Caraway Speedway Restores Its NASCAR Roots With 2026 Sanctioning Comeback
There’s a certain nostalgia comes with seeing the NASCAR logo hanging over a local short track. It signals history, structure, and a connection to the larger world of stock‑car racing that every Saturday‑night driver dreams about. For 2026, that feeling returns to Sophia, North Carolina.
After listening closely to the people who race there, Caraway Speedway is officially rejoining the NASCAR Weekly Series. The announcement was made during the track’s annual Awards Banquet on January 17, but the decision itself was shaped a week earlier in a room full of competitors. This wasn’t a top‑down directive. It was a choice driven by the racers who call Caraway home.
A Decision Driven by the Garage
Short‑track racing thrives when the drivers and the promoter are aligned. On January 10, Caraway officials held a rules meeting that would help determine the track’s direction. Instead of dictating the future, track owner Darren Hackett asked the drivers what they wanted it to be.
Hackett distributed a simple Q&A form to encourage honest feedback. One line stood out: a direct “yes” or “no” on returning to NASCAR sanctioning.“I wanted to hear the thoughts of the drivers directly,” Hackett said. “The results were extremely positive from the teams represented. That cemented in my mind the decision to ask NASCAR to return.”
The message from the garage was clear. They wanted the NASCAR banner back. NASCAR agreed, and the partnership was renewed, bringing Caraway Speedway back into a national framework that rewards local excellence, and we’re here for it.
The Stakes Get Higher in 2026
Rejoining the NASCAR Weekly Series raises the competitive bar for every team in the pits. It’s no longer just about winning on a Sunday afternoon. It’s about earning recognition nationwide.The sanction allows Caraway drivers to compete for National, Regional, State, and Local championships.
Every lap and every position now feed into a unified points system that rewards consistency and performance over the full season. The financial impact is significant. Caraway will post a $15,000 track‑level point fund, with additional opportunities available through NASCAR’s Regional and National programs.
For teams stretching their budgets to cover tires, fuel, and travel, that support matters. The return of the “Rookie of the Year” awards adds another layer, giving newcomers a meaningful incentive to start their careers at Caraway.
Mark Your Calendars: March 8
The new era begins Sunday, March 8. Caraway Speedway will open the 2026 season with an eight‑division program headlined by the first of ten Limited Late Model events. The opening card is packed: Chargers, Mini Stocks, UCARS, 602 Modifieds, Crown Vics, Legends, and Bandoleros will all take the track. The green flag drops at 2 p.m. ET.
The momentum continues quickly. On Saturday, March 14, the Tour Type Modifieds return for the first of four events, featuring a 75‑lap open race paying $5,000 to win. For Modified fans in the Carolinas, that date stands out.
The schedule also honors tradition. The SMART Tour returns July 4 for the Rusty Harpe Memorial, followed by the annual 9/11 Remembrance Night on September 12. The season wraps with the North‑South Shootout in November.
Upgrades to the Asphalt Jungle
While the sanctioning agreement was being finalized, the track crew was working to improve the facility. The offseason brought new pavement in Turns 3 and 4, along with fresh asphalt in the pit area to improve working conditions for teams.
Fans will notice upgrades as well. New restrooms near the trackside area are nearing completion, and improvements to lighting and sound are underway. The Turn 4 suites are also scheduled to be finished by opening day, signaling a commitment to enhancing the overall experience.
What This Means for Carolina Racing
Caraway’s return to the NASCAR Weekly Series strengthens the region’s racing ecosystem. Independent tracks can drift in different directions with rules and structure. Under the NASCAR banner, there’s consistency, something drivers and teams value. For competitors, it provides a clear ladder.
A Late Model driver at Caraway can now measure their season against peers in other states. It provides context for their accomplishments at the national level. For fans, it’s a mark of quality. It ensures that safety standards, officiating, and competition guidelines align with those of the sport’s largest sanctioning body.
What’s Next
Short tracks are the foundation of American motorsports. They’re where the passion is raw, the racing is close, and the next generation of talent is built. By bringing Caraway Speedway back under the NASCAR umbrella, Darren Hackett and his team have secured the track’s place in that system. The drivers asked for it. The ownership was delivered. Now the focus shifts to March 8, when engines fire, and a new chapter begins.
