Santa Maria Speedway Schedule Raises Questions For Families
Santa Maria Speedway 2026 Schedule: Complete Race Dates, Times, and Event Information
Santa Maria Speedway's 2026 schedule features 29 total events including race nights, karting weekends, and monster truck shows, with the next upcoming race being Points Race #5 on Saturday, May 23, 2026, where gates open at 4:00 PM and racing begins at 6:00 PM. The track's 1/3-mile clay oval hosts diverse divisions including USAC/CRA 410 Sprints, NARC King of the West Sprints, IMCA Modifieds, Tri-State ProStocks, and USAC Western States Midgets throughout the season.
Upcoming 2026 Race Events at Santa Maria Speedway
The speedway has announced 22 upcoming events for 2026, representing the first full season since the facility's major renovation. Key upcoming races include the NARC King of the West Sprint Cars on May 2, 2026, featuring Rico Abreu, Tanner Holmes, and Tyler Courtney in Kubota High Limit Racing's debut at the track.
| Date | Event Name | Divisions Racing | Gates Open |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 4, 2026 | Opening Night / Santa Maria Regional Transit Night | Tri-State ProStocks, IMCA Modifieds, Hobby Stocks | 4:00 PM |
| April 25, 2026 | Points Race #2 | Tri-State ProStocks, IMCA Northern SportMod, IMCA Modified, Mini Stock | 4:00 PM |
| May 2, 2026 | NARC King of the West Sprint Cars | NARC King of the West Sprints, California 305 Sprint Series, WRA Midgets | 4:00 PM |
| May 23, 2026 | Points Race #5 | Regional dirt track divisions | 4:00 PM |
| October 17, 2026 | Points Race #15 | Ultimate Sprint Car Series | 4:00 PM |
2026 Season Highlights and Special Events
The newly renovated Santa Maria Speedway is coming back stronger in 2026 with expanded programming that includes two special weekend events featuring the Malicious Monster Truck Tour, marking a significant expansion beyond traditional dirt track racing. General admission tickets for major events like the Kubota High Limit Racing debut are priced at $52 for adults, $20 for children ages 6-12, and free for children 5 and under.
- 29 total events scheduled for the 2026 season, including 17+ race nights on the main oval
- Kubota High Limit Racing debut featuring top sprint car drivers Rico Abreu, Tanner Holmes, and Tyler Courtney
- Two Monster Truck Show weekends with the Malicious Monster Truck Tour
- Daily points standings updated from MyRacePass for all divisions
- Pit passes available for $40-$45 depending on the event
Track Information and Racing Divisions
Santa Maria Speedway is nestled just outside Nipomo, California, featuring a high-banked clay oval crafted from natural on-site clay deposit that creates unique grip-and-slip dynamics requiring drivers to constantly adapt. The facility serves as a proving ground for fearless drivers where skill, speed, and strategy collide under floodlights, shaping racing legends for decades.
- USAC/CRA 410 Sprint Cars - Premier winged sprint car competition with equipment share nights
- NARC King of the West Sprints - Elite West Coast sprint car series including California Lightning Sprints
- USAC Western States Midgets - Lightweight midget car racing for developing drivers
- IMCA Modifieds & SportMods - Modified stock car divisions including Northern SportMod
- Tri-State ProStocks - Local and regional pro stock car competition
- Dirt Karts - Multiple kart divisions including 250/500 Winged Outlaw and Kid Karts on separate kart track
"The track has struggled to maintain full seasons of racing since COVID, but now has secured a bright future of dirt track racing for the next generation of racers and fans while preserving the historic legacy of this great facility."
This quote from the 2025 schedule announcement reflects the speedway's historic legacy and renewed commitment to grassroots motorsports, with the 2025 season marking the first full season since 2019 before the 2026 expansion to 29 events.
Ticket Purchase and Event Updates
Tickets for the 2026 season went on sale Saturday, January 17th at 8 AM through the official website santamariaspeedway.net, with online discount codes occasionally available for early purchasers. Outside food, beverage, alcohol, and weapons are prohibited at the facility, and ticket fees of $1.75 per ticket appear at checkout with associated credit card fees.
For the most current schedule updates and changes, fans should check the official schedules page at santamariaspeedway.net/schedules/, where events are updated regularly and points standings are refreshed daily from MyRacePass. The speedway's revamped facility now offers family fun amenities beyond the racing, making it a complete entertainment destination for the Santa Maria Valley community.
Key concerns and solutions for Santa Maria Speedway Schedule Raises Questions For Families
What dates are on the Santa Maria Speedway 2026 schedule?
The 2026 schedule includes 29 events with confirmed dates such as April 4 (Opening Night), April 25 (Points Race #2), May 2 (NARC King of the West), May 23 (Points Race #5), and October 17 (Points Race #15), with the full season running through fall 2026.
When do gates open for races at Santa Maria Speedway?
Grandstand gates consistently open at 4:00 PM for Saturday race nights, with opening ceremonies and racing scheduled to commence at 6:00 PM, allowing guests time to secure seating and enjoy venue amenities.
How much are tickets to Santa Maria Speedway races?
General admission pricing varies by event: $52 for adults at major events like Kubota High Limit Racing, $25 for regular race nights, with children ages 6-12 at $10-$20, children 5 and under free, and pit passes ranging from $40-$45.
What racing divisions compete at Santa Maria Speedway?
The track hosts USAC/CRA 410 Sprints, NARC King of the West Sprints, USAC Western States Midgets, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Northern SportMods, Tri-State ProStocks, Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks, American Stocks, SoCal Dwarf Cars, and multiple dirt kart divisions on the separate kart track.
Where is Santa Maria Speedway located?
Santa Maria Speedway is located at 1900 Hutton Road, Nipomo, California, just outside the city limits of Santa Maria in the Central Coast region, accessible via Santa Maria Regional Transit on select event dates.
