Alex Smolders Takes Kenny Reece Classic at Marion

The 2026 Kenny Reece Classic at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Marion, Ohio, proved once again why it is a staple of the indoor racing calendar. With a packed schedule featuring over 100 sessions of qualifying and high-intensity racing, the Marion Coliseum was electric, fueled by the roar of engines and the pursuit of the prestigious Kenny Reece Classic.

Carl’s Cup

The pinnacle of the weekend was the battle for Carl’s Cup. Throughout the day, the Cup races saw a rotating cast of favorites, but the final sessions in the evening (concluding around 9:30 PM) showcased elite karting talent. The racing was tight and tactical, with the tacky indoor surface rewarding drivers who could balance aggressive cornering with precise throttle control. The trophy remains one of the most coveted in the region, honoring the legacy of the sport in Ohio.

The Main Event: The Kenny Reece Classic Highlights

The event, named in honor of the legendary Kenny Reece, lived up to its reputation for diversity and grit.

• Clone Classes (330, 360, 400): The Clone categories were among the most competitive of the weekend. In the Clone 330 and 360 features, drafting and late-race lunges were the name of the game. The heavy-hitting Clone 400 class provided some of the most physical racing, as drivers wrestled their karts through the tight Coliseum turns.
• Predator & Animal Combined: These classes offered a raw look at grassroots power. The Predator class, known for its accessibility, featured some of the largest fields of the weekend, requiring multiple heat sessions to narrow down the finalists for the 7:25 PM feature.
• Junior Ranks (Jr Champ, Jr 3, Kid Karts): The future of the sport was on full display. The Jr Champ and Jr 3 sessions were surprisingly disciplined, with young drivers demonstrating veteran-level patience. The Kid Karts and Jr Wedge classes were crowd favorites, proving that the next generation of Marion racers is already well-prepared.

Two-Wheeled Action and Quads

It wasn’t just about the karts. The Mini Bikes and Hooligan classes brought a different flavor to the Coliseum. The Hooligan race at 9:13 PM was a chaotic, high-energy affair that kept the fans in their seats until the very end. Meanwhile, the Quads showed off incredible torque, drifting wide through the bends and kicking up the classic indoor clay.

Technical Breakdown

The track conditions held up remarkably well throughout the marathon session. Early morning qualifying saw fast, biting laps, but as the “groove” worked in toward the evening features, the racing line narrowed, making track position and restarts critical.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 edition of the Kenny Reece Classic was a marathon of speed. From the first green flag of the Junior Wedge at 10:43 AM to the final checkers of the Carl’s Cup late into the night, the Veterans Memorial Coliseum provided a masterclass in indoor short-track racing. For the fans and drivers in Marion, the tradition of the Reece Classic remains a highlight of the season—a perfect blend of nostalgia, community, and high-octane competition.

What’s Next?

With the indoor season now officially in the books, the focus shifts to the dirt. Fans and drivers are already looking toward the outdoor season opener at Attica Raceway Park on March 13.

Speedway Action Images has released the full photo galleries from the Kenny Reece Classic. Be sure to check them out to find shots of your favorite drivers in action or to grab a digital copy of your own ride from the weekend.

2026 Kenny Reece Classic Photo Gallery