WEEDSPORT, NY (July 16, 2026) – The mighty DIRTcar Big Block Modifieds are set to join the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series for two nights of action as part of Empire State Challenge Weekend at Weedsport Speedway on July 25-26.
A host of top Modified competitors are expected to be in action, with each night of racing counting toward the overall Hoosier Tire Weekly Championship series.
Just one Big Block Modified event has been held at Weedsport so far this season, dating back to the speedway’s Icebreaker opener in early May. That afternoon of racing saw a dominant drive by Alex Payne, collecting a $5,000 victory over a stellar field of 27 other competitors. Payne led Jimmy Phelps, Alex Yankowski, Larry Wight and Zach Payne across the line, to earn a trip to Victory Hill.
Just last month, Modifieds returned to Weedsport, but in the form of the 358-Modified series. That event saw one of the best Modified races in recent years at Weedsport with Jimmy Phelps cruising to his own $5,000 pay day over Mat Williamson, Tim Sears Jr., Darren Smith and Amy Buff.
Also paired with the Outlaws in 2025, the Big Block companion event was topped by Erick Rudolph.
DIRTcar legal 358-Modifieds will also be eligible to join the racing program on July 25-26 as long as they meet the 2,450 lb. weight requirement.
Returning to a two-day format in 2026, the Empire State Challenge at Weedsport Speedway will once again be the only opportunity of the year for race fans to experience the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series in the state of New York. Don’t hesitate – purchase tickets today to ensure you can enjoy the heart stopping action of the World of Outlaws across two days, along with the DIRTcar Big Block Modifieds.
Reserve your tickets today by visiting www.worldofoutlaws.com and clicking on the Shop tab at the top right-hand corner of the site.
Weedsport’s Empire State Challenge is part of a lucrative month of July for the Outlaws, with The Port posting winner’s earnings of $12,000 on July 25 and $20,000 on July 26. Current World of Outlaws point leaders include David Gravel, Buddy Kofoid, Carson Macedo, Sheldon Haudenschild, Logan Schuchart, Donny Schatz, Garret Williamson, Cole Macedo, Chris Windom and Spencer Bayston.
Gravel has dominated Weedsport in recent years with a total of five victories, including three consecutive and four of the last five. Since 2022, Donny Schatz is the only other driver to win an Outlaw event at Weedsport.
For complete details on the weekend visit https://www.weedsportspeedway.com/july-25-26-empire-state-challenge/.
Hospitality suites are also now available for all events in 2026. Weedsport’s suites offer an unmatched experience, high above the racing surface, and provide a perfect setting for a group party or corporate night out. Call Weedsport Speedway’s main office at (315) 834-3067 for pricing and availability.
Visit www.weedsportspeedway.com or follow Weedsport Speedway via Facebook at www.facebook.com/weedsportspeedway and Twitter @WeedsportSpdwy for more information.
2026 Weedsport Speedway Schedule:
Saturday, July 25
Empire State Challenge Weekend
World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars
DIRTcar Big Block Modifieds
Sunday, July 26
Empire State Challenge Weekend
World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars
DIRTcar Big Block Modifieds
Saturday, August 1
Port City Stampede
All-American Rodeo
Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association
Women’s Professional Rodeo Association
Sunday, August 16
SummerFAST
Super DIRTcar Series Hall of Fame 100
DIRTcar Sportsman
Mod Lites
Sunday, September 6
Cavalcade Cup
Super DIRTcar Series Cavalcade Cup 100
DIRTcar Sportsman Classic 75
Hoosier 600 Microsprint Tour
Friday, September 18
Page Trucking Big Rig Nationals
American Big Rig Series
About Weedsport Speedway: Officially opened for the first time on July 24, 1955 – the Weedsport Speedway 3/8 mile dirt oval has produced a legendary list of drivers and champions including Will Cagle, Danny Johnson, Bob McCreadie, Alan Johnson, Jack Johnson, and Dave Lape to name a few. In 2018, Weedsport introduced the all-new Weedsport Kartway, just outside of the Speedway’s main pit area, to begin to foster the next generation of racers, crew members and race fans. Couple the racing with state-of-the-art camping and track amenities, unmatched on-site television production capabilities, plus the ability for large scale concert productions and Weedsport is one of the marquee entertainment venues in the country.