RIVERHEAD RACEWAY TO HOST FIRST OF TWO PRACTICE DAYS SATURDAY, FREE GRANDSTAND ADMISSION FOR FANS

The roar of race engines with the aroma of Sunoco Race Fuel will fill the air surrounding Riverhead Raceway Saturday afternoon April 18th as the track hosts the first on track activity leading up to the 2026 race season. As tradition dictates, grandstand admission for the Saturday test & tune will be free for race starved fans as well for the second practice day set for Saturday April 25th. Cars are scheduled to take to the historic quarter mile at 11:00 AM with rotating practice running into early evening.

The 2026 season marks the 76th year of racing and family entertainments events presented at Riverhead Raceway with the track again part of the nationwide NASCAR Local Racing Series powered by O'Reilly Auto Parts with competitors in sanctioned divisions accumulating points on a national, regional and state level. The popular Legend Race Car and Bandolero divisions will continue to race under the INEX sanction. 

For the two upcoming practice days the fans can enjoy rotating practice starting at 11:00 AM with the Blunderbusts first up, followed by the INEX Bandolero Outlaws, Street Stocks, INEX Bandolero Bandits, Super Pro Trucks, INEX Bandolero Beginners, INEX Legends, Eagle Chevrolet Crate Modifieds, Late Models, Buzz Chew Chevrolet NASCAR Modifieds, Eddie Partridge Vintage All Stars, Mini Stocks and Figure Eights. At approximately 4:30 PM the track the Enduro divisions receive their rotating practice session with the Truck Enduro troops first up, followed by the 4/6-Cylinder Enduro, 8-Cylinder Enduro and the new 4/6-Cylinder Figure Eight class. 

Pit windows will open at 8:30 AM both practice days, while pit gates open at 9:00 AM with haulers entering the pit area at that time. Race teams are reminded no cars are permitted to practice without having first registered their car number online with the track, as well going through and passing safety tech inspection, displaying a sticker noting they have passed. For those who did not take advantage of two inspection days earlier this month, those inspections will commence shortly after the pits open. Teams can register their 2026 car numbers at Home | Riverhead Raceway, click on the competitor link. Teams must complete the entire form before it will be accepted and their car can practice. 

The 2026 campaign will get underway with Opening Weekend May 2nd and May 3rd at Riverhead Raceway. Saturday night will be NASCAR Pack the Track night for the NASCAR Local Racing Series powered by O'Reilly Auto Parts with seven divisions going to post for their first race of the year. Sunday afternoon the May Meltdown will be presented for the Enduro and INEX Bandolero competitors. 

To view the entire comprehensive new look schedule of events please visit http://www.riverheadraceway.com, emails reach us at [email protected], our phone number remains 631-842-RACE