PLACERVILLE, Calif. — Set to enter year 11 under the Russell Motorsports Inc. banner, the El Dorado County Fairgrounds based Placerville Speedway has released its schedule of events for the 2026 season.
Since opening in 1965, the Placerville Speedway has been a favorite among fans throughout Northern California. Well known for its steep banks, distinctive red clay, loyal fan base and extremely close action, the track is located just 40 minutes up the hill from the capital city of Sacramento.
The season starts off with a Test and Tune on March 7 followed by the opening point race on March 21. The 23rd annual “Tribute to Al Hinds” launches the first of 15 championship point races.
Points paying divisions will be comprised of Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Limited Late Models, Pure Stocks and Mini Trucks. The weekly action as noted, opens on March 21 and concludes on September 12 with the 21st annual $8,500-to-win “Forni-Humphreys Classic.”
The eighth annual “Nor*Cal Posse Shootout” returns in 2026 and will once again be held in early May. Winged 360 sprint cars and the Non-Wing Ultimate Sprint Car Series make up the two-night card on Friday and Saturday May 1-2. For the third straight year “Legends Weekend” will occur at the Shootout as we celebrate 61 years of racing in Old Hangtown.
The Elk Grove Ford Sprint Car Challenge Tour is primed to open its ninth season of action at Placerville Speedway during the April 4 “Thrill on the Hill.”
The Challenge Tour returns on May 30 for the second annual “Davy Thomas Memorial” as the event shifts to a Saturday date in 2026. The final appearance by the SCCT 360s will occur on Saturday July 18 with the “Gold Pan Rampage” as part of Western Sprint Tour Speedweek.
The annual “Carnett Clash” presented by Ford’s Only is back on August 1.
The Kubota High Limit Racing Winged 410 Sprint Cars make their third Placerville appearance on Saturday August 22. The “Gold Rush Classic” is sure to bring a star-studded field to the red clay after a thrilling show last season.
On Saturday October 10th the NARC 410 Sprint Cars will crown a series champion at Placerville Speedway during the “Pay Dirt Showdown” presented by Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. It marks the lone NARC King of the West show of the season.
One of the more anticipated events each year returns with the annual “Hangtown 100” set to commence in November. The USAC NOS Energy Drink National Midgets will tackle the speedway for two exciting nights of competition on November 13-14. Winged 360 sprint cars will be the companion division each night.
The colorful coupes of the Nor-Cal Dwarf Car Association make seven appearances this coming year. Dwarf Cars have a rich history at Placerville Speedway and will play a big part in the 61st season of racing.
The Joe Hunt Magnetos Wingless Sprint Cars are set to make a pair of stops on the red clay once again this year, with those dates occurring on March 28 and June 27.
Other special events that highlight the schedule include the “Coors Light Big Trophy Night” on April 11, the “Tilford Tribute” on April 25, Thompson’s “Fan Appreciation Night” on June 20, John Padjen “Kids Bike Night” presented by Pizza Factory on June 27, the “Freedom Fireworks Spectacular” on Saturday July 4th, “Half-Priced Burger Night” presented by Kings Meats on August 15, the Malicious Monster Truck “Insanity Tour” on September 25-26 and Claim Jumpers MotoX Madness on October 3.
