The wait is almost over and when they do it, they do it right!
Laird Raceway is set to kick off another thrilling season of short track racing on Friday, June 26, and fans can expect the 2026 season opener to start the only way Laird Raceway knows how — loud, fast, and packed with action.
As the only race track in Central Northern Ontario, Laird Raceway continues to be a destination for racing fans from across Algoma, Northern Ontario, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. With five competitive divisions taking to the track, opening night promises excitement from the first qualifying lap to the final checkered flag.
One ticket gets fans access to a full night of racing action, featuring all five Laird Raceway divisions competing under the lights.
Season Opener Schedule
-> Gates Open: 5:00 p.m.
-> Qualifying: 6:00 p.m.
-> Opening Ceremonies: 7:00 p.m.
-> Green Flag Racing: Immediately Following Ceremonies
Whether it is your first visit to Laird Raceway or a tradition that marks the beginning of every summer, opening night offers the perfect opportunity to experience grassroots motorsports at its finest. Fans can wander the grandstands, catch up with fellow racing enthusiasts, enjoy the sights and sounds of race day, and settle in for an unforgettable start to the 2026 season.
Racing Divisions Featured on Opening Night
The June 26 season opener will showcase all five of Laird Raceway’s competitive divisions:
Super Late Models
The premier division at Laird Raceway featuring the fastest stock cars on the property.
Modifieds
A fan-favourite division known for close racing, aggressive competition, and plenty of side-by-side action.
Factory Stocks
One of Laird Raceway’s most competitive divisions.
Factory Fours
Affordable, competitive, and always entertaining, the Factory Fours continue to deliver some of the best racing on the schedule.
Enduros
The division where durability, determination, and strategy are often just as important as speed.
Can the Champions Repeat?
One of the biggest storylines entering the 2026 season is whether last year’s champions can defend their titles against a hungry field of challengers.
The 2025 division champions include:
-> Super Late Models – Jordan Sims
-> Modifieds – Dustin Jackson
-> Factory Stocks – Brad Bibeau
-> Factory Fours – Dyllen Sherrard
-> Enduros – Chris Pinder
Defending a championship is never easy, and every driver will enter the season opener with a target on their back. The competition is expected to be fierce as returning veterans and rising stars look to begin their championship pursuits with a strong performance on opening night.
New Faces, New Divisions?
Another question fans will be asking as the green flag drops on June 26 is whether any drivers have made the jump to a new division.
Every offseason brings changes. Some competitors gain experience and confidence and move up the racing ladder, while others switch classes looking for a new challenge. Opening night is often the first opportunity for fans to see who has changed divisions, unveiled a new car, or made significant upgrades during the winter months.
Those early-season surprises often become some of the biggest storylines of the year.
What Can Fans Expect in 2026?
The 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.
Fans can look forward to:
-> Weekly short track racing action
-> Intense championship battles in all divisions
-> New and returning drivers
-> Family-friendly entertainment
-> Affordable summer fun
-> Special events throughout the season
-> Some of the best grassroots motorsports in Northern Ontario
For generations, Laird Raceway has provided a place where families, friends, and racing fans can gather on summer evenings to watch local drivers compete for victories and championships. That tradition continues in 2026 as another season gets ready to roar to life.
The countdown is on.
Who will win opening night?
Who will take the first step toward a 2026 championship?
And who will make an early statement when the green flag waves on June 26?
Fans won’t have to wait much longer to find out.
The 2026 Laird Raceway Season Opener takes place Friday, June 26, with gates opening at 5:00 p.m., qualifying beginning at 6:00 p.m., opening ceremonies at 7:00 p.m., and racing immediately following.
The road to the 2026 championships starts at Laird Raceway.
