Historic 3/8-Mile Oval Announces Abbreviated Three-Race Schedule for 2026
By Jim Foose – Speedway Action Magazine
For the first half of the 2026 season, a heavy silence hung over Lorain Raceway Park. The familiar roar of high-horsepower engines and the cheering of local crowds were conspicuously absent from the beloved 3/8-mile asphalt oval. But the wait is over, and the silence is officially broken.
Lorain Raceway Park is roaring back to life.
Management has thrilled the local motorsports community by announcing an exclusive, high-stakes three-race schedule to close out the 2026 season. While the track sat dormant for the spring and early summer, this abbreviated sprint promises to deliver the pent-up, full-throttle excitement that fans and drivers have been craving.
The 2026 schedule will feature three marquee events:
Saturday, August 8 – The Comeback
Friday-Saturday, September 25-26 – Trident Nationals & Jackpot Nationals
Friday-Sunday, October 23-25 – Halloween Festival of Speed Cavalcade
A Track in Transition
The speedway will operate this condensed season under the continued stewardship of the Maggio family. While the gates are opening for competition once again, the broader reality remains unchanged: the historic facility is still actively listed for sale.
However, fans shouldn’t mistake a track on the market for a facility in decline. Behind closed doors, the engines never truly stopped running.
“The property has been well maintained even during the dormancy this season and has remained a hotbed for testing,” explained Jim Foose, Editor of Speedway Action Magazine. “The Maggio family didn’t give up on the property, they simply looked to change their own direction.”
That shift in direction hasn’t stopped them from welcoming the community back for this special late-season stretch, a comeback fueled by strong local partnerships.
“We’re incredibly excited to open the gates once again and give racers and fans the opportunity to make more memories at Lorain Raceway Park,” said the Maggio family. “This wouldn’t be possible without the generous support and belief of Nicole, Bryan, and Dakota from Hook N Haul Towing. Their partnership has played a huge role in making these events a reality.”
What to Expect for the Rest of 2026
The Maggio family’s dedication to maintaining the grounds—combined with the crucial support from local sponsors—means drivers will return to a racing surface that is primed and ready for side-by-side action. The three-race slate is expected to draw heavy car counts, as regional teams eager to get their tires on Lorain’s iconic asphalt flock to the facility.
Key Highlights of the Track’s Return:
- Prime Track Conditions: Continuous maintenance and private testing throughout early 2026 have kept the track surface in “race ready” condition.
- Concentrated Competition: With only three nights to claim a victory, expect aggressive, Dash-level intensity from the drop of the very first green flag.
- Honoring the Legacy: The events will celebrate the track’s rich history while showcasing the potential of the facility to prospective buyers.
While the long-term future of Lorain Raceway Park hinges on finding its next owner, the immediate future is crystal clear. The lights are coming back on, the haulers are rolling through the gates, and short-track racing is exactly where it belongs.
Prepare for the rumble, race fans. Lorain is back.
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