I-96 Speedway Honors The Fastest Dirt Speedsters in Mid-Michigan at Annual Banquet

📸 Mike Powell

Ionia, MI - I-96 Speedway held its annual banquet this past Saturday night, March 7, 2026, recognizing the top drivers from 2025 and celebrating the thrilling 2025 dirt racing season. The banquet, held in downtown Ionia, MI brought together the competitors, crews, families, and fans for the track’s first official event in 2026. 

The evening, hosted by the speedway management team, featured a delicious catered dinner, raffles, silent auctions, & desserts followed by the eagerly anticipated awards ceremony & celebration. 

Championship Honors

The highlight of the night was the presentation of the I-96 Speedway championship trophies across the various racing divisions. The top ten point finishers in each class received custom-designed trophies, new for 2025, with first-place finishers earning a title ring & Hoosier Tire jacket. 

Division	Champion
Mini Wedge 6-9	Axel Smith
Mini Wedge 10-14	Karsyn Crosby
Compact	Jordan Siegal
Street Stock	Carlind Forsythe
Pro Stock	Billy Trueblood Jr.
Hubbco IMCA Modified	Jeff Reay
UMP Late Model	Chase Burda

Special Awards

Several special awards were also handed out, recognizing dedication, sportsmanship, and outstanding performance throughout the season.

• Employee of the Year

• Rookie of the Year: Peyton Cunningham, Street Stock #27P

New for 2026

The special event brought other exciting news for the upcoming 2026 season & beyond, including: 

• New Race Director Announced: Nate Rowe

• Track Announcer in Place: Ryan Fritz

• Track Photography & Media: Mike Powell

• Free Images for Drivers & Fans: The 2026 season will feature free digital images available after each I-96 Speedway event. Visit the i96Speedway.com media tab to view & access images. 

• 2025 Champion Banners will be proudly displayed during the 2026 season at the speedway

The I-96 Speedway also promoted the schedule for the upcoming dirt racing season, which is expected to kick off on April 24, 2026 with the Great Lakes Sprint Series & more. With GLSS, the Iron Man Series, DIRTcar Summer Nationals, local series, & more, the 2026 I-96 Speedway season promises to bring some stunning shows on the dirt. More details on the schedule, breaking track news,  and more can be found on the official website: i96speedway.com

Attendees were reminded to save the date for the Test & Tune Days on March 21 and April 12 & 19. The first race of the 2026 I-96 Speedway season is Friday, April 24, 2026.