Carson Becker-Gramm at contingencies@imca.com.

By Ben Deatherage VINTON, Iowa (Dec. 17, 2025) — The IMCA TV revenue sharing program continued to put money back into racers’ pockets in 2025, matching last season’s payout levels while expanding to more tracks and rewarding strong weekly support across the country. Fueled by IMCA TV Replay Subscription viewership of weekly and special events, the program once again turned digital exposure into direct financial benefits for drivers. More than 600 drivers qualified for IMCA TV bonus checks during the 2025 season. Revenue was generated from replays of weekly and special events at 54 tracks broadcast by IMCA TV or its affiliates, then distributed to drivers finishing in the top three in point standings in each sanctioned division at qualifying facilities. Drivers in the Friesen Performance IMCA Modified, Sunoco IMCA Late Model, RaceSaver IMCA Sprint Car and Sunoco IMCA Stock Car divisions receive checks of $255, $205 and $150. Karl Chevrolet IMCA Northern SportMod and Smiley’s Racing Products IMCA Southern SportMod competitors earn $155, $120 and $115, while Sunoco IMCA Hobby Stock, Stealth Racing IMCA STARS [Read More]