07/14/2026
Ontario's Best Set to Clash in Inaugural Crate vs. Open Late Model Challenge Series
Three Tracks. Eight Days. One Champion.
The stage is set for one of the biggest Dirt Late Model events Ontario has seen in years.
Beginning this Saturday, Ontario's premier Late Model drivers will battle through three races at three of the province's most respected dirt tracks as the inaugural Crate vs. Open Late Model Challenge Series gets underway.
Hosted by BUXTON SPEEDWAY, OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY, and Brighton Speedway, the unique mini-series will pit Ontario's top 604 GM Crate Late Models against the thunderous Open Late Models in a battle that will test horsepower, handling, and driver skill across three distinctly different race tracks.
Each event pays $2,500 to win, with every feature starter guaranteed $400, while championship points, bonus money, and bragging rights await the teams that can conquer all three rounds.
The question heading into opening night is simple:
Can the lightweight, balanced 604 Crate Late Models outrun the brute force of the 800-horsepower Open Late Models?
Over the next eight days, race fans are about to find out.
Drivers from Brighton Speedway's weekly Late Model division will be joined by competitors from BUXTON SPEEDWAY and teams from across Ontario and Upstate New York. Several Brighton regulars are expected to convert their 604-powered cars to Open specifications specifically for this challenge, creating one of the deepest and most talented Late Model fields assembled this season.
Round One – BUXTON SPEEDWAY
Saturday, July 18
The championship begins on BUXTON SPEEDWAY's fast and sweeping clay oval near Chatham.
Known for rewarding horsepower and momentum, Buxton has traditionally favored the Open Late Models, making Round One an early opportunity for the high-powered machines to establish themselves in the championship standings.
Crate competitors, however, will have additional motivation thanks to James Hill Farms, which has posted bonus awards for the top three Crate Late Model finishers.
Top Crate Finisher – $300
Second Crate – $200
Third Crate – $100
Round Two – OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY
Tuesday, July 21
The championship shifts to one of Canada's biggest racing stages as the series joins the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series at OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY.
Although Ohsweken doesn't host weekly Late Model competition, the wide, high-speed racing surface has produced spectacular Open Late Model racing over the years and should create another thrilling chapter in the championship battle.
Adding even more excitement, NASCAR legend Kenny Wallace will make a special appearance behind the wheel of a Dirt Late Model prepared by the Haulin Haskell's Race Team. One of the most recognizable personalities in motorsports, Wallace's Canadian Late Model appearance is expected to draw tremendous attention as he takes on many of Ontario's top dirt racers.
James Hill Farms will once again reward the top three Crate Late Models with bonus money.
Championship Finale – Brighton Speedway
Saturday, July 25
The inaugural Challenge Series comes to a dramatic conclusion during the Horsepower Hustle 40 at Brighton Speedway.
Brighton's lightning-fast 1/3-mile clay oval has long been known for producing exciting side-by-side Late Model racing and could provide the perfect equalizer for the Crate Late Models. While the tighter racing surface may help neutralize some of the horsepower advantage enjoyed by the Open cars, the championship is expected to remain wide open until the final checkered flag.
Vanderlaan Building Products Ltd. will recognize the competitors making the trip with a Top Visiting Driver Bonus.
Top Visiting Driver – $300
Second Visiting Driver – $200
Third Visiting Driver – $100
Bonus Awards
In addition to the posted purse, Close Racing Supply will award a $100 Hard Charger Gift Certificate at each of the three Challenge Series events.
Championship Purse
Each event will pay:
Winner – $2,500
Runner-Up – $1,250
Third – $800
Fourth – $600
Fifth – $550
Every feature starter receives a minimum of $400.
At the conclusion of the series, Brighton Speedway will award the Championship Point Fund:
Champion – $1,000
Second – $600
Third – $400
Fourth – $300
Fifth – $200
The highest-finishing 604 Crate Late Model team in the overall championship standings will also earn a $500 Championship Bonus.
Drivers must compete in all three races to be eligible for championship payouts and bonus awards.
Race Format
The Challenge Series will utilize the proven Northeast Late Model Alliance race procedures.
17 Cars or Less
Two Heat Races
Top Four redraw for feature starting positions
18 Cars or More
Three Heat Races
Top Three from each heat advance to the redraw
Heat race lineups will be determined by pill draw, while the remaining feature starters will line up heads-up based on heat race finishes. Feature events are expected to range between 30 and 40 laps depending on event scheduling.
Three Tracks. Eight Days. One Champion.
Every lap will matter.
Every position will count.
When the checkered flag falls at Brighton Speedway on July 25, one driver will stand alone as the inaugural Crate vs. Open Late Model Challenge Series Champion.
Will raw horsepower prevail, or can the Crate Late Models prove that handling and consistency still win races?
Ontario race fans are about to find out.
Schedule
Saturday, July 18 – BUXTON SPEEDWAY
Tuesday, July 21 – OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY
Saturday, July 25 – Brighton Speedway
For complete event information, visit:
www.buxtonspeedway.ca
www.ohswekenspeedway.ca
www.brightonspeedway.ca
