Upcoming Racing Events Worth the Drive

From championship weekends in the fall to indoor dirt in the middle of winter, the racing calendar barely slows down. Here’s what’s coming up, and why the big ones are better with someone beside you.
All event dates on this page were last checked October 20, 2026.

Coming Up Before the Year Ends

The local season is winding down, but some of the biggest races of the year are still ahead. These five close out 2026 on dirt and asphalt.

Western World Championships

October 22 to 24, Central Arizona Raceway, Casa Grande, Arizona. Three nights of USAC sprint car racing that close out the national sprint season.

World of Outlaws World Finals

November 4 to 7, The Dirt Track at Charlotte, Concord, North Carolina. Four days that settle the championships for the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars, World of Outlaws Late Models, and Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modifieds.

Turkey Night Grand Prix

November 28, Ventura Raceway, California. USAC's national midget season ends with this Thanksgiving-weekend tradition.

Gateway Dirt Nationals

December 3 to 5, The Dome at America's Center, St. Louis. A temporary clay oval goes down inside a football stadium for Dirt Late Models and Modifieds.

Snowball Derby

Race weekend December 3 to 6, Five Flags Speedway, Pensacola, Florida. It builds to the 59th running of the 300-lap Super Late Model race on the famed paved half-mile.

Big Races to Plan Around in 2027

The new season starts indoors in Oklahoma and moves to Florida from there. Events with full dates are confirmed. The summer classics show the month they usually run, so check each track’s announcement before you book anything.

Chili Bowl Nationals

January 11 to 16, SageNet Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Hundreds of midget drivers race on an indoor quarter-mile of dirt for the Golden Driller trophy.

DIRTcar Nationals

February 4 to 20, Volusia Speedway Park, Barberville, Florida. Nearly three weeks of sprint cars, late models, and modifieds on the track that calls itself the World's Fastest Half-Mile.

Daytona 500

February 21, Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Florida. NASCAR opens its Cup Series season a week later than usual this time.

Dirt Late Model Dream

Usually June, Eldora Speedway, Rossburg, Ohio. One of the richest nights of the year for Dirt Late Models.

Kings Royal

Usually July, Eldora Speedway. The World of Outlaws Sprint Cars race for one of the biggest single-night paydays in the sport.

Knoxville NationalsRoyal

Usually August, Knoxville Raceway, Knoxville, Iowa. The marquee week for 410 sprint cars, held at the half-mile known as the Sprint Car Capital of the World.

World 100

Usually September, Eldora Speedway. A Dirt Late Model classic that has run for more than half a century.

Weekly Show or Big Event Weekend?

Both are worth your time, but they ask different things of you. Knowing which one you’re signing up for makes the plan easier.

Weekly Shows

One night, local classes, and the same faces most weeks. Easy to decide on the same afternoon.

Crown-Jewel Events

Several nights, national touring drivers, and bigger purses. Expect travel, a hotel, and a crowd that came from all over.

Early Tickets

The biggest events can sell out well ahead. Ticket orders for the January 2027 Chili Bowl opened in March 2026, and Daytona 500 tickets regularly sell out in advance.

Indoor Races

The Chili Bowl and Gateway Dirt Nationals race under a roof, so rain won't stop the racing. Winter travel is another story, so watch the forecast for the drive.

Can't Make the Trip?

Not every big race fits the budget or the calendar. Most of the events on this page stream live, so you can still follow along from the couch.

FloRacing

Streams the Chili Bowl, Snowball Derby, Gateway Dirt Nationals, USAC national events, and selected races at Eldora Speedway. A subscription is required.

DIRTVision

The streaming home of the World of Outlaws, with live and on-demand races from the sprint car and late model tours.

FOX

In the U.S., the Daytona 500 is scheduled to air on FOX. Check your local TV provider for access.

Watch Parties

A stream on a big screen with a few friends from the track is the next best thing to a seat in the grandstand.

Make It a Trip for Two

A race weekend is more fun with someone to plan it with and talk it over with on the drive home. Circle Track Connections is a dating app for the racing community, and these features help you get there.

Plan It Together

Sort out the drive, the hotel, and which nights to go over to chat or a video call.

See Who Likes You

With Premium, you can see who's already interested before you match.

Profile Boost

A boost puts your profile in front of more people. It comes with Premium or as a separate in-app purchase.

FAQs

Where can I find the official schedule for a big event?

On the event’s own website or the sanctioning series’ site. Dates and formats can change after they’re first announced, so check close to the trip.

Can I buy tickets online for every event?

Most, but not all. The Chili Bowl Nationals organizers, for example, don’t sell tickets or pit passes online. Check the event’s official ticket information for how to order.

Is a big race weekend a good first date?

It can be a lot for a first meeting. A local weekly show is an easier first date, and a multi-day event makes a better trip once you know each other.

Do I need to know the drivers to enjoy a big event?

No. Following one or two storylines, like a championship battle or a driver from your home state, is plenty to get you hooked.

Is there anything to do besides watch the racing?

Often, yes. The Chili Bowl runs a free trade show all week, DIRTcar Nationals has a midway of food and merchandise vendors, and the World Finals adds fan activities around the racing.

Save Two Seats for the Next Big One

The calendar is filling up. Download Circle Track Connections and find someone who’d happily make the drive with you.