LEBANON, Ore. — Marking a historic milestone in its storied history, Willamette Speedway is proud to announce it has become an officially sanctioned NASCAR track for the 2026 season.
As the “fastest one-third mile dirt track on the West Coast” celebrates 60 years of racing action, it joins the NASCAR Local Racing Series Powered by O’Reilly Auto Parts, bringing national prestige and life-changing opportunities to local competitors.
Promoters Cory and Sandy Penfold have elected to sanction six core divisions, ensuring that drivers across all levels of experience can compete for track, state, regional and national honors:
- Division 1: Albany Toyota Late Models
- Division 2: J&K Auto Body & Collision Street Stocks
- Division 3: Cabinet Guys Limited Late Models
- Division 4: Hornets
- Division 5: Modifieds
- Division 6: WPCK Cage Klones Leveling the Field and Raising the Stakes
The move to NASCAR brings significant changes designed to benefit the drivers and the show. Most notably, the Modified divisions will see a major shift as Sport Modifieds and Modifieds are combined into a single division. With strategic rule adjustments implemented to equalize the field, fans can expect some of the most competitive side-by-side racing in the region.
The financial incentives are equally historic. For the first time in nearly a decade, a guaranteed points fund is back for the track championship. Furthermore, local heroes now have a clear path to a national spotlight; a Division 1 driver who captures the national title could walk away with a $50,000 payday.
“We’ve got a lot of talented drivers right in the Pacific Northwest, which I believe is the most untapped market in the nation,” said Cory Penfold, entering his fifth year as the track’s promoter. “It’s time to put these drivers in a national spotlight and give them opportunities to be seen without them having to travel halfway across the country.”
The decision to join NASCAR was a personal evolution for Penfold, a self-described “dirt track purist.”
”I’m an old-school guy that appreciates what these guys do,” Penfold remarked. “I’ve struggled with getting away from tradition, but it’s time to move into the modern world of dirt-track racing. This sport evolves quickly, and you have to stay with the times. I wanted to do something to thank the drivers for the show they give the best fans in racing every week.”
To align with NASCAR standards and maximize national exposure, Willamette Speedway will debut a whole new race format this season. This structure is specifically designed to give drivers a legitimate shot at the big-money payouts and the points required to climb the national leaderboard. Fans, teams and sponsors are invited to witness history as the 60th anniversary season kicks off.
The green flag drops on a new era of speed, tradition and competition on April 18.
About Willamette Speedway: Located in Lebanon, Oregon, Willamette Speedway has been a staple of West Coast dirt-track racing since 1966. Known for its high speeds and passionate fan base, the third-mile clay oval continues to be the premier destination for dirt track racing in the Pacific Northwest.