Southern SportMod News

By Ben Deatherage WEBSTER CITY, Iowa (Feb. 26, 2026) — Mitchell Machine reaches a significant milestone in 2026, celebrating 20 years as an official sponsor of IMCA Racing while continuing to supply dependable drivetrain components to racers across the country and beyond. Founded and operated by Ted Mitchell, the Webster City, Iowa-based company was born from hands-on necessity rather than business ambition. Mitchell’s journey into transmission manufacturing began in 1996 when his brother Jim entered the racing scene. “My brother Jim started racing in ’96 and I made his transmission for him,” Mitchell recalled. “It worked really good and other drivers noticed a difference in his car. They started asking what he was running and he told them, ‘I don’t know — my brother makes it.’ That’s how it all got started.” Early production centered around two-speed transmissions, but durability challenges — particularly cracked cases — pushed Mitchell to innovate. Around 2002, he began developing aluminum replacement cases, creating patterns based on the Saginaw stock three-speed transmission widely used in Stock Car competition at the time. [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 ABILENE, Texas (Feb. 21, 2026) — William Gould captured the Karl Kustoms IMCA Modified feature on the final night of the 32nd Annual Ice Breaker at Abilene Speedway, scoring the $1,000 victory in the 20-lap main event. The Calera, Oklahoma driver led from the outset aboard the Kenny Fryer Motorsports no. 60 to earn his first win of the season in the GRT Race Cars South Central Region. The race also served as a Fast Shafts All-Star Modified Invitational qualifier for the 2026 Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s, placing Gould on the eligibility list to attempt to qualify later this September. The 2013 National champion and eight-time reigning regional titlist snatched the lead immediately at the drop of the green and proved dominant through multiple stoppages. Gould was flawless on restarts following several early cautions while 2021 South Central Region Rookie of the Year Steve Askew settled into second and worked to keep pace. Askew faced heavy pressure from New Mexico’s Rob Moseley as the pair battled intensely for the [Read More]

By Ben Deatherage ABILENE, Texas (Feb. 20, 2026) — Cameron Starry continued his torrid early-season pace by winning the Sunoco IMCA Stock Car feature on the opening night of the 32nd Annual Ice Breaker at Abilene Speedway. The 20-lap, $1,000-to-win main event saw the Corpus Christi driver secure his seventh victory of 2026, all in the EQ Cylinder Heads Southern Region. The 2026 IMCA TV Winter Nationals champion and 2024 Dakota Classic Tour titleholder also earned a B&B Racing Chassis All-Star Stock Car Invitational qualifier, further adding to his existing eligibility for the event, which will be held at the 2026 Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s. Starry started third and quickly surged to the lead once the race got underway, building separation before an early caution reset the field. Blake Clark, a two-time EQ Cylinder Heads Southern Region champion, held firm in second while 2020 Grayson County Speedway IMCA Modified title winner Beau Collins applied steady pressure. Their duel allowed Starry to check out once again. Late cautions tightened the field, but Starry [Read More]

By Ben Deatherage                                                                                                       ESTHERVILLE, Iowa (Feb. 10, 2026) — AERO Race Wheels enters its 30th year as a valued sponsor of IMCA Racing, continuing a long-standing partnership that supports competitors across multiple Speedway Motors IMCA Weekly Racing divisions. AERO Race Wheels will again provide $40 product certificates toward the purchase of two wheels to designated finishers at 80 selected special events. Those events span the Karl Kustoms IMCA Modifieds, Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars, Sunoco IMCA Hobby Stocks, Stealth Racing IMCA Mod Lites, Karl Kustoms IMCA Northern SportMods, and Smiley’s Racing Products IMCA Southern SportMods. In addition, state champions in those same divisions, along with the Mach-1 IMCA Sport Compacts, will receive $25 product certificates. AERO also returns as the title sponsor of IMCA’s popular Feature [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]

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 Ben Deatherage ABILENE, Texas (Jan. 15, 2026) — Abilene Speedway will usher in their 2026 racing season in a big way with the 32nd Annual Ice Breaker, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, February 20–21, featuring four Speedway Motors IMCA Weekly divisions, including IMCA Modifieds, Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars, Smiley’s Racing Products IMCA Southern SportMods, and Mach-1 IMCA Sport Compacts. The Ice Breaker weekend will begin with an open practice session on Thursday, February 19, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Nightly race procedures for both Friday and Saturday will have the pill draw open at 3:00 p.m. and close at 5:45, followed immediately by the pit meeting. Each night of competition will award track, Texas State, and National points. Additionally, GRT Race Cars South Central Region points and EQ Cylinder Heads Southern Region points will be on the line for both IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Stock Cars. IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Stock Cars will each race for $1,000 to win per night. IMCA Southern SportMods will compete for $650 to win, while IMCA Sport Compacts [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]

By Ben Deatherage LINCOLN, Neb. (Dec. 10, 2025) — The best of the best in IMCA were honored Saturday night as national champions, rookies, track and state crown winners, special series titlists, and crew chiefs shared the spotlight at the 2025 IMCA national awards banquet. More than 600 drivers, crew members, sponsors, track officials, and family packed the ballroom at the Cornhusker Marriott. Despite blizzard-like conditions in the area, a near-capacity crowd was on hand to celebrate the accomplishments of IMCA’s 2025 champions. National champions recognized during the evening were Jeff Reay, Friesen Performance IMCA Modified; Zach Zeitner, Sunoco IMCA Late Model; Lee Goos Jr., RaceSaver IMCA Sprint Car; Kelly Shryock, Sunoco IMCA Stock Car; Cory Probst, Sunoco IMCA Hobby Stock; Landon Capps, Smiley’s Racing Products IMCA Southern SportMod; Brayton Carter, Karl Chevrolet IMCA Northern SportMod; Dillon Raffurty, Stealth Racing IMCA STARS Mod Lite; and John Martinez, Mach-1 IMCA Sport Compact. The Junior National Champion was Hunter Ferrell, and the Lady Eagle champion was Mylee JoAnn Goldwich-Rhames. Modified Regional championships went to Kevin Williamson in the [Read More]

By Ben Deatherage MOUNT PLEASANT, Tenn. (Dec. 4, 2025) — IMCA is proud to welcome SCE Gaskets as the official gasket of IMCA Weekly Racing, marking the company’s debut in the world of dirt track competition. The support of SCE will extend across IMCA’s highest seasonal honors. Complete engine gasket kits will be presented to each of the six Speedway Motors IMCA Weekly Division national champions, including the Friesen Performance IMCA Modified, Sunoco IMCA Stock Car, Karl Chevrolet IMCA Northern SportMod, Smiley’s Racing Products IMCA Southern SportMod, Sunoco IMCA Hobby Stock, and Sunoco IMCA Late Model title winners. Decal placement is required on both sides of every IMCA Stock Car, IMCA SportMod, and IMCA Hobby Stock throughout the season. This national program is paired with a strong presence at the Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s, where IMCA Modified, IMCA Stock Car, and IMCA Northern SportMod champions will also receive complete gasket kits during the industry’s most prestigious week-long event at Boone Speedway. To broaden racer participation throughout the year, SCE will additionally award [Read More]

VINTON, Iowa (Nov. 4, 2025) — IMCA drivers who piled up heat race wins this season can cash in with Allstar Performance gift cards — but they must submit proof by Nov. 18. Any driver who wins more than 10 heat races in 2025 is eligible for a $100 Allstar Performance gift card. The single driver with the most heat-race wins nationwide will receive a $250 Allstar Performance gift card. Gift cards will be presented during the IMCA National Banquet on Nov. 29. To be eligible, drivers must email a photo of their car showing the official heat-win decal in place, as distributed by tracks, to IMCA Marketing Integration & Sponsorship Director Carson Becker-Gramm at cbgramm@imca.com. Photos must be received no later than Nov. 18.

By Bill Martin WEATHERFORD, Texas  (Oct. 31, 2025) —   The planning for Christian Gaston’s 2025 rookie of the year run started early the season before. Younger brother Cameron topped point standings for first-year Smiley’s Racing Products IMCA Southern SportMod drivers in 2024. As was their goal, Christian made it two straight rookie crowns for Team Gaston this season, besting fellow Texan Colton Birmingham in a title chase that went all the way into September. “It would have been hard, my brother and I both racing for rookie the same season,” said Gaston, 23 years old and from Weatherford. “We had been just racing and having fun. Our grandfather Langston Layne is from the dirt track racing world and knew how this rookie of the year thing worked. He helped us set it in motion. Camo would run for it in 2024 and I’d run for it this year, it all worked out and we won back-to-back titles.” The Oklahoma State champion and eighth nationally, Gaston was runner-up to his brother at Southern Oklahoma Speedway. He [Read More]