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NASHVILLE FAIRGROUNDS SPEEDWAY ◽ 615-254-1986 ◽ NASHVILLE, TN

www.NASHVILLEFAIRGROUNDSSPEEDWAY.racing

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Thursday Night Under the Lights

The ultimate short-track turf war returns to the historic 5/8-mile high banks of Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway this Thursday night!

Before the racing world takes over Middle Tennessee for the weekend, the real action starts right here in the heart of Nashville.

Arrive early to see NASCAR Cup Series Driver Zane Smith for an appearance on the Main Stage

See the local Pro Late Model heroes race for bragging rights in a grueling, 150-lap main event.

No time to obsess over setups. No time to overthink lines. Just pure instinct, grit, and door-to-door intensity.

⏱️ THE RACING TIMELINE

4:00 PM - Grandstand Gates Open

5:00 PM - Qualifying Rolls

5:30 PM - Street Stock Feature

6:00 PM - NASCAR Cup Series Driver Zane Smith Appearance

6:15 PM - Autograph Session

7:00 PM - Opening Ceremonies

7:35 PM - Rackley Roofing Battle of Broadway 150

🎟️ SECURE YOUR SEATS

Skip the gate lines and save by locking in your tickets early. Kids 11 and under get in FREE all night!

Kvapil, Sutton Score Wins in Front of a Packed House at Tootsie's Music City Showdown

FULL ARTICLE

Immortality Awaits: Previewing the 78th Annual Little 500

Jack Kessler

There is nothing quite like Little 500 week at Anderson Speedway.

For nearly eight decades, the Little 500 has stood as the ultimate test in pavement sprint car racing. 500 grueling laps around Anderson Speedway’s quarter-mile oval where patience, strategy, durability, and speed all collide under the lights. It is the biggest pavement sprint car race on the planet, and on Saturday night, one driver will add their name to one of short-track racing’s most prestigious winner’s lists.

The 78th Annual Unified Group Services Little 500 presented by Ed Martin Automotive Group once again features a stacked field filled with former winners, national champions, local heroes, seasoned veterans, and hungry newcomers, all chasing the same goal: immortality.

Here are the biggest storylines heading into Little 500 week:

Four Former Winners Return

Winning the Little 500 once cements a driver’s legacy. Winning it twice puts them among the race’s all-time greats.

This year’s field includes four former champions, led by Jake Trainor (Medway, Massachusetts), who enters as the defending winner and newest two-time champion. Trainor’s victory last year further established him as one of pavement sprint car racing’s premier talents, and another win would place him in rare company.

Joining him is fellow two-time winner Tyler Roahrig (Plymouth, Indiana), whose consistency at Anderson Speedway makes him one of the favorites every time he unloads. Roahrig’s ability to survive the race’s constantly changing conditions makes him a major threat deep into the 500-lap grind.

Bobby Santos III (Franklin, Massachusetts), one of the most decorated pavement racers of his generation, returns looking to capture his second Little 500 victory. Few drivers are better at managing long races while preserving equipment.

The benchmark among active competitors remains Kody Swanson (Kingsburg, California), whose three Little 500 victories have solidified his status as one of the event’s modern legends. Any former winner in this race immediately becomes a contender the moment practice begins.

Dakoda Armstrong Chasing Redemption

Few drivers have come closer to winning the Little 500 without officially earning the victory than Dakoda Armstrong (New Castle, Indiana).

Two years ago, he appeared destined for victory until cousin Caleb Armstrong made one of the most dramatic last-corner passes in event history to steal the win.

Last year was even more heartbreaking. Armstrong crossed the finish line first after 500 laps, seemingly earning the biggest win of his career, only to be disqualified following post-race technical inspection.

The disappointment fueled Armstrong throughout the 2025 season, where he captured the 500 yourBigplans.com Sprint Car Tour championship.

Now, he returns to Anderson Speedway carrying both momentum and unfinished business. If redemption stories define motorsports, Armstrong may be writing one of the best.

Ryan Newman Returns for Another Shot

When Ryan Newman joined the Little 500 field in 2023, he brought national attention to Anderson Speedway.

The 2008 Daytona 500 champion and longtime NASCAR star has embraced the challenge of adapting to pavement sprint car racing’s unique demands. Through three starts, Newman has improved each year, with a career-best sixth-place finish.

What makes Newman dangerous is his ability to learn quickly and conserve equipment over long-distance races. Few drivers in the field possess his level of race management experience.

With another year of seat time and growing confidence, Newman enters his fourth Little 500 appearance as a legitimate contender.

The Return of the Randy Neal No. 7

Few numbers carry as much recent Little 500 significance as the Randy Neal-owned No. 7.

The car captured the 2024 Little 500 with Caleb Armstrong and played a critical role in Dakoda Armstrong’s 2025 500 Sprint Car Tour championship run.

After sitting out last year’s Little 500, the No. 7 returns with a new driver and high expectations.

Behind the wheel is Justin Grant, the all-time winningest driver in USAC National Sprint Car history. Grant has built a reputation as one of open-wheel racing’s most complete drivers, capable of winning on dirt or pavement against elite competition.

Saturday marks his fifth Little 500 attempt and perhaps his best opportunity yet.

AP Driver Development Expands

The familiar Aaron Pierce-led No. 26 has become one of pavement sprint car racing’s most respected programs, and this year AP Driver Development arrives with two serious entries.

Colton Bettis returns after a breakout Little 500 debut in 2025 that saw the Florida teenager qualify on the front row and showcase remarkable poise against veterans.

Bettis now returns with experience and confidence, making him one of the field’s most intriguing young threats.

Alongside him is Anderson Speedway legend Josh Poore, who will make his long-awaited Little 500 debut.

Poore’s seven Anderson Speedway track championships make him one of the most accomplished local racers in track history, but the Little 500 presents an entirely different challenge.

No driver knows Anderson’s surface better. If he adapts quickly to sprint car strategy and endurance pacing, he could become one of the biggest surprise stories of the week.

Rookie Class Ready for the Spotlight

The Little 500 often humbles even the most accomplished drivers, making this year’s rookie class especially compelling.

Mario Clouser brings extensive dirt and pavement open-wheel experience and enters with expectations far beyond a typical first-timer. His adaptability could make him the most dangerous rookie in the field.

Chris Schmelzle travels from Washington state to make his first appearance, adding a national flavor to this year’s event.

Ohio’s Cord Erhardt also enters eager to prove himself on one of pavement racing’s biggest stages.

Local racer Josh Poore is the fourth and final rookie.

Simply making the field is an achievement. Finishing 500 laps is another challenge entirely.

Pole Day and Bump Day Drama Ahead

Little 500 week is about far more than race night.

CB Fabricating Pole Day, Thursday will determine who starts at the front and who gains early momentum.

Then comes Bump Day, where qualifying pressure reaches its peak as drivers fight for the final starting spots in one of short-track racing’s most intense traditions.

History has shown that championships and heartbreak can begin long before Saturday’s green flag.

The Ultimate Test Awaits

Five hundred laps around Anderson Speedway is unlike anything else in motorsports.

That unpredictability is what makes the Little 500 special.

On Saturday night, one driver will conquer the chaos, survive the grind, and join the legends who have defined Anderson Speedway for generations.

The wait is almost over. The Little 500 is here.

Practice for teams begins on Wednesday, May 20th from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. CB Fabricating Pole Day is scheduled for Thursday, May 21st from 11:30am – 3:30pm.

Final practice and Bump Day is set for Friday, May 22nd from 11:30am to 3:30pm. Grandstand admission is free for fans Wednesday through Friday and race day tickets are reserved seating only. Click Here to purchase tickets.

The event, including practice and qualifying, will also be streamed live on Racing America. For more information on the Little 500, visit us at andersonspeedway.com and on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

No	Driver	Hometown
U2	Derek Bischak	Angola, Indiana
02	Cord Ehrhart	Antwerp, Ohio
00	Colin Grissom	Anderson, Indiana
1	Dakoda Armstrong	New Castle, Indiana
3	David Goodwill	Napa, California
4	Donnie Adams, Jr.	Yorktown, Indiana
5	Michael Lewis	Noblesville, Indiana
7c	Justin Grant	Ione, California
14	Davey Hamilton, Jr.	Boise, Idaho
17	Garrett Saunders	Lakeville, Indiana
18	Landon Butler	Bushnell, Florida
18	Travis Welpott	Pendleton, indiana
20	Shane Hollingsworth	Lafayette, Indiana
22a	Bobby Santos, III	Franklin, Massachusetts
24	Jackson Macenko	Cincinnati, Ohio
26	Colton Bettis	Lutz, Florida
26	Josh Poore	Anderson, Indiana
27R	Jake McElfresh	Elwood, Indiana
29	Jake Trainor	Medway, Massachusetts
32	Joey Schmidt	Ellisvile, Mississippi
39	Ryan Newman	South Bend, Indiana
42	Rob Keesling	Alexandria, Indiana
51	Logan Seavey	Sutter, California
53	Justin Harper	Denver, Indiana
55	Taylor Ferns	Shelby Township, Michigan
56	Tyler Roahrig	Plymouth, Indiana
57c	Chris Schmelzle	Colville, Washington
64	Rylan Gray	Greenfield, Indiana
67	Kyle O'Gara	Camby, Indiana
69	Billy Wease	Noblesville, Indiana
71	Brian Vaughn	Shirley, Indiana
74	Tony Main	Farmland, Indiana
77	Kody Swanson	Kingsburg, California
87	Brady Allum	Taylorsville, North Carolina
92	Anthony Nocella	Woburn, Massachusetts
93	Jerry Kobza	Folsom, California
96	Mario Clouser	Auburn, Illinois
99	C.J. Leary	Greenfield, Indiana

Three Decades at the Helm: Rick Dawson’s Legacy at Anderson Speedway

For 30 years, Anderson Speedway has been under the leadership of Rick Dawson, a milestone that now makes him the longest-tenured owner in the track’s history. In a sport defined by constant change, financial pressure, and generational turnover, three decades at the same helm represents more than longevity — it reflects persistence, adaptation, and a long-term commitment to keeping a historic racing venue alive.

Even as Dawson reaches this milestone, he is careful not to frame it as an endpoint or a final achievement. For him, the work of owning a racetrack is never truly finished. The goal has always been stability, sustainability, and survival not a destination.

When he purchased Anderson Speedway in the fall of 1996, Dawson admits he did not yet fully understand the depth of the business he was entering. What he did understand was the need to learn quickly and completely. The early years were defined by a steep learning curve, especially when it came to the financial realities of operating a racetrack.

The biggest challenge in those early seasons was gaining control of the speedway’s finances while working with limited capital. The track was underfunded, and every decision carried weight. That meant long hours, tight margins, and very little room for error. In many ways, those years shaped the foundation of everything that followed.

There were moments throughout that early period that continuing forward was not guaranteed. The pressure of responsibility, both financially and personally, forced difficult questions. But turning back was never seriously considered. Instead, Dawson pushed through, driven by determination and a refusal to let the effort fall apart after it had begun.

A major part of that perseverance was rooted in purpose. From the beginning, Dawson had a clear vision for transforming Anderson Speedway into a place that felt safe, welcoming, and family-oriented. When he purchased the track, he saw the opportunity to reshape its reputation into one where families could attend together and feel comfortable doing so.

That vision became a long-term focus, not just a short-term improvement. Over time, the culture of the speedway shifted. What was once seen differently by many in the community evolved into a gathering place built around families, tradition, and shared experiences.

Today, that identity remains one of the defining characteristics of Anderson Speedway. It is not just a racing facility, it is a community hub where generations return year after year. Drivers, crews, and fans often trace their involvement across decades, reinforcing the sense that the speedway is part of something larger than racing alone.

Looking back, Dawson does not point to a single defining moment as the highlight of his ownership. Instead, he reflects on broader achievements, especially seeing the speedway’s reputation and events regain strength and recognition over time. One of the most significant accomplishments has been the continued growth and restoration of the Little 500. It remains the cornerstone event of the track’s identity. Car counts, competition level, and national attention have all strengthened, helping re-establish the race as one of the premier racing events in the United States.

Like many short tracks across the country, Anderson Speedway has had to adapt in order to remain viable. That has meant thinking creatively, expanding offerings, and ensuring the facility continues to serve both competitors and fans in new ways.

After 30 years, one of Dawson’s most meaningful reflections is not tied to attendance numbers or major races, but to the structure he has built behind the scenes. Having the ability to build a stronger staff and delegate responsibilities has helped stabilize the operation and reduce the personal strain that comes with ownership. That shift has not only improved the business side of the speedway but also created the possibility of stepping back from constant day-to-day pressure.

Still, the overarching theme of Dawson’s tenure is ongoing effort. There is no sense of completion in his approach, only continuation. The track still requires attention, adaptation, and care, just as it did on day one.

Three decades later, Rick Dawson’s legacy at Anderson Speedway is defined less by a single achievement and more by endurance. Through financial challenges, operational demands, and years of uncertainty, he has kept the speedway alive and evolving. In doing so, he has helped preserve one of Indiana’s most iconic racing venues and ensured that its future remains connected to its past.

Huset’s Speedway Welcoming World of Outlaws Sunday During Stars & Stripes Salute Presented by Folkens Brothers Trucking

Inside Line Promotions – BRANDON, S.D. (May 18, 2026) – The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series makes its first visit to Huset’s Speedway this Sunday during the $20,000-to-win Stars & Stripes Salute presented by Folkens Brothers Trucking.

It marks the first of eight race nights at the high-banked track for ‘The Greatest Show on Dirt’ this season.

The hottest driver at Huset’s Speedway the last two years has been Michael “Buddy” Kofoid, who topped the $100,000-to-win Huset’s Hustle, the $250,000-to-win BillionAuto.com Huset’s High Bank Nationals presented by Menards and the $25,000-to-win L.G. Everist Huset’s Shootout presented by Myrl & Roy’s Paving last season.

Additionally, Kofoid was victorious during the $100,000-to-win BillionAuto.com Huset’s High Bank Nationals presented by Menards finale in 2024, giving him four wins in the last six World of Outlaws races at Huset’s Speedway. He also has a World of Outlaws win at Huset’s Speedway in June 2022.

Two-time defending World of Outlaws champion David Gravel currently leads the World of Outlaws championship standings by 104 points over Carson Macedo. Gravel has produced three career World of Outlaws triumphs (two in 2021 and one in 2023) and Macedo was victorious at the track in 2022 and in 2024. Kofoid is a dozen points behind Macedo in the World of Outlaws standings.

Four-time Huset’s Speedway winner Donny Schatz (World of Outlaws victories in 2001, 2007, 2015 and 2016) is 186 points behind Gravel. Sheldon Haudenschild, who topped the inaugural BillionAuto.com Huset’s High Bank Nationals in 2022 and who has three career World of Outlaws wins (2020, 2022 and 2024) at Huset’s Speedway is two points behind Schatz in the standings.

Bill Balog (2025), Logan Schuchart (2023) and Spencer Bayston (2022) are other full-time World of Outlaws drivers with a Series triumph at the track. Additionally, Huset’s Speedway regular Mark Dobmeier scored World of Outlaws wins at the high-banked oval in 2012 and in 2014.

The Nordstrom’s Automotive Late Model Street Stocks will also be competing this Sunday.

Matt Steuerwald, who won the season opener, currently leads the championship standings by one point over Dustin Gulbrandson. Shaun Taylor is two points behind Steuerwald with Tim Dann three points back and J.J. Zebell four points out of the top spot.

The main gates open at 4 p.m. with hot laps slated for 6:30 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased online at https://mpv.tickets.com/schedule/?agency=JKMV_PL_MPV&orgid=55369#/?view=list&includePackages=true.

2026 HUSET’S SPEEDWAY WEEKLY DIVISION FEATURE WINNERS –

Cressman Sanitation 410 Outlaw Sprint Cars

Christopher Thram – 1 (May 10)

Heser Auto & Detailing RaceSaver Sprint Car Series

Aydin Lloyd – 1 (May 10)

Nordstrom’s Automotive Late Model Street Stocks

Matt Steuerwald – 1 (May 10)

HUSET’S SPEEDWAY MEDIA LINKS –

Sunday for the Stars & Stripes Salute presented by Folkens Brothers Trucking featuring the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series and the Nordstrom’s Automotive Late Model Street Stocks

HUSET’S SPEEDWAY MEDIA LINKS –

Website: http://www.HusetsSpeedway.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HusetsSpeedwaySD

X: http://www.x.com/HusetsSpeedway

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/HusetsSpeedwaySD

Josh Poore to Compete in 78th Annual Little 500 with AP Driver Development

Anderson, Indiana (May 18, 2026): One of Anderson Speedway’s most accomplished hometown racers is set to take on the biggest challenge of his career, as Josh Poore will officially compete in the 78th Annual Unified Group Services Little 500 presented by Ed Martin Automotive Group at Anderson Speedway, driving for AP Driver Development with primary sponsorship from Yarberry Companies.

A longtime fixture at Anderson Speedway, Poore enters the prestigious 500-lap event with a résumé few local racers can match. Across his standout weekly racing career, Poore has amassed 52 Street Stock feature victories and captured seven track championships, cementing himself as one of the most successful competitors in Anderson Speedway history.

For Poore, the opportunity to compete in the Little 500 represents the fulfillment of a longtime dream.

“It means a lot since I’ve run about everything you can run there besides this,” Poore said. “It’s the biggest race there, and I’ve always dreamed of running the big races. To finally get this opportunity is something special.”

Poore will compete under AP Driver Development, operated by veteran racer Aaron Pierce. Pierce brings extensive Little 500 experience to the effort, with 19 career starts in the historic event, including two pole positions and recognition as Anderson Speedway’s longtime track record holder.

The combination gives Poore an experienced support system as he transitions from stock car competition to the high-speed challenge of pavement sprint car racing.

Poore’s teammate for the event will be Colton Bettis, who impressed in last year’s Little 500 by qualifying on the front row. Bettis’ recent success highlights the strength of the AP Driver Development program and provides another valuable benchmark for Poore during race week preparation.

Additional support for Poore’s effort comes from Sam Pierce Chevrolet, Zaki Ali, Cooper Tire, Tom Cherry Mufflers, Ways Custom Welding, Beckham Real Estate, and Holbrook Sewer & Excavating.

While Poore has spent years mastering Anderson Speedway in Street Stocks, Modifieds, and even Thundercars earlier in his career, he admits climbing into a sprint car presents an entirely different challenge.

“There really isn’t a whole lot to compare it to,” Poore said. “It’s like strapping onto a rocket and hanging on. They’re super fast. Maybe there are some similarities to a modified, but these things are way faster.”

That challenge is exactly what makes this opportunity so significant. Known for his consistency, patience, and ability to adapt to changing track conditions, Poore has built his reputation as one of Anderson Speedway’s most dependable weekly competitors. Those same qualities could prove critical in the Little 500, where endurance, strategy, and flawless execution often determine success as much as outright speed.

The Little 500 remains one of the most grueling events in pavement racing, demanding 500 laps of focus, discipline, and precision from both driver and crew.

For Anderson fans, Poore’s entry adds another compelling local storyline to the 78th running of the race. After years of dominating weekly competition, one of the speedway’s homegrown stars will now take his shot at the event that defines Anderson Speedway history.

The 78th Annual Little 500 will take place Saturday, May 23, at Anderson Speedway.

Purchase Tickets: Click Here

Practice for teams begins on Wednesday, May 20th from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. CB Fabricating Pole Day is scheduled for Thursday, May 21st from 11:30am – 3:30pm. Final practice and Bump Day is set for Friday, May 22nd from 11:30am to 3:30pm. Grandstand admission is free for fans Wednesday through Friday and race day tickets are reserved seating only. The event, including practice and qualifying, will also be streamed live on Racing America. For more information on the Little 500, visit us at andersonspeedway.com and on Facebook, Instagram, and X.