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Hunger Driving Macenko into 2026 Season

Rick Kimball

Anderson, Indiana (February 16, 2026): For Jackson Macenko and the No. 24 Brad Hayes Racing team, last season wasn’t about a lack of speed. It was about refining the moments that matter most.

As the 2026 yourBIGplans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour season approaches, Macenko’s mindset is clear: learn from frustration, build on proven speed, and stay locked in when it counts.

“The biggest thing I look back on is trying to keep myself mentally focused and calm in frustrating moments,” Macenko said. “I’m so hyper-competitive that sometimes that can let me boil over a little bit.”

Two races immediately stand out in his reflection.

At the Little 500 at Anderson Speedway, pit stop issues — including trouble removing the right front tire and a push truck delay created mounting frustration. While he never lost sight of the race, Macenko admits he wasn’t as mentally sharp as he needed to be during that stretch. Despite the setbacks, he still recorded an impressive fifth-place finish in one of pavement sprint car racing’s most grueling events.

At Owosso Speedway, early struggles in practice led him to overdrive in qualifying, resulting in a mid-pack starting position that made the night more difficult than it needed to be.

“I tried to overcompensate,” he said. “It just wasn’t what we needed at that time.”

The lesson heading into 2026 is simple but powerful: remain calm, remain focused, and adopt a “next lap, next corner” mentality instead of dwelling on what just happened.

Despite those hard-learned moments, Macenko didn’t feel the need to overhaul his offseason approach. Physically and fundamentally, he believes the foundation is already in place  and the results back that up.

Last season, Macenko recorded four top-five finishes and seven top-10 results across the nine-race schedule. His best finish came at Anderson Speedway during the Glen Niebel Classic in the spring, where he led 41 laps and finished second, proving he has the speed to contend for victories against the Tour’s elite.

“We put ourselves in position,” he said. “There were a few things to clean up, but we had opportunities to win at Salem and at the Little 500. We did everything in our power last year, now it’s about capitalizing.”

Still, what excites Macenko most about 2026 isn’t what went wrong, but what went right.

He points to the overall schedule and the team’s ability to show speed at every stop last season. At Salem Speedway, they were in contention for the win. At Winchester Speedway, he ran among the leaders before a flat tire derailed the effort. Even at Owosso, after qualifying 12th and spinning mid-race, he charged back through the field in a tightly packed race.

“Knowing we can compete anywhere right now, that’s what excites me,” he said. “We’re going to have chances to win.”

Macenko’s path to this point has been different from many of his competitors. A first-generation racer, he didn’t grow up in a racing family. He began in karting before truly cutting his teeth in the Kenyon Midget Series, where he developed the racecraft and discipline that now defines his pavement sprint car approach.

The 2026 season will mark his fourth consecutive full-time campaign on the Tour and with each year, confidence has grown.

While others may feel pressure defending championships or crown jewel victories, Macenko sees his position differently.

“There’s always pressure,” he said. “But we’re not defending anything. We’re trying to take it.”

For fans who may be watching him for the first time in 2026, Macenko describes his driving style as “calculated, but 100 percent.”

He thinks laps ahead. In endurance races like the Little 500, he thinks pit cycles ahead. That patience doesn’t mean hesitation, it means strategy.

“I don’t leave anything out on the track,” he said. “When I pull into the pits, I’m gassed because I gave it everything.”

Competing on the yourBIGplans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour demands that level of precision. With a field stacked with elite talent night after night, the margin between third and eighth can be razor thin.

“You’ve got to be almost inch-perfect every lap,” Macenko said. “If you make a mistake, those guys are right there to jump on you.”

So what defines his mindset heading into 2026?

“Hunger.”

And if everything clicks?

“That first win,” he said. “It almost feels like once we break through, it could snowball. I think fans can expect to see us on the podium consistently and hopefully on the top step lifting trophies.”

With speed proven, lessons learned, and hunger fueling the push forward, Jackson Macenko enters 2026 not chasing validation, but ready to seize opportunity.

YourBIGPlans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour info & Schedule

Founded in 2022, the YourBIGPlans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour has quickly established itself as the premier pavement non-wing sprint car series in the nation. With a schedule that visits some of the most historic short tracks in the Midwest, the tour blends tradition with innovation while showcasing the best drivers and teams in open-wheel racing. Known for its thrilling wheel-to-wheel competition and passionate fan base, the 500 Sprint Car Tour has become a cornerstone event series for grassroots motorsports and continues to grow in prestige each season.For more information, visit 500sprintcartour.com or follow the YourBIGPlans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour on Facebook, X, and Instagram.All races, including the 78th Annual Unified Group Services Little 500 presented by ED Martin Automotive Group, will be streamed LIVE on Racing America.

April 18 - Anderson Speedway | Anderson, Indiana | 26th Running of the Glen Niebel Classic presented by CB Fabricating 

May 20-23 - Anderson Speedway | Anderson, Indiana | 78th Annual Unified Group Services Little 500 presented by Ed Martin Automotive Group

June 14 - Toledo Speedway | Toledo, Ohio

June 28 - Winchester Speedway | Winchester, Indiana | Tom Bigelow Showdown

July 11 - Jennerstown Speedway | Jennerstown, Pennsylvania

August 1 - Owosso Speedway | Ovid, Michigan

August 15 - Salem Speedway | Salem, Indiana | 67th Running of the Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial

August 28 - Berlin Raceway | Marne, Michigan

September 26 - Anderson Speedway | Anderson, Indiana | 11th Annual Tony Elliott Classic presented by CB Fabricating 

October 17 - Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park | Brownsburg, Indiana | Championship Night

 

 

Jeff Gordon & Kurt Busch join a powerhouse roster for IROC's debut at Ten Tenths Motor Club on April 10th

 

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR THE IROC SERIES AT THE HERITAGE INVITATIONAL!
 

Don’t miss your chance to see some of the most legendary names in motorsports settle the score in authentic IROC machinery at the

exclusive Ten Tenths Motor Club during the 2026 Heritage Invitational!

 

Drivers Scheduled to Participate:

 

NASCAR Royalty: Jeff Gordon, Kurt Busch, Bobby Labonte, Mark Martin, Ken Schrader

 

Road Racing Icons: Scott Pruett, Max Papis, Tommy Kendall, Tomy Drissi

 

Relaxed and Ready: Tyler Roahrig Embraces Confidence Heading into 2026

Rick Kimball.

As the yourBIGplans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour continues to grow in both reach and competition, few drivers enter the 2026 season with the level of experience and calm confidence that Plymouth, Indiana driver Tyler Roahrig brings to the pits.

After a strong 2025 campaign that included five victories, Roahrig spent the offseason not chasing wholesale changes, but refining the details. For him, the focus has been on improving his program at the series’ most demanding venues, the high-banked tracks (Winchester Speedway & Salem Speedway) that often define championship runs.

“A lot of it is mental,” Roahrig said. “Just thinking about what I need out of the car and how to get there. Understanding the feeling I’m looking for, and what I can do to be better as a driver.”

That mindset extended beyond the driver’s seat. Roahrig and his team also evaluated their setup approach, in-race adjustments, and specifically their package at Anderson Speedway. While late-season progress was evident in 2025, Roahrig believes there is still more performance to unlock. Roahrig was victorious at the Tony Elliott Classic at Anderson Speedway in October. It was his first win at Anderson Speedway since 2022. From 2018 - 2022, Tyler won eight of fourteen races competed in that time period. 

As winter turned to a new year, the anticipation for the upcoming season followed.

“Once you get past New Year’s, you’re looking forward instead of behind,” he said. “You start thinking about certain races and getting ready for the season to start.”

That excitement is amplified by a 2026 schedule and series landscape that reflects the continued growth of the yourBIGplans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour. Increased car counts, a new title sponsor, a new streaming partner, and the addition of a new racetrack all contribute to what Roahrig sees as a pivotal season for the series.

“The growth of the series is what excites me the most,” he said. “The reach it has now. More cars, more exposure leads to excitement."

That growth has also led to one of the tour’s defining characteristics: a deep and diverse field of competitors. Drivers from late models, dirt sprint cars, open-wheel pavement, and NASCAR Modified backgrounds all converge on the 500 Sprint Car Tour, creating what Roahrig describes as a “melting pot” of talent.

“You’ve got guys who were really good in other disciplines,” he said. “They bring different strengths, different perspectives. I think that’s one of the coolest things about this series.”

Combined with some of the most challenging tracks in pavement sprint car racing, that diversity creates a level of competition Roahrig believes is among the toughest he faces all year.

“When you look at races like the Unified Group Services Little 500, it’s not just hard to win, it’s hard to finish,” he said. “You’re racing great teams, but you’re also racing the track. Winchester and Salem are the same way. That’s what makes this series so demanding.”

Defining success in 2026 isn’t about a specific win total for Roahrig. While victories are always the goal  and a Little 500 win remains at the top of the list. His focus remains on continued improvement, especially at tracks where gains are still to be made.

“If we won five races last year and won four this year, that doesn’t mean it’s a bad season,” he said. “It’s about being better where we need to be better.”

Asked to describe his mindset entering the season in one word, Roahrig didn’t hesitate.

“Relaxed.”

With years of experience in pavement sprint cars, fewer unknowns, and a deeper understanding of both the cars and the competition, Roahrig believes that a calm approach is key to making smart decisions when it matters most.

“Having confidence in what you’re doing and staying calm helps you make educated decisions,” he said.

As the 2026 yourBIGplans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour season approaches, Roahrig’s blend of experience, focus, and composure positions him as one of the drivers to watch. Not just for race wins, but for sustained success across one of pavement sprint car racing’s most competitive schedules.

YourBIGPlans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour info & Schedule

Founded in 2022, the YourBIGPlans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour has quickly established itself as the premier pavement non-wing sprint car series in the nation. With a schedule that visits some of the most historic short tracks in the Midwest, the tour blends tradition with innovation while showcasing the best drivers and teams in open-wheel racing. Known for its thrilling wheel-to-wheel competition and passionate fan base, the 500 Sprint Car Tour has become a cornerstone event series for grassroots motorsports and continues to grow in prestige each season.For more information, visit 500sprintcartour.com or follow the YourBIGPlans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour on Facebook, X, and Instagram.All races, including the 78th Annual Unified Group Services Little 500 presented by ED Martin Automotive Group, will be streamed LIVE on Racing America.

April 18 - Anderson Speedway | Anderson, Indiana | 26th Running of the Glen Niebel Classic presented by CB Fabricating 

May 20-23 - Anderson Speedway | Anderson, Indiana | 78th Annual Unified Group Services Little 500 presented by Ed Martin Automotive Group

June 14 - Toledo Speedway | Toledo, Ohio

June 28 - Winchester Speedway | Winchester, Indiana | Tom Bigelow Showdown

July 11 - Jennerstown Speedway | Jennerstown, Pennsylvania

August 1 - Owosso Speedway | Ovid, Michigan

August 15 - Salem Speedway | Salem, Indiana | 67th Running of the Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial

August 28 - Berlin Raceway | Marne, Michigan

September 26 - Anderson Speedway | Anderson, Indiana | 11th Annual Tony Elliott Classic presented by CB Fabricating 

October 17 - Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park | Brownsburg, Indiana | Championship Night

 

Northwest Veterans, Midwest Challenge: Schmelzle and Ochs Chase Rookie of the Year Honors

Two drivers from the Pacific Northwest are set to take on one of pavement sprint car racing’s toughest challenges in 2026, as Chris Schmelzle and Chris Ochs, both of Colville, Washington, commit to the yourBIGplans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour and chase Rookie of the Year honors.

While they may be rookies to the series, neither driver lacks experience.

Schmelzle brings more than two decades of racing knowledge to the Midwest, having competed across a wide range of disciplines including winged dirt sprint cars, midgets, pavement sprint cars, and NASCAR’s K&N Pro Series West. His résumé includes years of competition at Skagit Speedway, ASCS National events, West Coast sprint car racing, and seven consecutive starts in the prestigious USAC Turkey Night Grand Prix.

“I’ve pretty much done a little bit of everything over the last 20 years,” Schmelzle said. “But non-wing racing is something I’ve always really enjoyed. Turkey Night was our one non-wing race every year, and it always left me wanting to do more.”

In addition to his time behind the wheel, Schmelzle is also a respected chassis builder. Since 1997, he has operated CS Fabworks, producing pavement sprint car chassis under the Black Widow Chassis brand, equipment both drivers will race during their rookie campaign.

The move to the yourBIGplans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour represents a major step up in competition, geography, and track style. Accustomed to smaller, flatter quarter-mile tracks in the Northwest and Arizona, Schmelzle knows the Midwest’s bigger ovals will present a steep learning curve.

“The half-miles and the big sweeping corners are definitely going to be different for us,” he explained. “Then you throw in the Hoosier tire and the big right rear, we’re used to something completely different. There’s going to be a learning curve, but that’s part of the challenge.”

Joining Schmelzle is longtime friend and teammate Chris Ochs, a heavy-duty diesel mechanic by trade who has raced Schmelzle-built cars for years. Though the two have only known each other for about a dozen years, their working relationship has grown into a strong partnership, one they believe will be an advantage during their rookie season.

Ochs is a veteran of winged sprint car racing on both dirt and pavement. Ochs has spent years competing in winged sprint cars across multiple surfaces, building a reputation as a hard-nosed, adaptable racer before turning his focus toward non-wing pavement competition. Ochs finished 6th in the pavement sprint car during night two of the Sneva Memorial held at Stateline Speedway.

“It’ll be nice to have two cars and be able to lean on each other,” Schmelzle said. “We work well together, and we’ve both raced a lot of wing stuff recently, so I think we’ll be able to catch on fairly quickly.”

Realistic expectations are key for the pair as they enter one of the deepest pavement sprint car tours in the country.

“For the first year, if we can consistently run top 10 and be in the mix, I’d be really happy with that,” Schmelzle said. “We know we’re not coming in and beating up on guys who know these tracks inside and out but we want to be competitive.”

The duo plans to transport their equipment 2032 miles from Washington to the Midwest early in the season, targeting the Glen Niebel Classic at Anderson Speedway as their debut. Followed by preparations for one of Schmelzle’s longtime bucket-list events, the Unified Group Services Little 500 presented by Ed Martin Automotive Group.

“That race has been on my list for years,” he said. “This is probably my third or fourth attempt to actually make it happen, and I’m really excited about it.”

Schmelzle is also eager to compete at venues like Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park and Toledo Speedway, citing the wide racing grooves and multi-lane racing as major draws.

“If you’ve got a fast car, it looks like you can really move around and work traffic at those tracks,” he said. “That’s what makes it appealing.”

As the 2026 season approaches, Schmelzle and Ochs may be labeled rookies but their combined experience, technical knowledge, and commitment to the challenge suggest they’ll be contenders to watch all season long.

 

Olivia Shelbo Sets Sights on Rookie of the Year Honors in 2026

The 2026 season of the yourBIGplans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour will feature a determined contender in the Rookie of the Year battle. Olivia Shelbo prepares for her first full-time campaign on one of the premier pavement sprint car tours. With resilience, patience, and a strong racing foundation behind her, Shelbo enters the season focused on growth, consistency, and making her mark against some of the best drivers in short-track racing.

Shelbo’s journey to the 2026 season has already been shaped by perseverance. She made two starts during the 2024 season, where the team faced early adversity. Her debut season was met with challenges, including engine problems at Anderson Speedway, followed by a serious wreck during practice at Toledo Speedway that halted her season before it could get started. Despite the setbacks, those two races provided critical learning opportunities and further fueled her determination to return stronger and more prepared.

Rather than rushing back, Shelbo took a measured approach to her development in 2025, focusing on building a stronger foundation for the future.

Olivia and her father, Kevin Shelbo, dedicated the season to rebuilding a brand-new racecar from the ground up. It is an achievement that marked a major milestone for the entire team. Kevin also contested five races in the car during the 2025 season, helping to develop the program, gather data, and prepare the equipment for Olivia’s return to competition. The project represented countless hours of work, commitment, and perseverance, strengthening the family-run operation and setting the stage for Olivia’s return to competition in 2026.

Throughout the process, the Shelbo family was surrounded by support from the pavement sprint car community, with teams and competitors stepping up to help along the way. Olivia and her team are especially grateful for the encouragement and support shown by Aaron Pierce, Kevin Besecker, and Brad Larsen, along with many others who made them feel welcomed and supported. That sense of community has become a meaningful part of their journey and a cornerstone of their return to the yourBIGplans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour.

The 2026 season represents a fresh start and a new chapter in Shelbo’s racing career. With a full schedule planned and a renewed focus on performance and consistency, her goal is clear: contend for the yourBIGplans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour Rookie of the Year title. The upcoming season will mark her first true opportunity to showcase her ability across the tour’s diverse mix of short tracks, including high-banked bullrings and historic pavement ovals that demand both precision and patience.

Shelbo’s Rookie of the Year campaign is built on more than just on-track performance. It reflects a long-term commitment to growth, resilience through adversity, and the support of a racing family that understands what it takes to compete at a high level. With lessons learned from early challenges and a year of preparation behind the scenes, she enters 2026 more focused, more prepared, and more motivated than ever.

As the green flag drops on the 2026 yourBIGplans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour season, Olivia Shelbo will be one of the new faces to watch.

“We are heading into this year with the goal to finish races and have fun,” Shelbo said. “I didn’t get an opportunity to do that in 2024. By being able to finish races, we will be able to learn the car and make positive adjustments.” Her journey from adversity to opportunity makes her Rookie of the Year campaign one of the most compelling storylines of the season, as she looks to turn hard-earned experience into success on the track.

 

 

RacingAmerica.TV Broadcasting Anderson, 500 Sprint Car Tour

Racing America is excited to announce a broadcast agreement with Anderson Speedway and the YourBIGPlans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour.

The broadcast agreement brings the 500 Sprint Car Tour to RacingAmerica.TV, including three-day coverage of the series’ marquee event, the Little 500 at Anderson Speedway. The announcement expands RacingAmerica.TV’s coverage of some of the biggest short track events in the Midwestern United States.

“Racing America’s platform is a perfect fit for our fans and teams alike, delivering high-quality coverage of each stop on the 2026 tour, as well as multiple events at our home track of Anderson Speedway," said Jared Owen, Anderson Speedway VP of Operations & Series Director of the YourBIGPlans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour. "This collaboration represents a major step forward in growing the reach of the YourBIGPlans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour, Anderson Speedway, and our drivers. The partnership also allows us to introduce our action-packed racing to a broader audience at an affordable price point.

This year marks the 78th Annual Unified Group Services Little 500 presented by Ed Martin Automotive Group. The Little 500 takes place on Memorial Day weekend each year, in conjunction with the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Just like in the Indianapolis 500, 33 Sprint Cars will take the green flag for the Little 500, competing for 500 laps on the tight Anderson quarter mile.

RacingAmerica.TV will also televise Anderson’s marquee stock car event each year, the CB Fabricating Redbud 400, on July 25. The 60th CB Fabricating Redbud 400 Weekend will be headlined by Late Models and Vore’s Welding & Steel Street Stocks, returning the focus of the event to local cars and teams.

RacingAmerica.TV offers access to 250+ live pavement short track races, streamed on any device for subscribers. Click here to learn more and become a RacingAmerica.TV subscriber today to watch the 500 Sprint Car Tour in 2026.

Founded in 2022, the YourBIGPlans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour has quickly established itself as the premier pavement non-wing sprint car series in the nation. With a schedule that visits some of the most historic short tracks in the Midwest, the tour blends tradition with innovation while showcasing the best drivers and teams in open-wheel racing. Known for its thrilling wheel-to-wheel competition and passionate fan base, the 500 Sprint Car Tour has become a cornerstone event series for grassroots motorsports and continues to grow in prestige each season. For more information, visit 500sprintcartour.com or follow the YourBIGPlans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

Anderson Speedway is a premier race track facility located in Anderson, Indiana, originally established in 1948. The historic 1/4-mile oval hosts approximately 25 races each year, featuring a wide range of racing entertainment including Sprint Cars, Stock Cars, Figure 8 racing, and Monster Truck events. With a strong emphasis on exciting competition and a family-friendly atmosphere, Anderson Speedway continues to be a destination for racers and fans of all ages. For more information, visit andersonspeedway.com or follow the Anderson Speedway on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

Anderson Speedway kicks off its 79th season of racing on April 4. Late Models, Street Stocks, Thunder Roadsters and Front Wheel Drives will be in action to kick off 2026.

The 2026 YourBIGPlans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour opens its season at Anderson on April 18.

2026 YourBIGPlans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour Schedule

April 18 - Anderson Speedway | Anderson, Indiana | 26th Running of the Glen Niebel Classic

May 20-23 - Anderson Speedway | Anderson, Indiana | 78th Annual Unified Group Services Little 500 presented by ED Martin Automotive Group

June 14 - Toledo Speedway | Toledo, Ohio

June 28 - Winchester Speedway | Winchester, Indiana | Tom Bigelow Showdown

July 11 - Jennerstown Speedway | Jennerstown, Pennsylvania

August 1 - Owosso Speedway | Ovid, Michigan

August 15 - Salem Speedway | Salem, Indiana | 67th Running of the Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial

August 28 - Berlin Raceway | Marne, Michigan

September 26 - Anderson Speedway | Anderson, Indiana | 11th Annual Tony Elliott Classic

October 17 - Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park | Brownsburg, Indiana | Championship Night

Colin Grissom Sets Sights on Rookie of the Year Honors in 500 Sprint Car Tour Season

Anderson, IN (January 14, 2026) — Rising pavement sprint car talent Colin Grissom has officially set his focus on competing for Rookie of the Year honors during the 2026 yourBIGplans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour season, bringing momentum, experience, and proven performance into his first full year on the national tour.

Grissom enters the 2026 campaign with a strong foundation built on success in some of pavement racing’s most demanding environments. Most notably, he earned Rookie of the Year honors at the prestigious Little 500, finishing an impressive 13th position in the grueling 500-lap event at Anderson Speedway. The Unified Group Services Little 500 is widely regarded as one of the most challenging sprint car races in the country, and Grissom’s steady, disciplined run solidified his reputation as a driver capable of managing the intense competition.

That momentum carried into the closing stages of the 2025 season, when Grissom made a strategic single start with the yourBIGplans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour500 Sprint Car Tour to prepare for a full-time effort in 2026. Grissom and team purchased the same sprint car from Travis Welpott that he competed in the 2024 Little 500. Competing in the Tony Elliott Classic presented by CB Fabricating at Anderson Speedway, Grissom delivered a strong 8th-place finish against a stacked field of veteran Tour competitors. The performance served as a confidence boost and valuable experience ahead of the upcoming rookie campaign.

“Making that start at the end of 2025 was huge for us,” Grissom said. “It gave us a chance to shake it down after we got everything together. We learned a lot that night, and it confirmed that we’re ready for 2026.”

Grissom’s racing resume also includes success in open-wheel development ranks, highlighted by his status as a former Kenyon Midget Series winner. The Kenyon Midgets have long been recognized as a proving ground for pavement racing talent. Grissom’s success in the series reflects both his adaptability and racecraft that translate directly to the yourBIGplans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour.

The yourBIGplans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour Rookie of the Year award has historically highlighted the next generation of elite pavement sprint car talent. Former Rookie of the Year recipients such as Jackson Macenko, Timmy Creech, and Brady Allum have gone on to become consistent front-runners and championship contenders within the series. Grissom now looks to join that list in 2026, using preparation, consistency, and race management as the foundation for his rookie campaign.

Rather than focusing solely on accolades, Grissom and his team are emphasizing race finishes, learning each track, and minimizing mistakes. With iconic venues on the schedule and a competitive field expected once again, the Rookie of the Year battle is anticipated to be one of the most compelling storylines of the season.

“I respect how tough this Tour is,” Grissom added. “Open Wheel racing is in my blood. I started out racing quarter midgets and transitioned to junior sprints, kenyon midgets, and then a dirt sprint car. I enjoy the horsepower and speed of a sprint car.” 

As the green flag approaches for the 2026 season, Colin Grissom enters the yourBIGplans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour not just as a rookie but as a prepared and motivated contender ready to chase Rookie of the Year honors.
 

YourBIGPlans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour info & Schedule

Founded in 2022, the YourBIGPlans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour has quickly established itself as the premier pavement non-wing sprint car series in the nation. With a schedule that visits some of the most historic short tracks in the Midwest, the tour blends tradition with innovation while showcasing the best drivers and teams in open-wheel racing. Known for its thrilling wheel-to-wheel competition and passionate fan base, the 500 Sprint Car Tour has become a cornerstone event series for grassroots motorsports and continues to grow in prestige each season.For more information, visit 500sprintcartour.com or follow the YourBIGPlans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

April 18 - Anderson Speedway | Anderson, Indiana | 26th Running of the Glen Niebel Classic presented by CB Fabricating 

May 20-23 - Anderson Speedway | Anderson, Indiana | 78th Annual Unified Group Services Little 500 presented by ED Martin Automotive Group

June 14 - Toledo Speedway | Toledo, Ohio

June 28 - Winchester Speedway | Winchester, Indiana | Tom Bigelow Showdown

July 11 - Jennerstown Speedway | Jennerstown, Pennsylvania

August 1 - Owosso Speedway | Ovid, Michigan

August 15 - Salem Speedway | Salem, Indiana | 67th Running of the Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial

August 28 - Berlin Raceway | Marne, Michigan

September 26 - Anderson Speedway | Anderson, Indiana | 11th Annual Tony Elliott Classic presented by CB Fabricating 

October 17 - Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park | Brownsburg, Indiana | Championship Night

 

Hoosier Tire Reveals Hoosier Hero Class of 2026


 

Indianapolis, Ind. – December 11, 2025 - Hoosier Racing Tire revealed its class of 2026 Hoosier Heroes today at a special announcement during the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show in Indianapolis.
 

Launched in 2022, the Hoosier Hero program celebrates racers who live out Hoosier’s spirit of passion, pride, and success both on and off the track. This year’s process kicked off with fans nominating more than 400 racers over the summer. From there, the field was narrowed down to 25 finalists, who went through a combined fan, industry, and media vote. When voting wrapped up - with over 17,000 votes cast - the 2026 class was set.
 

Meet the 2026 Hoosier Heroes:
 

· Victoria Beaner – Pro Jr. Dragster, Micro Sprint, Pro Late Model
· Emily Billings – INEX Bandolero
· Vito Cancilla – Pro Late Model, Super Late Model, CARS Tour
· Joey Coulter – SMART Modified Tour, WHELEN Modified Tour
· Callum & Ryan Crowe – Sidecar, Isle of Man TT
· Jimmy Dale – Drag Racing
· Morgan Grosz – WISSOTA Late Model
· Andy Jankowiak – ARCA, Modifieds
· Ryan Kisner – MWEDT/Pro, Pro-AM
· Chris Morris – IMCA Modified
· Mitch Thomas – UMP Modified, Late Model
· Westin Workman – GR Cup North America
 

“The Hoosier Hero program is our way of celebrating the people who make racing what it is,” said Joerg Burfien, President & CEO, Hoosier Racing Tire. “The Class of 2026 reflects the heart of this community, its leaders, competitors, and mentors who have lifted the sport in meaningful ways. Their induction as Hoosier Heroes is not just a recognition of past success, but a tribute to the positive influence they’ve had on everyone around them.”
 

In addition to honoring active racers through the annual Hoosier Hero class, Hoosier also names a Hoosier Hero Legend each year. Presented alongside the Hero program, this distinction recognizes an individual whose influence and achievements have left a lasting mark on motorsports.
 

Frank Kimmel was named the 2026 Hoosier Hero Legend, honoring his extraordinary contribution to motorsports. Kimmel is the winningest driver in ARCA (Automobile Racing Club of America) history with 80 wins, 10 championship titles and over 10,000 laps completed across 191 races. His remarkable consistency, skill, and dedication to the sport have left an incredible mark on the racing community.
 

“Frank Kimmel has long embodied the spirit, excellence, and integrity that define a Hoosier Hero,” said Nic Moncher, Head of Marketing, Hoosier Tire. “His decades of achievement on and off the track have left an unmistakable mark on our sport and on the racing community. Being named a Hoosier Hero Legend in 2026 is not only a fitting honor, but a formal recognition of the standard he has set for competitors, teams, and fans alike. Frank’s legacy continues to influence every corner of the industry, and this distinction reflects the impact he’s made throughout an extraordinary career.”

The Hoosier Hero campaign will air on Racer+ as a 12-part series with each episode highlighting a different member of the 2026 class. Racer+ is a direct-to-consumer streaming app available on iOS, Android-connected devices, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and online at racerplus.com.
 

The Hoosier Hero class of 2026 will be sharing their stories throughout the week at the PRI Show on stage in the Hoosier Booth (Yellow Hall, Booth 3439) with longtime motorsports broadcast member Jim Tretow leading the conversations.

Follow Hoosier on social media @hoosiertire on Instagram, X, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn to learn more about the Hero program and help celebrate the newly minted class throughout the year.

 

Learn more about the 2026 Hoosier Heroes here.
 

For more information on Hoosier Tire or to find your nearest Hoosier Racing Tire distributor, visit hoosiertire.com.
 

TIRES DESIGNED FOR CHAMPIONS

 

 

YourBIGPlans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour Announces 2026 Schedule

Tour to Race at Jennerstown Speedway in Pennsylvania for the First Time 

(Anderson, Indiana): Tour officials are excited to announce the schedule for the 2026 YourBIGPlans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour racing season. 

The ten race schedule will include nine points earning events and one special event, the 78th Annual Unified Group Services Little 500 presented by ED Martin Automotive Group. Special events do not count toward the season-long points championship.

“We are excited to kick off our fifth season of competition,” said Jared Owen - YourBIGPlans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour, Series Director. “The 2026 season will look both familiar and different to our fans and competitors. It was important to us to maintain a level of familiarity, but also bring in new challenges as well. We feel as though this schedule gives us that perfect mixture and we are very excited for the 2026 season.”

Tour Staples Return

Anderson Speedway will remain a staple on the YourBIGPlans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour schedule with three events in 2026 including the Unified Group Services Little 500 presented by ED Martin. The 26th Running of the Glen Niebel Classic will take place on April 18th as a tune up event for the 77th Annual Little 500. The series will then return to Anderson on September 26th for the 11th Annual Tony Elliott Classic. Each of the three races contested at Anderson Speedway in 2025 saw a different winner as Dakoda Armstrong (New Castle, Indiana) went to victory in the Glen Niebel Classic, Tyler Roahrig (Plymouth, Indiana) claimed victory in the Tony Elliott Classic, and Jake Trainor (Medway, Massachusetts) found his way to Victory Lane in the Unified Group Services Little 500 presented by ED Martin for his second win in three tries at the historic sprint car classic.

Fans of the series will see six tracks from 2025, outside of Anderson, return to the 2025 schedule. The series will return to Toledo Speedway for a Sunday Afternoon race on Sunday, June 14th. They will then travel to Winchester Speedway for another Sunday afternoon race on Sunday, June 28th. The series made their triumphant return to Winchester Speedway in 2025 and will look to build on the momentum going into 2026. The YourBIGPlans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour returns to Owosso Speedway and Berlin Raceway to complete the Michigan portion of the 2026 schedule. The events will be held on Saturday, August 1st and Friday, August 28th respectively. Finally, for the third consecutive season, theYourBIGPlans.com  500 Sprint Car Tour will head to Salem Speedway on Saturday, August 15th for the 67th Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial.

Big Track Action

2026 will be the year of big track action for the YourBIGPlans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour as they will contest five events at tracks boasting a circuit of .500 miles or larger. That will be the most .500 mile races the tour has contested in a single season. Four of the five “Big Tracks” the tour will compete at in 2026, will be tracks fans and drivers are familiar with. Those events include Toledo Speedway, Winchester Speedway, Salem Speedway, and Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. The fifth event will be at a new track for the YourBIGPlans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour: Jennerstown Speedway in Jennerstown, Pennsylvania.

Jennerstown Speedway will be the 12th different facility the YourBIGPlans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour has competed at since it began competition in 2022. The Pennsylvania facility will also be the only NEW track for the YourBIGPlans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour in 2026. Jennerstown Speedway opened in the 1920’s as a flat, dirt half mile known as Jenners Fairgrounds. The facility went through a quarter mile period beginning in the 1950’s before returning to half mile racing in 1967. Jennerstown continued as a fast, half mile dirt oval until 1987 when the decision was made to pave the racing surface. The racing surface was then repaved in 2004 with a polymer based asphalt. After a brief period of uncertainty saw the track sit dormant from 2008 to 2013, racing returned in 2014 and is still going strong to this day. The YourBIGPlans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour event at Jennerstown Speedway on Saturday, July 11th will be the first non-wing sprint car race at the historic facility since it was initially paved in 1987.

Continued Focus on Growing the Sport

The United States Speed Association - Mel Kenyon Midget Series will accompany the YourBIGPlans.com  500 Sprint Car Tour at six races in 2026. They will join the tour at Anderson Speedway, Berlin Raceway, Salem Speedway, Toledo Speedway, and Owosso Speedway. The YourBIGPlans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour will continue to partner with the series as a training ground for future sprint car teams and drivers. The USSA Kenyon Midget Champion will be granted the opportunity to test a pavement sprint car in the offseason.

For More Information visit: 500sprintcartour.com and be sure to follow on social media (Facebook: 500 Sprint Car Tour | Twitter (X): @500SprintTour | Instagram: @500sprintcartour).


 

2026 500 Sprint Car Tour Schedule: 

April 18 - Anderson Speedway | Anderson, Indiana | 26th Running of the Glen Niebel Classic

May 20-23 - Anderson Speedway | Anderson, Indiana | 78th Annual Unified Group Services Little 500 presented by ED Martin Automotive Group

June 14 - Toledo Speedway | Toledo, Ohio

June 28 - Winchester Speedway | Winchester, Indiana | Tom Bigelow Showdown

July 11 - Jennerstown Speedway | Jennerstown, Pennsylvania

August 1 - Owosso Speedway | Ovid, Michigan

August 15 - Salem Speedway | Salem, Indiana | 67th Running of the Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial

August 28 - Berlin Raceway | Marne, Michigan

September 26 - Anderson Speedway | Anderson, Indiana | 11th Annual Tony Elliott Classic

October 17 - Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park | Brownsburg, Indiana | Championship Night

By Rachel Wynkoop FREMONT, OH (November 25, 2025) -

 The Napa Auto Parts All Star
Circuit of Champions presented by Valvoline returns in 2026 with a 32 race schedule across five
states that boasts more than $1,000,000 in a-main prize money.
The 2026 season will kick off with the traditional Attica Raceway Park Spring Nationals on April
10th and 11th. The Attica Raceway Park Spring Nationals have been a fixture on the All Star
schedule since 1992. This is the first of three events in 2026 at the Attica, Ohio track. The All
Stars return on Friday, June 12th for the first night of the 44th Annual Overwatch Precision Ohio
Sprint Speedweek and again on Friday, September 4th for Attica Ambush.
Teams can look forward to the biggest payouts of the year during two newly added Indiana
events in May. During the weekend of May 8-9, the All Stars head to Kokomo Speedway. Friday
night’s a-main will pay $10,000 to win and Saturday’s a-main pays $15,000 to win. The All Stars
then return to Indiana on May 29th at Lawrenceburg Speedway for a $12,000 to win feature.
This is the first visit to the Lawrenceburg, Indiana track since 2010.
June brings the annual trip to Central Pennsylvania for the All Stars. On Friday, June 5th, they
head to Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania for the $8,000 to win Lynn
Paxton EMMR Legends Classic. Followed up by the $8,000 to win Elijah Hawkins Memorial at
Lincoln Speedway in Abbottstown, Pennsylvania.
Also during June is the 44th Annual Overwatch Precision Ohio Sprint Speedweek. Kicking off at
Attica Raceway Park on Friday, June 12th, the All Stars will travel to eight tracks in nine nights
across the state with the $10,000 to win finale at Atomic Speedway in Chillicothe on Saturday,
June 20th. This year, Wednesday, June 17th is held as a rain date for events during the first half
of Speedweek.
After a successful event at Stateline Speedway in 2025, the All Stars have added a two-night
event at the Jamestown, New York track on August 7th and 8th. Friday night’s $5,000 to win
race will be followed by a $10,00 to win on Saturday.
This season, the All Stars make three trips to Michigan. Starting on Friday, July 31st at Hartford
Speedway in Hartford then again on Friday, August 21st at I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa and
Saturday, August 22nd at Butler Motor Speedway in Quincy. All three nights in Michigan are
$7,500 to win.
September will be another big money month for the All Stars. During the weekend of September
5-6, they head to Wayne County Speedway in Orrville, Ohio for the Pete Jacobs Memorial. This
year the Pete Jacobs Memorial has been expanded to a two-night event paying $5,000 to win
on Friday and $10,000 to win on Saturday. To end September, the All Stars return to Fremont
Speedway in Fremont, Ohio for the

The All Stars cap their season at Waynesfield Raceway Park, Waynesfield, Ohio, on Saturday,
October 3rd for the $10,000 to win season championship night.
All events will be streamed live on FloRacing. Visit www.floracing.com for subscription
information to gain access to live and archived events.
About the All Star Circuit of Champions
Established in 1970, the All Star Circuit of Champions quickly became a defining force in
regional winged sprint car racing. Known for spotlighting both legendary names and emerging
talent, the series built its reputation through marquee events like Ohio Sprint Speedweek. More
than five decades later, it continues to blend tradition with innovation, keeping grassroots racing
alive across the five-state midwest region. For more information, visit www.allstarsprintcar.com.
About Napa Auto Parts
NAPA Auto Parts is a leading automotive parts retailer, supplying high-quality replacement
parts, accessories, and service items across North America. Established in 1925, NAPA has
built a reputation for reliability and expertise, serving both professional mechanics and everyday
drivers. With a network of over 6,000 stores, NAPA ensures that customers have access to the
right parts, right when they need them. For more information, visit www.napaonline.com.
About Valvoline
Valvoline is a global leader in automotive and industrial solutions, specializing in
high-performance lubricants, motor oils, and vehicle maintenance services. Established in 1866,
Valvoline pioneered the world's first branded motor oil and continues to drive innovation in
engine protection and performance. With a presence in over 140 countries, Valvoline is
committed to powering the future of mobility, supporting electric, hybrid, and internal combustion
vehicles with cutting-edge solutions. For more information, visit www.valvoline.com.
About Overwatch Precision
Overwatch Precision is a leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance firearm
components, specializing in flat-faced Glock triggers, weapon accessories, and
precision-engineered gun parts for discerning users. With a commitment to thoughtful,
purposeful design, Overwatch Precision pushes the limits of innovation, ensuring that every
product meets the highest standards of functionality and reliability. For more information, visit
overwatchprecision.com.
2026 All Star Circuit of Champions Schedule
Friday, April 10, 2026 - Attica Raceway Park - Attica, Ohio
Saturday, April 11, 2026 - Attica Raceway Park - Attica, Ohio
Saturday, April 18, 2026 - Atomic Speedway - Chillicothe, Ohio
Friday, May 8, 2026 - Kokomo Speedway - Kokomo, Indiana
Saturday, May 9, 2026 - Kokomo Speedway - Kokomo, Indiana
Saturday, May 23, 2026 - Michael’s Mercer Raceway - Merc

 Sunday, May 24, 2026 - Wayne County Speedway - Orrville, Ohio
Friday, May 29, 2026 - Lawrenceburg Speedway - Lawrenceburg, Indiana
Friday, June 5, 2026 - Williams Grove Speedway - Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Saturday, June 6, 2026 - Lincoln Speedway - Abbottstown, Pennsylvania
*Friday, June 12, 2026 - Attica Raceway Park - Attica, Ohio
*Saturday, June 13, 2026 - Sharon Speedway - Hartford, Ohio
*Sunday, June 14, 2026 - Millstream Speedway - Findlay, Ohio
*Monday, June 15, 2026 - Wayne County Speedway - Orrville, Ohio
*Tuesday, June 16, 2026 - Eldora Speedway - Rossburg, Ohio
*Wednesday, June 17, 2026 - Rain Date
*Thursday, June 18, 2026 - Waynesfield Raceway Park - Waynesfield, Ohio
*Friday, June 19, 2026 - Fremont Speedway - Fremont, Ohio
*Saturday, June 20, 2026 - Atomic Speedway - Chillicothe, Ohio
Friday, July 31, 2026 - Hartford Speedway - Hartford, Michigan
Friday, August 7, 2026 - Stateline Speedway - Jamestown, New York
Saturday, August 8, 2026 - Stateline Speedway - Jamestown, New York
Friday, August 21, 2026 - I-96 Speedway - Lake Odessa, Michigan
Saturday, August 22, 2026 - Butler Motor Speedway - Quincy, Michigan
Friday, August 28, 2026 - Freedom Motorsports Park - Delevan, New York
Saturday, August 29, 2026 - Sharon Speedway - Hartford, Ohio
Friday, September 4, 2026 - Attica Raceway Park - Attica, Ohio
Saturday, September 5, 2026 - Wayne County Speedway - Orrville, Ohio
Sunday, September 6, 2026 - Wayne County Speedway - Orrville, Ohio
Friday, September 18, 2026 - Fremont Speedway - Fremont, Ohio
Saturday, September 19, 2026 - Fremont Speedway - Fremont, Ohio
Friday, October 2, 2026 - Michael’s Mercer Raceway - Mercer, Pennsylvania
Saturday, October 3, 2026 - Waynesfield Raceway Park - Waynesfield, Ohio
*Ohio Sprint Speedweek

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