Northern SportMod News

By Ben Deatherage CASA GRANDE, Ariz. (Jan. 29, 2026) — Belle Plaine, Iowa’s Dylan Thornton added another chapter to his dominant Winter Nationals run with a hard-fought victory in the Karl Kustoms IMCA Modified feature during the sixth night of the DeVilbiss Racing Chassis IMCA TV Winter Nationals powered by Pitt Stop Motorsports and Dynamic Drivelines at Central Arizona Raceway. The former Santa Maria, California, resident earned his fourth win of the 2026 event, his fourth victory of the year in the DeVilbiss Racing Chassis Western Region, and his sixth career Winter Nationals Modified triumph. Thornton, a three-division winner at the Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s, jumped to the early lead from the bottom groove before 2018 Razor Chassis North Central Region champion Brandon Beckendorf began applying pressure. Beckendorf took control on lap five and briefly stretched the advantage as the leaders navigated lapped traffic. A caution on lap 18 reset the field, and Thornton went to work on the outside, pulling alongside Beckendorf and completing the winning pass on lap 22. Beckendorf [Read More]

By Ben Deatherage CASA GRANDE, Ariz. (Jan. 28, 2026) — Ethan Braaksma from Newton, Iowa, captured his fourth career IMCA Modified Winter Nationals series victory with a hard-fought win in the Karl Kustoms IMCA Modified feature during the fifth night of the DeVilbiss Racing Chassis IMCA TV Winter Nationals powered by Pitt Stop Motorsports and Dynamic Drivelines at Central Arizona Raceway. The defending Winter Nationals champion and two-time Dakota Classic Modified Tour titlist drove the Trent Guest and Danny Meier-owned no. 111 to victory, earning his first win of the 2026 campaign in the DeVilbiss Racing Chassis Western Region. Braaksma jumped to the early lead at the drop of the green and immediately began setting the pace, while three-division Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s winner Dylan Thornton moved into second and methodically began closing the gap. A strong battle developed behind them as Jonathan Mawhinney and reigning Marshalltown Speedway track champion Kollin Hibdon fought for third, with Hibdon eventually securing the position. Lapped traffic became a factor by lap 13, and Braaksma navigated [Read More]

By Ben Deatherage VINTON, Iowa (Jan. 26, 2026) — The 4th Annual IMCA TV Clash On The Coast is set to return February 21–28, 2026, featuring four nights of racing at two premier Gulf Coast dirt tracks with expanded racer amenities and one of the most unique offseason experiences in IMCA competition.   It will feature three Speedway Motors IMCA Weekly divisions including the Karl Kustoms IMCA Modifieds, Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars, and Karl Kustoms IMCA Northern SportMods. The 2026 Clash On The Coast will be split between Northwest Florida Speedway in Baker, Fla., and Deep South Speedway in Loxley, Ala., continuing the successful dual-venue format that has defined the event’s rapid growth. Practice sessions are scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 21, at Northwest Florida and Thursday, Feb. 26, at Deep South. Full race programs will follow Sunday and Monday, Feb. 22–23, at Northwest Florida before the tour shifts to Deep South for the final two shows on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 27–28. Nightly payouts will pay $1,250 to win and $100 to start in each division, [Read More]

By Ben Deatherage CASA GRANDE, Ariz. (Jan. 26, 2026) — The first week of the DeVilbiss Racing Chassis IMCA TV Winter Nationals powered by Dynamic Drivelines and Pitt Stop Motorsports at Central Arizona Raceway delivered an incredible start to the 2026 season in the Copper State, with more than 240 teams from across the United States and Canada making the journey to the 3/8-mile clay oval. The three-division Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s winner from Belle Plaine, Iowa, Dylan Thornton, took care of business in the Karl Kustoms IMCA Modifieds, winning the first three nights of competition. One of those victories came in dramatic fashion, as Thornton edged out Mesa native and two-time national champion Chaz Baca Jr. by just 0.021 seconds in the second night’s feature. Baca, the runner-up in that close finish and the 2024 Winter Nationals champion, rebounded to capture the final-night win of the opening week. Three-time IMCA Sprint Car Super Nationals winner Curt Lund of Redwood Falls, Minnesota, claimed the opening Sunoco IMCA Stock Car feature before 2024 [Read More]

By Bill Martin FALLON, Nev. (Jan. 26, 2026)  – Colton Blankenship found himself with some pretty good company in just his second Karl Kustoms IMCA Northern SportMod season. Blankenship raced to four track championships, joining the likes of Sunoco IMCA Stock Car National champion Kelly Shryock and fellow IMCA Northern SportMod speedster Ryan Moser in earning so many local titles during the 2025 campaign. Winning four or more such crowns in a single IMCA season is a feat now accomplished 38 times by 48 different drivers. Blankenship has a further claim to fame in being the first from Nevada to complete that quest. “It was a little after midway of the season when we were leading at two tracks, we were right there in points going into the weekend at the third and I was close at the fourth when I realized it was really possible,” said Blankenship, who would reign at Battle Mountain Raceway, Lovelock Speedway, hometown Rattlesnake Raceway and Winnemucca Regional Raceway, understandably earning Nevada State championship as well. “We just tried to stay [Read More]

By Ben Deatherage CASA GRANDE, Ariz. (Jan. 24, 2026) — Chaz Baca Jr. scored his eighth career Winter Nationals series victory with a hard-fought win in the Karl Kustoms IMCA Modified feature during the fourth night of the DeVilbiss Racing Chassis IMCA TV Winter Nationals powered by Pitt Stop Motorsports and Dynamic Drivelines at Central Arizona Raceway. The two-time IMCA National champion also earned his first win of the 2026 campaign in the DeVilbiss Racing Chassis Western Region. The Mesa motorist jumped to the early lead and quickly separated himself as the top three checked out from the field. Kevin Williamson, the reigning Western Region champion in the Superior Fuel Cells-fielded no. 42, and Joey Price, the 2018 Montana State titlist in the Shawn Zelenka-provided no. 11*, battled for position behind the leader as Baca began working lapped traffic on lap 12. Pressure mounted in the closing laps when reigning Winter Nationals champion Ethan Braaksma reeled Baca in as traffic tightened the racing groove. A caution on lap 18 set up a green-white-checkered finish, but Baca [Read More]

By Ben Deatherage CASA GRANDE, Ariz. (Jan. 23, 2026) — Dylan Thornton of Belle Plaine, Iowa, continued his dominant run at Central Arizona Raceway with a commanding victory in the Karl Kustoms IMCA Modified feature during the third night of the DeVilbiss Racing Chassis IMCA TV Winter Nationals powered by Pitt Stop Motorsports and Dynamic Drivelines. The former Santa Maria, California native earned his fifth career Winter Nationals series victory, his third win of the 2026 event, and his third straight triumph in the DeVilbiss Racing Chassis Western Region. Thornton jumped to the lead immediately from the high side on the opening start and began pulling away as the green-flag run developed. Two-time defending Dakota Classic Modified Tour champion and reigning Winter Nationals champion Ethan Braaksma gave chase from the bottom groove in the Danny Meier and Trent Guest-owned no. 111, while a spirited mid-race battle for fourth between reigning Marshalltown Speedway track champion Kollin Hibdon and Tate Johnson provided the best fight inside the top five. A caution on lap 14 reset the field just [Read More]

By Ben Deatherage VINTON, Iowa (Jan. 22, 2026) — IMCA is proud to announce Karl Kustoms as the new national title sponsor of IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Northern SportMods, strengthening a long-standing relationship between the company and IMCA racing. Since their introduction in 1979, IMCA Modifieds have grown into the largest division of race cars in the United States. Known for fierce competition and unmistakable open-wheel design, the class continues to showcase many of the nation’s top racers at dirt tracks before standing-room-only crowds from coast to coast and border to border. Originating in 2005, the IMCA Northern SportMods have seen steady growth as tracks across the country look for a class that allows budget-minded drivers to get on, and stay on, the racetrack. The division has become a staple at a growing number of weekly racing facilities, valued for its affordability and competitive racing. A longtime supporter of IMCA racing, Karl Kustoms has been actively involved in the sport through sponsorship of tracks, events, and racing programs across the Midwest and beyond. That continued commitment [Read More]

By Ben Deatherage CASA GRANDE, Ariz. (Jan. 22, 2026) — Dylan Thornton, calling Belle Plaine, Iowa home these days, continued his Winter Nationals dominance with a dramatic victory in the Karl Kustoms IMCA Modified feature during the second night of the DeVilbiss Racing Chassis IMCA TV Winter Nationals powered by Pitt Stop Motorsports and Dynamic Drivelines at Central Arizona Raceway. The former Santa Maria, California, resident scored his fourth career Modified Winter Nationals series win, his second straight of the 2026 event, and his second consecutive victory in the DeVilbiss Racing Chassis Western Region. Thornton, a three-division winner at the Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s, took command on the opening start before an early caution regrouped the field. Two-time IMCA Modified National champion Chaz Baca Jr. quickly emerged as his primary challenger, stalking Thornton through multiple restarts and long green-flag stretches. After a caution on lap 10, Thornton briefly brushed the wall on lap 13, allowing Baca to close the gap and set up a fierce side-by-side battle that featured multiple slider exchanges [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 CASA GRANDE, Ariz. (Jan. 21, 2026) — Dylan Thornton turned in a commanding performance Wednesday night at Central Arizona Raceway in the Karl Kustoms IMCA Modifieds during the opening night of the DeVilbiss Racing Chassis IMCA TV Winter Nationals powered by Pitt Stop Motorsports and Dynamic Drivelines. Zane DeVilbiss, a two-time IMCA Modified National champion, grabbed the lead on the opening lap before an early caution slowed the pace. On the restart, multi-division Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s winner Dylan Thornton mounted a strong challenge, but a yellow flew before the pass could be completed. Thornton officially took control during the ensuing restart on lap six and began to stretch his advantage, navigating traffic efficiently. Behind him, two-time IMCA Modified National champion Chaz Baca Jr. and Brandon Beckendorf waged a hard-fought battle for fourth around the halfway mark. Thornton, who started third, checked out during the long green-flag run and never looked back on his way to his third career Winter Nationals victory in the Modified division and his first [Read More]

By Ben Deatherage BEATRICE, Neb. (Jan. 20, 2026) — Beatrice Speedway will kick off the 2026 racing season with the 33rd annual Spring Nationals, a three-day Speedway Motors IMCA Weekly Racing event scheduled for March 12–14 at the Gage County Fairgrounds. IMCA Modifieds, Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars, Karl Chevrolet IMCA Northern SportMods, Sunoco IMCA Hobby Stocks, and Mach-1 IMCA Sport Compacts will all compete during the Spring Nationals weekend. The event opens Thursday, March 12, with an open practice session. Pits will open at 5 p.m., with on-track practice scheduled from 6–9 p.m. Pit passes will be $25, and grandstand admission will be free. Friday night’s program will feature a $2,000-to-win IMCA Modified main event paying $150 to start. IMCA Stock Cars and IMCA Northern SportMods will each race for $1,000 to win and $100 to start, while IMCA Hobby Stocks will compete for $700 to win and $80 to start. Saturday night raises the stakes with IMCA Modifieds racing for $2,500 to win and $200 to start. IMCA Stock Cars will pay $1,500 to win [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]

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – XS Power Batteries returns to IMCA with contingencies and product for the IMCA points season and the IMCA Super Nationals. The XS Power Batteries team has partnered with IMCA to provide free shipping on all orders when using the promo code “IMCA” at check out.  Top 10 finishers in national point standings for IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sunoco Stock Cars, IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stocks, Karl Chevrolet Northern SportMods and Smiley’s Racing Products Southern SportMods all receive $100 product certificates from the Knoxville, Tenn., company. Rookies of the year in the same divisions, plus the Junior National Champion and Lady Eagle winner all receive S3400 12V racing batteries. Those awards will be presented during the IMCA national banquet this fall. First non-qualifiers for Modified, Stock Car, Hobby Stock and Northern SportMod main events at the IMCA Speedway Motors Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s also receive S3400 12V racing batteries.  Information about XS-branded batteries is available by calling 865 688-5953, on Facebook and at 4xspower.com. 

By Bill Martin THORNTON, Colo. (Jan. 19, 2026) – By making the most of his opportunities, Ryan Moser made his way into the IMCA history book. Winner of three of just 13 Karl Chevrolet IMCA Northern SportMod starts close to home in 2025, the Thornton, Colorado, hotshoe finished no worse than fifth in any of those outings. That consistency translated into a quartet of championships, track crowns at I-76 Speedway in Fort Morgan and Phillips County Raceway in Holyoke, and in both the Colorado Alliance Tour and the Great Plains IMCA Tour. Two-division star and Sunoco IMCA Stock Car National champion Kelly Shryock, and fellow Northern SportMod speedster Colton Blankenship were the only other drivers with four local crowns to their credit in 2025. “We usually get around 20 nights in, but it seemed like we had a lot of rainouts. Still, everything kind of just worked out,” said Moser, agreeing that the stars and all the circumstances aligned in his favor. Ryan Moser raced to a rare accomplishment, winning four local championships – two track [Read More]