Memorial Day & Fourth of July Limited Late Model Specials Headline Carteret County Speedway’s 2026 Schedule

PELETIER, NC —  Bobby Watson’s Carteret County Speedway is set to deliver two of the most exciting short track events of the 2026 season, featuring twin $5,000-to-win Limited Late Model races during Memorial Day Weekend and Independence Day Weekend.

Each event will award $5,000 to the winner and $800 to start, with an enhanced payout structure designed to reward drivers throughout the field. The purse for both races pays $5,000 for first, $2,000 for second, $1,250 for third, $1,000 for fourth, and $800 for fifth place on back.

Both Limited Late Model features will be run under the same four-tire format and technical regulations used during the highly successful 2025 Christmas Clash.

Two Big Weekends of Racing and Patriotic Celebration

“We wanted to create marquee events that celebrate two of America’s most meaningful holidays while giving racers and fans something truly special,” said speedway owner Bob Lowery. “By increasing the payout throughout the field, we’re making these races even more attractive to competitors from across the Southeast.”

Located just minutes from Emerald Isle Bridge and North Carolina’s Crystal Coast beaches, Carteret County Speedway offers a unique destination for teams and fans alike.

“Drivers can enjoy a beach vacation and race for a major purse all in the same weekend,” Lowery added. “It’s the perfect race-cation.”

Memorial Day Classic – Sunday, May 24, 2026

The first $5,000-to-win Limited Late Model event takes place during the Memorial Day Classic on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

In addition to the headline Limited Late Models, fans will enjoy action from:

• STAR Super Stock Tour

• Southern Ground Pounders

• Mini Stocks

• Jr. Mini Cups

• Juice Boxes

A full day of open practice will be held on Saturday, May 23.

As part of the speedway’s Tribute to America pre-race ceremony, Mackenzie Pelton, lead singer of The Black Eyed Daisies, will perform the National Anthem. The band will also provide live entertainment throughout the evening at Moonshiner’z Bar & Grill.

Firecracker Clash – Saturday, July 4, 2026

The second $5,000-to-win Limited Late Model feature takes center stage during the Firecracker Clash on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

The Independence Day Weekend celebration begins Friday, July 3, with the Showdown Series and Bombers competing in the Prelude to the Clash. Following the racing action, Skyler Whitfield will perform live at Moonshiner’z Bar & Grill.

Saturday’s July 4th Firecracker Clash will feature:

• Limited Late Models

• Showdown Series

• U-CARs

• Jr. Mini Cups

  
  

The evening’s patriotic pre-race festivities will include a performance of “America the Beautiful” by Skyler Whitfield and the National Anthem sung by Dolly Witt.

A Destination for Racing and Family Fun

Carteret County Speedway continues to grow as one of the premier short tracks in the Southeast, combining high-stakes racing with family-friendly entertainment and a one-of-a-kind location near North Carolina’s beautiful Crystal Coast.

Whether you’re a racer chasing a major payday or a fan looking for an unforgettable night of motorsports, the Memorial Day Classic and Firecracker Clash promise two of the biggest events of the summer.

Tickets and Information

Advance tickets, event schedules, and complete details are available at  carteretspeedway.com.

Article Credit: Tracie Wade-Cronkhite