By: Jim Foose/Speedway Action Magazine
PAINESVILLE, OH — The wait is finally over for race fans in Lake County. Painesville Speedway has officially dropped the green flag on its 2026 season plans, releasing a schedule that promises a mix of high-octane tradition, touring series excitement, and plenty of “carnage” to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
From the season opener in late April to the chilly thrill of the Turkey Leg Enduro in November, the “Bullring” is set to host a diverse lineup of events featuring Street Stocks, Figure 8s, Compacts, and the future stars of the sport in the JuiceBox division.
April & May: Igniting the Season
The action kicks off on Saturday, April 25th, with “Opening Day at Da ‘Ville.” The lid-lifter will feature a Welcome Ceremony followed by a full slate of racing including Street Stocks, Figure 8s, Compacts, and the fan-favorite Parking Lot Drags.
May ramps up the intensity immediately. May 2nd is dedicated to the fans with “Fan Appreciation Night,” followed quickly by the first installment of the “King’s Ransom” series on May 9th, which shares the billing with the Buckeye Buggies.
The month also focuses on community and causes. May 23rd will honor local heroes with “Military & First Responder’s Night,” while May 30th is set as “Autism Night.” Car enthusiasts should also mark their calendars for a special Sunday event on May 31st featuring the Corvette Club.
Summer Heat: Championships, Carnage, and Touring Trucks
As the temperatures rise in June, so do the stakes. June 6th sees the speedway honoring its history with “Hall of Fame Night.” Just a few weeks later, on June 20th, drivers will battle for positioning during the “Mid Season Championship Night.”
For fans who love destruction, June 27th is a can’t-miss date. Dubbed “Carnage at Da ‘Ville,” the night features specialty races and the chaotic Trailer Race, promising twisted metal and unforgettable moments.
July brings the heavy hitters. The Great Lakes Truck Tour roars into town on July 11th and returns for an encore on August 15th. Open-wheel fans get a treat on July 25th when the TQ Midgets join the King’s Ransom card.
August & September: The Chase for the Cup
August is packed with memorial events and special attractions. The Zac Brunkala Memorial Night takes place on August 1st, followed by the return of the Buckeye Buggies on August 8th. The month wraps up with “Autograph Night” and “Jersey Night” on August 29th, giving fans a chance to meet their favorite drivers on the track.
The regular season builds to a crescendo in September. After the fun of “Hot Dog Races” and “Bike Races” on September 5th, the season’s best will leave it all on the track for “Championship Night” on September 12th, where the 2026 track champions will be crowned.
The Post-Season Spectacles
Even after the points champions are decided, the engines won’t go silent. The speedway hosts the massive, three-day “Cavalcade at Da ‘Ville” from October 9th through the 11th, featuring an expanded lineup of divisions.
Finally, the year concludes with a Thanksgiving tradition on November 28th: the Turkey Leg Enduro. This endurance test features a grueling 150-lap race for FWD cars only, capped off with one final Trailer Race to close out the year.
Race Format Updates
Speedway officials have confirmed an exciting format for the 2026 race nights. Fans can expect a full program including Dash, Heat, Pursuit, and Feature races, ensuring maximum track time and competitive battles. Additionally, the speedway announced that the “Old School Figure 8” division will run weekly features, pending car counts.
Start your engines, Painesville—2026 looks fast, loud, and incredibly fun.
2026 Schedule at a Glance
- Season Opener: April 25
- King’s Ransom Dates: May 9, June 13, July 25, Aug 22
- Great Lakes Truck Tour: July 11, Aug 15
- Carnage at Da ‘Ville: June 27
- Championship Night: Sept 12
- Cavalcade: Oct 9-11
- Turkey Leg Enduro: Nov 28
For the latest updates and division changes, follow Painesville Speedway on social media.
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