Sport Compact News

By Suzan McCoy CALHAN, CO (Apr. 4, 2026) — The 2026 season roared to life at El Paso County Raceway with a full night of racing action across four Speedway Motors IMCA Weekly divisions, delivering competitive battles and standout performances across the board. Starting off the night, Layne Bellm of Broomfield dominated the Sunoco IMCA Stock Car feature, leading all laps from the pole to earn the win—her first in the EQ Cylinder Heads Northern Region. Brian Lessig Jr. crossed the line in second, followed by Brian Lessig Sr. in third. Phil Reid and Hunter Harvey rounded out the top five. The night’s largest field belonged to the Karl Kustoms IMCA Northern SportMods, where North Dakota’s Stan Tomlinson stole the show. Starting third, Tomlinson worked his way to the front to claim the win. Travis Palmer made an impressive run from seventh to finish second, with Scott Clay rounding out the podium. Hard chargers David Alvarez and James Jarnot completed the top five after starting deep in the field. In Sunoco IMCA Hobby Stock action, Brayson [Read More]

By Suzan McCoy HOLYOKE, Colo. (Apr. 8, 2026) — Racing returns to northeastern Colorado as Phillips County Raceway kicks off its highly anticipated season opener with the Colorado Alliance Tour (CAT). The weather looks great at 70 degrees and sunny for Saturday, April 11, with a start time of 6:00 p.m. Fans can expect an action-packed night featuring seven divisions to launch the 2026 racing season. Phillips County Raceway will feature five Speedway Motors IMCA classes for the season, hosting Karl Kustoms IMCA Modifieds, Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars, Karl Kustoms IMCA Northern SportMods, Sunoco IMCA Hobby Stocks, and Mach-1 IMCA Sport Compacts. Races are monthly, running April through August, skipping July. Two out of the four races will be CAT Tour events, known for challenging Colorado drivers to step outside their zip code to compete. The CAT Tour travels to five different Colorado dirt tracks and hosts eight races, bringing drivers more money and more bragging rights. BST Promotions is offering a Tri-State driver incentive. Nebraska and Wyoming drivers and fans will receive $5 off admission [Read More]

By Ben Deatherage TWIN LAKES, Wis. (Apr. 8, 2026) — MD3 Race Bodies returns for its 15th season as a sponsor of the Speedway Motors IMCA Weekly Racing program, continuing its support of competitors with contingency awards at the Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s. The Wisconsin-based manufacturer will again recognize top performers in both the Karl Kustoms IMCA Modified and Karl Kustoms IMCA Northern SportMod divisions. For the IMCA Modifieds, MD3 will award a $200 product certificate to the champion of Saturday’s Big Dance, along with $200 certificates to both front row qualifiers. IMCA Northern SportMod competitors will see the same awards structure, with the Big Dance champion and both front row qualifiers each receiving $200 product certificates. Sunoco IMCA Stock Car front row starters for Saturday’s Big Dance will each receive $200 product certificates, while the division’s championship car build through Harris Auto Racing will feature a new Camaro body provided by MD3. Mach-1 IMCA Sport Compact front row starters will also each receive $200 product certificates. The RaceSaver Nationals champion will [Read More]

By Rowdy Briggs CASA GRANDE, Ariz. (Apr. 4, 2026) — Marvin Mueller and Lukas Tellez set the tone early in Saturday’s Karl Kustoms IMCA Modified feature, swapping the lead through the first 13 laps in a strong battle up front. Luke Silber then worked his way into contention and took over the top spot. Once out front, he pulled away to score his fourth straight win at Central Arizona Raceway and in the DeVilbiss Racing Chassis Western Region. Justin Erickson finished second, followed by John Parmeley, Tellez, and Mueller. Jesse Patterson led early in Friday’s feature with Austin Kuehl and Silber locked in a thrilling three-wide fight for the lead at times. The battle intensified in lapped traffic before contact sent Patterson into the wall, collecting Kuehl. When things sorted out, Silber inherited the lead and went on to the victory. Kuehl rallied back through the field for second ahead of Terry Belcher Jr., Mark Carrell, and Montana snowbird C.R. Eisenzimer. Madrid Masters Saturday, Peterson Charges Friday in Hobby Stocks The feature got off to a [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 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 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 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]

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 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]

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]

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]