As the summer heat starts to break and the air turns crisp, racing fans across the Ohio and Pennsylvania region know exactly what time it is: finale season. September isn’t just the beginning of fall; it marks the highly anticipated season-ending mega-events for local dirt and paved tracks.
Drivers have spent all summer dialing in their setups and chasing points, and these multi-day spectaculars represent one last chance to grab a marquee victory before the winter off-season. Whether you prefer the sliding, clay-slinging action of dirt tracks or the high-speed precision of the asphalt, this month delivers some of the biggest car counts and richest purses of the year.
Here is a look at the premier season-ending races you won’t want to miss this September.
Sharon Speedway: Apple Festival Nationals
When: September 11th & 12th
Kicking off the region’s big fall events is one of the oldest continuously running weekly racetracks in the United States. The Apple Festival Nationals at Sharon Speedway brings an action-packed two-day show to Hartford, Ohio.
The event traditionally draws massive car counts across multiple divisions, ensuring the pits are packed to the brim. Fans can expect to see everything from the thundering Big Block Modifieds and Sprint Cars to Pure Stocks and Econo Mods taking on the famous 3/8-mile red clay oval. It’s a weekend that perfectly pairs with the local autumn festivities, delivering high-stakes racing as drivers battle for the prestigious Apple Festival hardware.
*Note: Sharon Speedway will host the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars on October 10th.
Midvale Speedway: The Fall Classic
When: September 18th – 20th
For fans of asphalt racing, the focus shifts to Midvale Speedway in New Philadelphia, Ohio, for their annual Fall Classic. Known as “Ohio’s Fun Place to Race,” this 3/10-mile paved oval pulls out all the stops for its season finale.
The Fall Classic is a marathon weekend of bumper-to-bumper racing featuring Late Models, Modifieds, Street Stocks, and Compacts. Because this event is a staple for paved-track drivers across the state, the fields are deeply competitive. The three-day format allows for plenty of practice, qualifying, and lower-division features before culminating in the main events on Sunday.
Wayne County Speedway: Ohio Dirt Blowout
When: September 25th & 26th
As September winds down, the dirt track heavyweights head to Orrville, Ohio, for Wayne County Speedway’s Ohio Dirt Blowout. The 3/8-mile dirt oval, often called “Orrville’s Historic Oval,” has a reputation for incredibly fast and slick racing surfaces.
The Dirt Blowout is a two-night extravaganza that traditionally features powerful UMP Late Models, Modifieds, Super Stocks, and Sprint Cars. The second night often includes the Sam Huffman Memorial, adding extra prestige and prize money to the weekend. For Late Model and Sprint Car fans, the Dirt Blowout is a must-attend event that frequently attracts traveling regional stars looking to steal a win from the local track regulars.
Michael’s Mercer Raceway Park: Little Guy Nationals
When: September 25th & 26th
Running on the exact same weekend just across the Pennsylvania border, Michael’s Mercer Raceway Park hosts the beloved Little Guy Nationals.
Originally conceived in 1999, the Little Guy Nationals was designed to put the spotlight on the grassroots, blue-collar divisions that are the lifeblood of local racing—specifically the 358 Modifieds and Pure Stocks. Today, the event has grown into a massive two-day program featuring up to 8 different divisions, giving the “little guys” a chance to compete in front of packed grandstands for national-level prestige and elevated purses. It is a true celebration of the weekend warriors who keep dirt track racing alive.
*Note: Michael’s Mercer Raceway Park will host the All Star Circuit of Champions Sprint Cars on October 2nd.
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