Excitement is high following a strong turnout during last weekend’s Test and Tune session, where 62 cars took to the 3/8-mile dirt track to prepare for opening night. Teams spent the day dialing in setups and shaking down their cars, setting the stage for what is expected to be a competitive start to the 2026 campaign.
Among those showing speed during practice was local favorite Mike Lisowski, who posted the fastest unofficial lap of the session at 15.871 seconds. Two-time division champion Brett Kressley also appeared strong as he looks to bounce back after an abbreviated 2025 season.
The USS Achey Inc. 602 Crate Sportsman division, which featured no repeat winners last year, is expected to once again provide parity throughout the field. The class had the largest turnout during practice with 19 cars, many showing consistent speed.
In the Red White and Blue Autos Inc. Roadrunners division, defending champion Alex Schoffstall returns with his sights set on a fourth consecutive title, though early indications suggest he’ll face stiff competition.
Rookie drivers in the Big Creek Concrete 602 Sportsman division also gained valuable track time during the preseason session as they prepare for their first full year of competition.
Tonight’s “Thaw Brawl” will feature a 25-lap main event for the 358 Modifieds paying $4,054 to win. The 602 Crate Sportsman will compete in a 20-lap feature with a $1,054 top prize, while the Roadrunners will also run 20 laps for $454 to win. The Rookie 602 Sportsman division will contest a 15-lap feature.
Pit gates open at 5:00 p.m., with grandstands opening at 5:30 p.m. Warm-ups are scheduled for 7:00 p.m., followed by heat races, with starting positions determined by random draw.
Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for ages 10 to 15, and free for children under 9. Pit admission is $35 for members and $45 for non-members.
Following tonight’s opener, the speedway will host “Money in the Mountains” on Friday, April 10, honoring track founder Fritz Roehrig, highlighted by a 50-lap, $10,000-to-win feature for the 358 Modifieds.