Caraway Speedway returns to NASCAR’s Weekly Series in 2026. The announcement was made to competitors at the annual Awards Banquet on Jan. 17th.

Track officials met with many drivers at the speedway rules meeting on Jan. 10 to discuss the possibility of a NASCAR sanction returning.

“I wanted to hear the thoughts of the drivers directly, so we passed out a Q&A form with space for rules suggestions and a yes or no line concerning the sanction,” said track owner Darren Hackett. “The results were extremely positive from the teams represented. That cemented in my mind the decision to ask NASCAR to return.

“They said yes, and the rest is history. We are happy to be part of the NASCAR family again.”

The NASCAR sanction opens the door to drivers to participate in National, Regional, State and Local programs based on their performance over the course of the season. It features a standardized points structure that rewards consistency as well as bonus opportunities as drivers race for a $15,000 point fund at each track with Regional and National point funds posted, as well.

There are Regional and National “Rookie of the Year” Bonus Awards for newcomers to a track.
Caraway Speedway begins the 2026 season Sunday, March 8th with an eight-race program and the first of 10 events for the featured Limited Late Models. The Chargers, Mini Stocks, UCARS, 602 Modifieds, Crown Vics, Legends and Bandoleros fill the slate for the 2 p.m. ET start.

On Saturday, March 14, the first of four 2026 Tour Type Modified events features a 75 lap “open” competition event with a $5,000 to win purse. The Chargers, Mini Stocks, UCARS, 602 Modifieds, Crown Vics, Legends and Bandoleros round out the show.

The SMART Tour returns July 4 for the “Rusty Harpe Memorial” presented by Daggett Shuler Attorneys and again on Sept. 12 for the annual 911 Remembrance Night. The North-South Shootout in November is the final Modified event of the season.

The offseason at Caraway saw paving work in Turns 3-4 with a new racing surface in place along with more paving in the pit area. Some lighting and speaker upgrades are ongoing. New restrooms in the trackside area are nearing competition, and the Turn 4 suites should be finished for opening day, weather permitting.

NASCAR/Caraway Speedway PR