i96speedway

Feature

Smith Scores $3,000 I-96 Modified Triumph

By Justin Sharp LAKE ODESSA, Mich. (May 8, 2026) — Casey Smith captured a lucrative $3,000 Karl Kustoms IMCA Modified victory Friday night at I-96 Speedway, earning Fast Shafts All-Star Invitational qualifying eligibility in the process. The Portland driver started seventh and methodically worked his way into contention in a feature that quickly became a battle of survival and late-race positioning. Mark Anderson and Bree Wonch led the field to the green flag, but Myron DeYoung soon raced into the lead and controlled much of the event. Disaster struck for DeYoung late in the race, however, when mechanical trouble knocked him from contention and handed the top spot to Smith, who had been applying steady pressure. A late caution ultimately shortened the race due to time limitations, allowing Smith to secure his first victory of the season in the Close Racing Supply Eastern Region. The win also placed him on the Fast Shafts All-Star Invitational eligibility list for the 2026 Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s. Smith completed a sweep of the evening after [Read More]

Events

I-96 Speedway Hosts $3,000-to-Win IMCA Modified Special June 6

By Ben Deatherage LAKE ODESSA, Mich. (May 27, 2025) — A rich payday is on the line Friday, June 6, as I-96 Speedway welcomes the Friesen Performance IMCA Modifieds—presented locally by Hubbco Race Products—for one of Michigan’s highest-paying Modified events with $3,000 to win. The historic 4/10-mile dirt oval in Lake Odessa, which began IMCA sanctioning in 1988, has long been a cornerstone for Modified competition in the Great Lakes region. That legacy continues in 2025 as the event draws top regional and national talent. “I-96 Speedway is excited to bring a big-money event for the Modifieds,” said Larry Curtiss, owner of the facility. “Our goal is to keep building momentum for IMCA racing in Michigan and to give fans and drivers a standout show.” Along with the $3,000 winner’s share, Speedway Motors IMCA Weekly Racing National, DeVilbiss Racing Eastern Region, and Michigan State points will be awarded. The winner will also be added to the eligibility list for the Fast Shafts All-Star Modified Invitational, held during the Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s [Read More]

Events

IMCA Modifieds race for $1,200 to win, All-Star ballot berth May 21 at Michigan’s I-96

LAKE ODESSA, Mich. – A $1,200 top prize and a Fast Shafts All-Star Invitational ballot berth are at stake Friday, May 21 at I-96 Speedway.  The feature pays a minimum of $200 to start with IMCA Speedway Motors Weekly Racing National, Dirt Works Eastern Region, KMJ Performance State and track points to be awarded at the draw/redraw show. There is no entry fee. Pit gates open at 4 p.m., the grandstand opens at 5 p.m., hot laps are at 6:45 p.m. and racing starts at 8 p.m. Grandstand admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, $5 for kids ages 6-11 and free for ages five and under. More information is available by calling the track at 616 642-0555. Another $1,200 to win, draw/redraw Fast Shafts race for the Modifieds is scheduled Aug. 20 during the Allstar Circuit of Champions program at Lake Odessa.

Feature

Ward tops 100 win mark with twinbill sweep at I-96

IONIA, Mich. – The track where A.J. Ward started his racing career became the track where he won his career 100th and 101st IMCA Modified features. Ward, from Ionia, Mich., became the 54th driver in division history, and just the second IMCA Modified driver this season to reach the 100-win mark, topping both scheduled and make-up features on Aug. 26 at I-96 Speedway. “I started racing here in a street stock. It’s good to be able to get my 100th win at my home track,” he said. “With the rainouts we’ve had it looked like I might not have a chance to get it here but everything worked out.” Ward’s 19th and 20th wins of the season came in his 36th and 37th starts, after back-to-back runner-up finishes at Tri-City Motor Speedway and Crystal Motor Speedway. It was the third time he’d won two features on the same night. His checkers in the opener came after a back-and-forth battle with Brenten DeYoung. Myron DeYoung, another Michigan member of the 100-win club, challenged in the nightcap [Read More]

Events

I-96 Friday the 13th special will be lucky for IMCA Modified winner 

LAKE ODESSA, Mich. – The lucky winner of I-96 Speedway’s Friday the 13th July special goes home with $1,500. The Fast Shafts All-Star Invitational ballot qualifying event pays $1,000 to the runner-up and a minimum of $165 to start. IMCA Speedway Motors Weekly Racing National, Dirt Works Eastern Region and Michigan State, but not track points will be awarded. Pit gates open at 3:30 p.m., the front gate opens at 5 p.m. and racing starts at 8 p.m. on July 13. Spectator admission is $25 for adults, $ for kids ages 6-12 and free for five and under. Pit passes are $35. The track website is www.I96speedway.com. More information is also available by calling 616 642-0555.