Modified News

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 Gary Thomas WATSONVILLE, Calif. (Apr. 3, 2026) — Past Karl Kustoms IMCA Modified track champion Cody Burke of Salinas led all 25 laps in the first race of the season for the division at Watsonville Speedway on Friday. Burke hit his marks down low each time and held off a relentless Andrew Pierce to earn his first win of the year in the DeVilbiss Racing Chassis Western Region. Pierce, Troy Foulger, Logan Drake, and Nick DeCarlo followed him across the line. The Karl Kustoms IMCA Northern SportMods put on a fantastic main event for the fans. With track conditions in superb shape, the 20-lapper saw multiple leaders and a finish that wasn’t decided until the very end. Kingsburg’s Todd Carlock led the early stages in his no. 7 mount before having a moment midway through the contest. The always-fast Jason Ryan Jr. then took over and led the second half of the race, as he, Bo Crebs, and Austin VanHoff battled intensely. Lapped traffic created a frantic finish that saw VanHoff take full advantage, picking [Read More]

By Mike McGuire DAVENPORT, Iowa (Apr. 3, 2026) — When the green flag flies this month at Davenport Speedway, it will add another chapter to a tradition that began more than 100 years ago. The first official automobile race in Davenport was held July 12, 1901, at a one-mile horse track located on the present-day Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds. The current fairgrounds track dates back to 1920, making it one of the oldest active sports facilities in the Quad Cities. Racing has been a constant in Davenport, with only two interruptions coming in 1943 and 1944, when the Department of Defense banned motorsports during World War II. While the facility has a rich history, it has also seen significant upgrades in recent years, including MUSCO lighting, updated fencing, a new concession building with suites, and a new scoreboard featuring a large video screen. The 2026 season marks the third year for promoter Jeff Struck and SR Promotions at the helm, with a schedule that spans a wide range of dirt track competition. The first green flag of [Read More]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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) — A fast start to the 2026 season, combined with a strong finish to last year’s fall slate, has already produced 45 Karl Kustoms IMCA Modified drivers eligible to attempt to qualify for the Fast Shafts All-Star Modified Invitational. All drivers who win IMCA Modified features paying $1,000 or more to win are added to the eligibility list, giving them the opportunity to attempt to qualify for the Fast Shafts All-Star Modified Invitational, to be held during the Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s in September at Boone Speedway. Dylan Thornton led all drivers with four qualifier victories, winning all four features during the IMCA TV Winter Nationals at Central Arizona Raceway in January. Chaz Baca Jr. has recorded three qualifier wins, capturing two IMCA TV Winter Nationals features at Central Arizona Raceway and adding an IMCA TV Clash On The Coast victory at Blackwater Speedway in February. Jordan Grabouski, Ethan Braaksma, Jacob Pirkle, Troy Morris III, and Steven Whiteaker Jr. have each earned multiple qualifier [Read More]

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]

By Ben Deatherage WACO, Texas (Mar. 25, 2026) — A cherished Central Texas tradition returns in a big way as the 7th Annual Baby Blue Harcrow Memorial roars back to life on April 24 at Heart O’ Texas Speedway, bringing with it one of the richest Sunoco IMCA Stock Car paydays in the Lone Star State. The special event comes during a milestone season for the Waco oval, which celebrates 60 years of racing in 2026, and once again honors the life and legacy of “Baby Blue” Harcrow. A $3,000 payday awaits the winner of the 25-car, $300-to-start feature, with additional bonuses including a $315 Brazos Roofing Hard Luck Award in tribute to Baby Blue’s iconic numbers 3 and 15, a $250 Hard Charger award, and a Fastest Lap bonus. The Baby Blue Harcrow Memorial will also serve 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 in September. More than just a race, the event carries deep personal meaning [Read More]

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]