---

2026 Schedule: Pittsburgh’s Home for Racing Gears Up for Monster Season

Just over 100 days remain until Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Motor Speedway opens its gates for its 48th season of racing on Dirt’s Monster Half Mile. The 2026 campaign will roar to life on Saturday, March 21st, with the return of Pot of Gold 3, headlined once again by the FAST on Dirt 410 Sprint Cars, Super Late Models, and the rapidly growing Crown Vics.

Bookending the year, the season will draw to a close with one of the most anticipated weekends in all of dirt racing, the Pittsburgher 100 Weekend, featuring the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. As one of the crown jewels of national dirt late model racing, the Pittsburgher continues to grow in stature, fan turnout, and national attention each year due to the unwavering support of our fans.

Beyond the on-track action, PPMS continues expanding its footprint as a year-round community hub. Popular non-racing events including Race to Valentine’s Bingo, the Annual Easter Egg Hunt, Trunk or Treat, and Christmas Tree Lighting Night all return for 2026, highlighting the speedway’s ongoing commitment to creating family-friendly experiences for our local communities.

While our weekly divisions will remain unchanged, a variety of touring series and visiting divisions will once again round out the schedule. These events not only add diversity to the on-track action, but also provide our weekly teams with valuable opportunities to step back from the grind of a full racing season. Fan-favorite promotions including Free Grandstand Admission Night, $1 Hot Dog Night, Autograph Night, Back to School Supply Night, and more, continue to play a key role in welcoming new fans and offering affordable racing entertainment right in their own backyard.

New Additions:

$10,000 to win FAST on Dirt 410 Sprint Cars - Saturday, July 11th

One of the marquee additions to the 2026 schedule is a brand-new, Pittsburgh-themed $10,000-to-win 410 Sprint Car special, designed from the ground up to be the most fan-driven event in PPMS history. From the moment gates open, the night will celebrate everything Black and Gold, giving fans a true hometown experience with unprecedented influence over how the show takes shape long before the first green flag waves.

Fans will be able to create and vote on the event name, help choose the night’s playlist, vote for the Best Appearing Car, and even select the discounted concession item featured during the event. Leading up to race day, fans can also enter to win unique experiences including serving as the honorary flagger, riding in the pace truck, participating in Victory Lane celebrations, and more, which helps make this one of the most interactive and fan-focused race nights in speedway history.

Keeping with the Steel City spirit, the night will also feature a Race Day Yinzer Contest, where the most authentically “yinzered-up” fan earns bragging rights and a special prize, ensuring this event feels unmistakably Pittsburgh from start to finish.

American Big Rig Racing Series - Saturday, June 27th

We’re thrilled to welcome American Big Rig Racing to the 2026 lineup. A high-octane, truck-racing spectacle that’s sure to turn heads. ABRR specializes in full-size tractor-units (big rigs), outfitted for oval-track competition, bringing the raw power, thunderous roar, and oversized toughness of heavy trucks straight to the Monster Half Mile. Expect a full show. Fans will get access to meet-and-greets, ride-alongs in the big rigs, and the thrill of real on-track racing, all part of ABRR’s signature format.

Don Gamble Silver Cup Vintage Invitational - Saturday, June 20th

The new Don Gamble Silver Cup Vintage Invitational debuts in 2026 as a tribute to one of Western Pennsylvania’s most influential racing ambassadors. Presented in partnership with the Decades of Dirt Facebook group and held in conjunction with Twin State Auto Racing Club Night, the event honors the legacy of Don Gamble, broadcaster, historian, and lifelong supporter of short-track racing. Gamble became best known as the voice of Rappin’ on Racin’, taking over the program in its early years and transforming it into one of the region’s most trusted and recognizable motorsports media platforms. Beyond his media presence, he served in numerous capacities at many area speedways and played an active role in the Pittsburgh Circle Track Club, helping strengthen and connect the local racing community. This Silver Cup brings Vintage Modifieds and Vintage Late Models to the track in his honor, giving fans a chance to experience the machines and atmosphere that defined earlier eras of dirt racing. Paired with a full night of weekly divisions, the Don Gamble Silver Cup Vintage Invitational becomes a meaningful new addition to the 2026 schedule, one that bridges racing’s past with its present and pays tribute to a man who spent his life championing both.

Pittsburgher 100 Tune-Up - Saturday, September 26th
This year’s championship night will also include a $2,500-to-win Super Late Model tune-up, shifted from its former August slot after Super Late Model drivers, teams and fans expressed interest in having a true Pittsburgher warm-up. Running the same format and rules as Pittsburgher 100 Weekend, this event provides timely preparation for teams and a sneak peek for fans ahead of the season’s biggest event.

Returning Favorites:

Pittsburgher 100 Weekend - Thursday, October 1st thru Saturday, October 3rd
The Pittsburgher 100 returns in 2026 as one of the crown-jewel events on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series tour, holding significant weight in the chase for the national championship. Positioned late in the season, the Pittsburgher often serves as a pivotal turning point in the standings. Last year, the event delivered a major swing in the title fight between Devin Moran, Ricky Thornton Jr., and Jonathan Davenport, tightening the battle and elevating the stakes heading into the Dirt Track World Championship. Offering a massive payday and consistently attracting the nation’s top late model drivers, the Pittsburgher stands among the premier stops on the schedule, with recent editions drawing more than 40 competitors on preliminary night alone.

In addition to the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series headlining the Pittsburgher 100, the RUSH Late Model Touring Series will be on the card for two nights of the Bill Hendren Memorial, continuing one of the tour’s most meaningful annual traditions. Friday night will also feature the Penn Ohio Pro Stocks competing in the Bob Walters Memorial, adding another layer of heritage and high-intensity racing to the weekend. These companion events help create a full, tradition-rich program that makes Pittsburgher weekend one of the most anticipated gatherings of the year at PPMS.

The Pittsburgher 100 delivers a weekend-long experience unlike any other at PPMS. The infield and grandstands fill with intensity, the pits overflow with national teams and haulers, and the entire facility takes on a big-event energy that can only come from a true crown-jewel race. From driver meet-and-greets, packed merchandise rows, and long-haul fans traveling in from multiple states, to the unmistakable roar of national touring stars attacking Dirt’s Monster Half Mile, the Pittsburgher offers an atmosphere that blends major-league excitement with Western PA’s signature grassroots passion. It remains one of the most anticipated and unforgettable weekends of the year, both for the competitors chasing a championship and for the fans who pack the stands to witness it.

A&S Federal Credit Union Free Grandstand Admission Night - Saturday, May 30th

Another cornerstone of the 2026 schedule is the return of Free Grandstand Admission Night, one of PPMS’s most impactful community-driven events. In partnership with 25FortyPGH and A&S Federal Credit Union, the night serves a dual purpose: providing families with an accessible, no-cost opportunity to enjoy a full program of racing, while also supporting local residents through a coordinated food-pantry donation initiative. Fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items at the gate, all of which go directly to stocking local pantries and community “little libraries” operated by 25FortyPGH throughout the region. Last year’s efforts collected over 1,100 pounds of food for families in need, and PPMS aims to surpass that total in 2026. Free Grandstand Admission Night continues to represent what PPMS values most, bringing people together, strengthening our communities, and using the excitement of race night to make a real difference for our neighbors.

37th Annual Jook George Steel City Classic - Saturday, July 25th

The Jook George Steel City Classic returns to the 2026 schedule as one of the premier events on the RUSH Dirt Late Model Series tour. Created in memory of longtime car owner William Thomas “Jook” George, the event has grown through the passionate support of the George family, Cleetus Motorsports, and the Western PA racing community. Each year, the Classic draws some of the strongest RUSH Late Model fields of the season, with competitors traveling from multiple states and Canada to chase one of the division’s most meaningful victories. The race consistently serves as one of the highest paying events on the entire RUSH tour, elevating its prestige and making it a must-run for touring teams. For fans, the Jook George Steel City Classic delivers a night of top-tier competition and deep tradition, a true summer highlight on Dirt’s Monster Half Mile.

15th Annual Ed Laboon Memorial - Saturday, June 6th

The 15th Annual Ed Laboon Memorial returns in 2026 to honor longtime car owner Ed Laboon, continuing a tradition that began as a heartfelt tribute and blossomed into one of the region’s most prestigious Pro Stock events. Over the years, the Memorial has become a highlight for regional racers, drawing deep fields and delivering big payouts, hardware, and recognition for top finishers. The 2025 edition alone handed out multiple bonuses including “Rookie of the Race,” underscoring the event’s commitment to both veteran competitors and rising talent. The race takes full advantage of PPMS’s wide surface and sweeping corners, delivering high-speed, side-by-side action that fans and drivers call a must-see. For the Western PA racing community, the Ed Laboon Memorial is more than a race; it’s a yearly celebration of legacy, family, and the grassroots spirit of dirt-track racing.

To view the schedule in its entirety, visit our schedule page. Tickets will be available in the coming weeks. Schedule is tentative and subject to change.

Full schedule:

January 23–25 – 65th Annual World of Wheels Pittsburgh
David L. Lawrence Convention Center - No racing

January 30–31 – Race to Valentine’s Day Bingo
Sturgeon Volunteer Fire Department - No racing

March 7 – Test & Tune
Rotating hot laps for all divisions. Free grandstand admission.

March 14 – Test & Tune
Rotating hot laps for all divisions. Free grandstand admission.

March 21 – Pot of Gold 3
FAST on Dirt 410 Sprint Cars ($4,000 to win)
Super Late Models ($4,000 to win)
Crown Vics ($500 to win)

March 28 – Off (Pot of Gold 3 Rain Date)
No racing

March 29 – Easter Egg Hunt
No racing

April 4 – Off
Easter Weekend – No racing

April 11 – Test & Tune
Rotating hot laps for all divisions. Free grandstand admission.

April 18 – Herb Scott Memorial – RUSH Late Model Touring Series
RUSH Late Model Tour ($4,000 to win)
Penn Ohio Pro Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Four Cylinders, Young Guns

April 25 – Race Night in Pittsburgh
RUSH Late Models, Penn Ohio Pro Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Four Cylinders, Young Guns

May 2 – BRP Modified Tour + Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
BRP Modified Tour ($2,500 to win)
RUSH Late Models, Penn Ohio Pro Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Four Cylinders, Young Guns, Crown Vics
Rain Date: June 20

May 9 – She's In Free + RUSH Sprint Cars
Free female grandstand admission
RUSH Late Models, RUSH Sprint Cars, Penn Ohio Pro Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Young Guns

May 16 – Night of Champions
Trackside awards ceremony for 2025
RUSH Late Models, Penn Ohio Pro Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Four Cylinders, Young Guns

May 23 – Berks Great American Cookout
$1 Hot Dogs & Hot Dog Eating Contest
RUSH Late Models, Penn Ohio Pro Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Four Cylinders, Young Guns

Thursday, May 28 – Western PA Sprint Speedweek (Night 2)
410 Sprint Cars ($3,500 to win) + Woah Nellie Modifieds (E-Mods) ($1,500 to win)

May 30 – A&S FCU Free Grandstand Admission Night
RUSH Late Models, Penn Ohio Pro Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Four Cylinders, Young Guns

June 6 – 15th Annual Ed Laboon Memorial – Penn Ohio Pro Stock Championship Series
Penn Ohio Pro Stocks, RUSH Late Models, Hobby Stocks, Four Cylinders, Young Guns
Rain Date: June 13

June 13 – Race Night in Pittsburgh + RUSH Sprint Cars
RUSH Late Models, RUSH Sprint Cars, Penn Ohio Pro Stocks, Four Cylinders, Young Guns (Ed Laboon Memorial Rain Date)

June 20 – Don Gamble Silver Cup Vintage Invitational – Twin State Auto Club Night
Open Vintage Modifieds & Late Models, RUSH Late Models, Hobby Stocks, Four Cylinders, Young Guns (BRP Modified Tour Rain Date)

June 27 – American Big Rig Racing Series
American Big Rig Racing Series

July 4 – Stars, Stripes and Signatures Night
Fan autograph session on the frontstretch
RUSH Late Models, Penn Ohio Pro Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Four Cylinders, Young Guns, Crown Vics

July 11 – $10,000 to Win FAST on Dirt 410 Sprint Cars + RUSH Sprint Cars
FAST 410 Sprints, RUSH Sprint Cars, RUSH Late Models, Penn Ohio Pro Stocks

July 18 – Mud Girl Run Pittsburgh
No racing

July 25 – Jook George Steel City Classic – RUSH Late Model Touring Series
RUSH Late Model Touring Series – 40 Laps, $6,000 to win (minimum)
Hobby Stocks & Four Cylinders
Rain Date: August 1

August 1 – Race Night in Pittsburgh + RUSH Sprint Cars
RUSH Late Models, RUSH Sprint Cars, Penn Ohio Pro Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Four Cylinders, Young Guns
(Jook George Classic Rain Date)

August 8 – Kid's Bike Races + Back to School Supply Night
RUSH Late Models, Penn Ohio Pro Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Four Cylinders, Young Guns

August 15 – Race Night in Pittsburgh + Willie White Memorial
Hobby Stocks, RUSH Late Models, Penn Ohio Pro Stocks, Four Cylinders, Young Guns

August 22 – No Racing

August 29 – 20/20 Hindsight Hustle + Fireworks & RUSH Sprint Cars
Twin 20-Lap Features for RUSH Late Models ($1,010 to win each)
RUSH Sprint Cars, Penn Ohio Pro Stocks, Four Cylinders

September 5 – 3rd Annual Dow Carnahan Fantasy Cup – FAST on Dirt 410 Sprint Cars
410 Sprint Cars, RUSH Late Models, Penn Ohio Pro Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Young Guns, Crown Vics

September 12 – Free Military & First Responder Night + 6th Annual Josh Langer Memorial
Hobby Stocks, RUSH Late Models, Four Cylinders, Young Guns

September 19 – 5th Annual SCRDA Northeast Sport Compact Shootout
Four Cylinders, RUSH Late Models, Penn Ohio Pro Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Young Guns

September 26 – Championship Night + Pittsburgher 100 Tune-Up
Super Late Models ($2,500 to win) + RUSH Late Models, Penn Ohio Pro Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Four Cylinders, Young Guns

October 1 – Pittsburgher Karting Clash at Three Rivers Karting Entertainment Park
Race against the stars of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

October 2 – Pittsburgher 100 Weekend – Night 1
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series – $10,000 to win (complete show)
RUSH Late Model Touring Series – Bill Hendren Memorial ($4,000 to win)
5th Annual Penn Ohio Pro Stock Bob Walters Memorial

October 3 – Pittsburgher 100 Weekend – Night 2
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series – Pittsburgher 100 ($50,000 to win)
RUSH Late Model Touring Series – Bill Hendren Memorial ($10,000 to win)
Tentative Rain Date: Sunday, October 4

October 18 – Trunk or Treat at the Track
No racing

November 1 – Cornhole Tournament
No racing

December 13 – Race to Christmas Tree Lighting + Santa’s Pit Stop Experience
No racing

---

Back to News