JUNE 24, 2026
Dirt, speed, and hometown pride—welcome to Pit Pass Iowa, your source for local dirt track racing. From Friday night battles to championship dreams, we celebrate the communities that keep Iowa’s racing tradition alive. Strap in and enjoy the ride!
There’s something special about a summer evening at an Iowa dirt track. The smell of popcorn and grilled burgers fills the air, kids line the fences waiting for the next race, and families gather in the grandstands to cheer on their favorite drivers. Dirt track racing has long been a tradition in Iowa, offering affordable entertainment and memories that span generations.
Across the state, local tracks come alive on weekend nights with stock cars, modifieds, hobby stocks, sprint cars and more battling for position on the clay oval. Fans don’t need to know every driver or understand every class to enjoy the excitement. The thunder of engines, the side-by-side racing, and the occasional photo finish provide plenty of thrills for everyone.
For many families, attending the races is about more than just competition. It’s a chance to spend time together away from screens and busy schedules. Young fans often become lifelong enthusiasts after meeting drivers in the pits, collecting autographs, or seeing race cars up close. Many tracks offer kid-friendly activities, giveaways, and special events throughout the season.
One of the biggest draws is affordability. Compared to many profession-
al sporting events, dirt track racing provides an evening of entertainment at a reasonable cost. Families can bring lawn chairs, enjoy concession stand favorites, and spend several hours watching multiple divisions compete under the lights.
The local atmosphere is another part of the appeal. Drivers are often neighbors, business owners, farmers, mechanics, or high school graduates from the surrounding communities. Fans develop favorites and follow their progress throughout the season, creating a hometown connection that is hard to find elsewhere.
Dirt track racing also showcases Iowa’s strong sense of community. Volunteers, sponsors, track officials, and race teams all work together to make race night possible. Local businesses support the sport, and many drivers proudly represent their hometowns on the side of their cars.
As summer rolls on, families looking for a fun and exciting evening don’t have to travel far. Whether it’s a first visit or a long-standing tradition, an Iowa dirt track offers something for everyone—a place where memories are made, friendships are formed, and the roar of the engines signals another night of family fun under the lights.
POET Night, Modifieds $1,000 To-Win - NLRS + FIREWORKS & PCSB Kids Money Grab
Salute to Farming Presented by Iowa Corn Dist. 7 - NLRS
Lucas Oil Late Models Dirt Series
Salute to First Responders Night + R&S Collectibles Hall of Fame Night 5th Hampel Memorial / Underdog 22 + SLMR E/W
Hulett Salvage Night, Hobby Stocks $1,000 To-Win + Hardisty Construction Kids Autograph Night - NLRS
Pullen Construction Night, Crown Vics $350 To-Win - NLRS
Houghton State Bank Night - NLRS + CHI ePower Races
World of Outlaws Late Models
RJ’s Plumbing & Heating Night, NLRS
2026 will without a doubt be the biggest calendar year in the history of the Adams County Speedway. The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will be making their debut to the speedway on Tuesday, July 14th for a $15,000 to-win show. PLUS the World of Outlaws Late Model Series will make their first ever appearance at ACS later on August 28th for a $20,000 to-win show.
This summer the greatest dirt late model drivers will pull through the gates not once but twice; For the Lucas Oil Series show it will be almost 25 years to the date since a National Touring late model series has been at the Adams County Speedway; July 10th, 2001, to be exact, when Don O’Neal was victorious in a UMP DIRTcar Summer Nationals Series event.
Aside from that show in 2001, there’s only been 2 other National Touring late model events in the history of ACS. July 16, 1992 (Summer Nationals) and August 22, 2000 (Hav-A-Tampa) both of which were won by the late Scott Bloomquist.
Since 2001, ACS has played host to many regional Series including the Malvern Bank SLMR Series, Lucas Oil MLRA, Busch AllStar Tour, WDRL and even a few USMTS shows.
While ACS will be primarily new territory for those National Touring drivers, there’s a few on the national scene that have seen ACS before (listed below) and if in attendance will look to lean on past experience to propel themselves to either a $15,000 or $20,000 payday: Cade Dillard, Tyler Bruening, Dallon Murty, Joseph Joiner, Ricky Thornton JR, Daniel Hilsabeck, and Ryan Gustin.
Night - NLRS
By KENT DINNEBIER
As horse racing gave way to horse power, the Knoxville Raceway established its claim as the Sprint Car Capital of the World.
Located on the Marion County Fairgrounds, the Knoxville Raceway was originally constructed as a track for horse racing. However, the first automobile race at the facility was held in 1901.
Automobile racing continued at the track until the early 1940s when it was halted for World War II. Racing resumed late in the decade and became a weekly attraction in 1954. Races were held every Saturday night through the summer.
“It’s remarkable to think a small horse track turned into one of the biggest sprint car venues in the world,”
Knoxville Raceway General Manager Jason Reed said. The Southern Iowa Stock Car Racing Association promoted the weekly events at the Knoxville Raceway until 1956. Marion Robinson then took over as the promoter. During his tenure modifieds, stock cars with modifications to their engines, and supermodifieds, modifieds with the car body cut away to eliminate weight were
the rage.
However, tubing eventually replaced the car frames, giving way to the sprint car.
A sprint car is an open-wheeled vehicle that can be equipped with a top wing that creates downforce to improve traction and increase the speed of the cars.
“The weight of a sprint car, along with the driver, is about 1,40 0 pounds and it produces approximately 950 horse power. That horsepower to weight ratio is pretty stout. It’s about like strapp yourself to a rocket,” Reed said.
Knoxville Raceway kicked off the 2026 season on April 24 by hosting the opener for the Premier Chev y Dealers NOS Energy Drink World of Outlaws event. Reed said the World of Outlaws travel the country competing in 90 races including three appearances at Knoxville Raceway before the Knoxville Nationals at the end of the season in September.
Marion County Fair Board. So, in 19 61, Robinson approached the board with a proposal to create a race featuring a $5,0 0 0 purse. The fair board agreed to hold the race and from there the event has snowballed into one of the highest paying sprint car races in existence with a total purse of more than $1.2 million.
“Th Knoxville Nationals tures the largest total urse in sprint car racing. The winner receives $20 0,0 0 0 compared o the $12,0 0 0 typically paid to the winners of premier series like the World of Outlaws. Each year we draw 10 0 to 110 drivers for the qualifying races that start on Wednesday night. That field is eventually narrowed down to 24 drivers for the finale on Saturday night. Those
24 drivers are guaranteed at least $15,0 0 0 for qualifying for the finals,” Reed said.
This year will also mark the 65th anniversary of the Knoxville Nationals. Established in 19 61, the Knoxville Nationals were the brainchild of Robinson and is now regarded as the biggest sprint car race in the world.
Since the Knoxville Raceway is part of the Marion County Fairgrounds, the facility is overseen by 24 members of the
As a result of the prestige now associated with the Knoxville Nationals, Reed said the event is the most coveted championship in the sport.
Part of the reason the Knoxville Nationals are held in such high regard is because the Marion County Fair Board has demonstrated a willingness to reinvest in the facilities at Knoxville Raceway. Along
with the half-mile oval dirt track, the raceway features grandstands that seat 21,0 0 0 fans and a total of 76 VIP suites that hold another 1,50 0 spectators.
Despite being only 35 miles southeast of Des Moines, Knoxville only has a population of approximately 7,50 0 people. However, during the Knoxville Nationals, the number of people in town swells to more than 30,0 0 0 between the drivers, their teams, the sponsors and fans who converge on the small community every September.
“There are people every where. You can see people camping in yards and anywhere you go in town there are going to be teams working on their sprint cars,” Reed said.
In 2025, Reed conducted an economic impact study to see just how beneficial Knoxville Raceway is to the city, Marion County and the surrounding area. He said $74.2 million is pumped into the local economy.
“That is staggering for a town of 7,50 0 people. A lot of local businesses tell me how much it helps. The raceway is also one of the largest employers in the area.
Although there are only five full-time employees, there are also 20 0 to 225 parttime workers at the facility on a typical race night. That number goes up to about 350 employees for the week of the Knoxville Nationals,” Reed said.
Since Knoxville Raceway is located in the heart of the city, Reed said a
convenience store, grocery store and popular local bar are all within easy walking distance of the racetrack. Yet, Reed said there are some disadvantages to having the track surrounded by homes and businesses.
“It’s kind of a double-edged sword,” Reed said. “We could certainly use more room for parking and camping, but it’s hard to find that because there are also railroad tracks on the south side of the fairgrounds. So we’re pretty landlocked and have to take advantage of every inch of land we can.”
Still, Reed said the benefits of being recognized as the Sprint Car Capital of the World far outweigh the challenges associated with the location of the raceway.
“It gives you a really good feeling to see how much interest there is in the raceway and the nationals,” Reed said. “I listen to a lot of different racing podcasts and somewhere along the way the Knoxville Nationals are going to be mentioned. I’m very proud to be a part of that.”
Long before professional sports dominated television screens, dirt track racing was bringing communities together across Iowa. Today, that tradition remains alive and thriving, with race fans gathering each week to enjoy the sights, sounds, and excitement that have made the sport a staple of summertime entertainment.
From spring through fall, dirt tracks across the state welcome drivers and spectators from all walks of life. Farmers, mechanics, teachers, business owners, and students trade their weekday routines for race cars and grandstands, creating a unique atmosphere where competitors and fans share the same passion for speed and competition.
Unlike many sports, dirt track racing offers an up-close experience. Fans can often walk through the pit area before races, visit with drivers, and see the cars up close. Children eagerly collect autographs and photos, while longtime fans catch up with friends and neighbors they may only see at the track.
The competition itself is part of the attraction. Every week brings new challenges as drivers battle changing track conditions and fierce rivals in divisions ranging from hobby stocks and sport mods to modifieds and sprint cars. No two races are ever exactly alike, and dramatic finishes often keep fans talking
long after the final checkered flag falls.
Behind the excitement lies a strong sense of community. Local businesses sponsor race teams, volunteers help operate the tracks, and entire families become involved in the sport. It is common to find multiple generations working together in the pits, passing down knowledge and traditions that have lasted for decades.
For many drivers, racing is more than a hobby—it is a way of life. Hours spent in the shop after work, countless miles on the road, and the support of family and friends are all part of what makes race night possible. The dedication and camaraderie among teams create lasting friendships and memories that extend far beyond the track.
As another racing season unfolds, Iowa dirt tracks continue to provide affordable entertainment and hometown excitement. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or attending your first race, there’s nothing quite like watching the sun set, hearing the engines roar to life, and witnessing the passion that keeps Iowa dirt track racing a cherished tradition.
Under the lights and on the clay, the spirit of small-town America is alive and well—one lap at a time.
The Fair Board is committed to embarking on a series of projects designed to enhance the fairgrounds and better serve the needs of our residents, particularly our youth. Our vision is to create a dynamic space that not only promotes safety and accessibility but also fosters economic growth and enriches the quality of life for all residents of Kossuth County.
The grandstand project marks the first phase of our vision plan. This transformative project encompasses several key components aimed at modernizing our facilities and expanding our capacity to host a wide range of events and activities.
Key Components:
• New Surfacing & Updated Seating: We will install all-new surfacing and update seating arrangements to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
• Increased Wheelchair Accessibility: Enhancing accessibility is a top priority. We will implement measures to increase wheelchair accessibility throughout the grandstand area, ensuring that all residents can fully participate in fairground events.
• New Concession Stand: A new concession stand will be constructed to offer a variety of refreshments and snacks, enhancing the overall guest experience.
• Bathroom Update: We will modernize restroom facilities to improve convenience and comfort for fairground visitors.
• Improved Fencing around Track: Upgrading fencing around the track will enhance safety measures and ensure a secure environment for participants and spectators alike.
THURSDAY NIGHT THUNDER!
