For decades, the growl of motorcycle engines tucked inside 5/8-scale coupes was a staple of Saturday nights at the facility known variously as Barberton Speedway and Norton Raceway Park. But as the 2026 season approaches, that familiar sound has been silenced, replaced by the quiet industry of a mulch processing facility.
The sale of the historic track to Mulch Makers Ohio, Inc. in late 2025, followed by the denial of a lease proposal for the 2026 season, has left Ohio’s vibrant Legend Car and Bandolero divisions without a primary home. Now, dozens of teams are in a scramble to salvage their seasons, looking north to Painesville Speedway and south to Midvale Speedway as the likely saviors of the class.
The Mulch Displacement
The uncertainty began in December 2025 when the ¼-mile oval was sold. While initial hopes ran high that the new owners might lease the facility for racing events, those hopes were dashed in late January when a proposal from a group of local racers was rejected. The property’s new focus will be industrial, effectively ending weekly racing at one of Northeast Ohio’s most challenging bullrings.
For the “Spec” classes—Legend Cars and Bandoleros—the closure is particularly disruptive. Unlike Street Stocks or Late Models, which often have multiple rule-aligned tracks within driving distance, INEX-sanctioned racing requires specific track affiliations to award state and national points. Without a weekly home, Ohio drivers risk falling out of contention for the prestigious INEX National Championship battles.
The Northern Hope: Painesville Speedway
Emerging as a primary option for the displaced northern contingent is Painesville Speedway. Under the banner of a “New Era” for 2026, the Lake County oval has been aggressively courting displaced classes.
Known as a “paperclip” for its tight turns and narrow straightaways, Painesville offers a distinct challenge. For Bandoleros—the entry-level class for drivers as young as seven—the track is an ideal learning ground, prioritizing car control over raw speed.
“Painesville has always been a driver’s track,” noted one veteran Legend competitor. “If you can pass there, you can pass anywhere. It’s tight, it’s aggressive, and it might just be the lifeboat we need.”
The track’s 2026 schedule, kicking off with practice/tech days in early April, is expected to absorb a significant portion of the entry-level fields that previously cut their teeth at Barberton.
The Central Sanctuary: Midvale Speedway
For teams looking for higher speeds and a facility that mirrors the layout of national event venues, Midvale Speedway in New Philadelphia has emerged as the other major contender.
Already a host to the popular “Thunder in the Valley” program, Midvale has a history of welcoming Legend Cars for marquee events like the Fall Classic. The track’s slightly larger, banked layout allows the Legend Cars to stretch their legs, reaching speeds that showcase the true potential of the Yamaha-powered machines.
Midvale serves as a geographical anchor for teams in Central and Eastern Ohio. With a stable rulebook and a reputation for well-run shows, it offers a “turn-key” solution for the division. Rumors suggest that the Ohio Legend Car Series, which organizes the touring points for the division, may look to anchor more dates at Midvale to ensure a consistent count for the state championship.
The Road Ahead
The 2026 season is shaping up to be a year of transition. The field may effectively split, with northern teams migrating to Painesville and southern/central teams anchoring at Midvale. While this decentralization ends the era of a single “super-show” for Legends in Northeast Ohio, it also spreads the discipline to new audiences.
Despite the loss of their home track, the talent pool in Ohio remains deep. With drivers like Colton Brock bringing home national hardware in 2025, the state’s reputation is strong. The venues may have changed, but the scramble to find a new home proves one thing: the racers are ready to haul, adapt, and compete wherever the gate opens.
The 2026 racing season in Ohio begins in April. Check Painesville Speedway and Midvale Speedway official channels for final class schedules and start times.
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