Auto Racing News - 5 February 2026

Above photo: Representing the Normoyle family are family members Dillion Vanston, A.J. Walters, and Alex Vanston. They are joined by Utica-Rome Speedway co-promoter April LaMunion as they receive the inaugural Jim Normoyle-Spirit of Racing Award.

With this winter weather we are experiencing, the Adirondack Motor Enthusiast Club is looking to get in some hard water racing on Sunday, February 1. As of Monday, the conditions on Pecks Lake were questionable, and they were hoping to have a better idea of the situation by last night. To race, you must pre-register and purchase a current membership through www.icerace.motorsportreg.com. If the race is cancelled, it will be posted on the AMEC Facebook page and website at icerace.com.

Halmar-Friesen Racing announced this week that 2026 will be their first full season of having a two-truck team, with Stewart Friesen of Sprakers, N.Y., driving the first truck, his familiar No. 52. John Hunter Nemechek will make a special appearance as the driver of the No. 62 Toyota Tundra in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series opening race, the Fresh From Florida 250 at Daytona International Speedway on Friday, February 13. Nemechek now competes in the NASCAR Cup Series. A 13-time winner in the truck series, Nemechek will have sponsorship from DriveValue.com.

Registration is now open for the Supply Wagon Rentals/Varin Enterprises Truck & Bike Show on Saturday, August 1, 2026. They are currently looking for sponsors of awards and bands. They are also seeking bands that would like to be part of the show. Any vendors and food trucks that would like to be involved can contact Varin Enterprises at 518-774-0182.

The Utica-Rome Speedway 2025 awards banquet was held Saturday at The Haven in Chittenango, which is connected to The Wild Animal Park. Division champions recognized for their efforts in 2025 at the Vernon, N.Y., oval were: Matt Sheppard in the 3 Bastards Brewing modified division; Payton Talbot in the Taylor's Trailers crate 602 sportsman division; Luke Horning in the Next Generation GraphiX pro stock division; Jayden Wust in the Fastline Performance limited sportsman division; Jeff Connolly in the JB's Sewer & Septic dual cam 4-cylinder division; Wayne Russell Jr. in the JB's Sewer & Septic 4-cylinder single cam division; Brett Putnam in the Ted's Auto Body All-Star slingshot division; and Preston Trautschold in the Diaz Aviation Junior slingshot division. Payton Talbot was the champion in the VP Racing Fuels 358 modified Challenge Series.

The family of pro stock driver Jim Normoyle was presented with the inaugural Jim Normoyle Spirit of Racing Award in honor of the popular driver who unfortunately passed away in 2025. In closing, U-R promoter Jason Broedel said that the track was looking forward to being a member of DIRTcar for 2026 and that they will continue to try their best and continue to try different things in the future.

Jay Castimore is a well-known member of the dirt racing world, having prepared tires for over 800 victories with the likes of modified drivers Brett Hearn, Keith Flach, and Stewart Friesen. Besides that, Jay is always willing to offer his advice to those who ask. Jay suffered a heart attack a few weeks ago at home after spending a night educating many on tire preparation. Well wishes can reach Jay and Marilyn Castimore at 100 Coverdale Avenue, Johnstown, N.Y. 12095.

Watertown native Tim McCreadie started tenth in the 50-lap World of Outlaws Late Model Series DIRTcar Nationals feature at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Florida. McCreadie would pass early leader Ryan Gustin around lap 20, and the two battled for a while until McCreadie was able to break free and earn his 40th WoOLM feature win. Brandon Sheppard and Dennis Erb Jr. completed the podium.

Northeast Dirt modified and crate 602 sportsman divisions will be racing next week in Florida at the All-Tech Raceway near Lake City. Dirt Track Digest TV will present the Showdown in the Sunshine State on February 4-7.