4/17/2026
LaSalle Speedway
The 2026 Season Is Shaping Up At The LaSalle Speedway & Event Center
The 2026 season at LaSalle Speedway & Event Center is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and diverse schedules in recent memory, featuring a mix of premier dirt track racing, family-friendly entertainment, and marquee special events that promise to draw fans from across the Midwest and beyond.
The season roars to life in a major way on Tuesday, May 5th, as LaSalle Speedway proudly kicks off Illinois Speedweek with FloRacing “Night in America.” The event will bring many of the nation’s top late model drivers to the Illinois Valley, putting the spotlight squarely on LaSalle as one of the premier stops on the tour. Last year’s event marked the return of racing to the facility, highlighted by a feature win from Oakwood, Illinois standout Bobby Pierce. Also in action will be UMP Modifieds. With the eyes of the dirt track racing world once again focused on LaSalle, this year’s opener is expected to deliver another unforgettable night of competition.
Fans won’t have to wait long for more action, as the month of May continues with an open-wheel showcase on Saturday, May 30th. The IRA Sprint Cars, Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Cars, and the Midwest Dirt Series will take to the track, offering a thrilling mix of speed and skill that is sure to excite race fans of all kinds.
The schedule takes a turn on Saturday, June 20th, with the return of the Starved Rock Rodeo. This mid-summer favorite provides fun for all ages and will be capped off with a live concert featuring The Alika Arlynn Band, making it a full evening of entertainment both on and off the track.
July brings the heat with one of the most anticipated events of the year. On Thursday, July 2nd, the Summer Nationals Hell Tour returns to LaSalle Speedway to kick off Independence Day weekend in style. Featuring Late Models, UMP Modifieds, and Stock Cars, the event will once again deliver high-intensity racing action, along with the always-popular fireworks show lighting up the night sky.
Later in the month, on Saturday, July 25th, fans can experience a different kind of adrenaline rush as the Outlaw Monster Truck Drags and Freestyle Motocross return by popular demand. This high-flying, high-horsepower spectacle continues to be a fan favorite, bringing a unique twist to the traditional racing lineup.
The biggest race weekend of the season arrives August 14th and 15th with the Illinois Valley Showdown, featuring the MARS Super Late Models. The weekend kicks off with the “Twisted Twin 25’s,” a unique format that delivered feature wins for Bobby Pierce and Tyler Erb in 2025. Saturday’s program will cap off the weekend with another full slate of Super Late Models, UMP Modifieds, and Stock Cars, ensuring two nights of premier racing action.
As the season begins to wind down, LaSalle Speedway continues to deliver with the BMARA Badger Midgets visiting on Saturday, September 26th. The evening will also feature UMP Pro Mods, Stock Cars, and Crown Vics, showcasing a wide variety of classes that highlight the speedway’s commitment to offering something for every fan.
LaSalle Speedway promoter Tony Izzo Jr. expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming season, stating, “We are proud of the 2026 schedule. We've wanted to bring variety to the area so people can get to see and enjoy multiple things and we believe we've done that. It's great to have some big races on the schedule and for events that bring other fans to the speedway.”
The 2026 season will conclude on Saturday, October 17th with the return of “Trunk or Treat,” presented by The Starved Rock Regional Center For Therapy & Child Development. After a highly successful debut last year, the event is expected to once again provide a safe and fun environment for children and families to celebrate the Halloween season.
With a packed calendar featuring top-tier racing, unique entertainment, and community-focused events, the LaSalle Speedway & Event Center is set to deliver a memorable 2026 season. Fans are encouraged to visit lasallespeedway.com for more information on tickets, event times, and additional details.
Article Credit: Kevin Zambory
Submitted By: Kevin Zambory