Lakeside Speedway

03/17/2026

It's a slow morning and I'm having thoughts.. We received a nice donation to the track's operating fund this past Thursday evening.

As many of you know, we are running this track as if it were a non-profit, no one gets paid.. The support we receive whether it be donations to the track, or otherwise, mean the world to us. Last season, as a group & with your help, we were able to put over $5,000 into the local economy supporting local businesses, & provide over $3,000 in support to individuals in need.

This was all in a few short months, we have more work to do in '26. We want you to know how much we appreciate all of you, together we are doing great things. Things that matter more than stickers, trophies, or points. Things that make a difference.

The people in our RC community continue to inspire me with their generosity & positivity. RC racing from Lake Hallie, to Osseo, to Kellogg, to MinnCity/Goodview, to Northern Iowa... has all Prospered and we have many, many, hard working volunteers to thank for it all. So to all of you.. you have my respect and appreciation, your time doesn't go un-noticed.

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03/09/2026

We are still working on all the schedules, but we are looking at weekend races on June 6-7 and October 24-25 We would love for you to join us! More info to come.

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02/11/2026

Over the past few days we’ve seen a number of questions and concerns about the updated class structure, and we truly appreciate everyone who has taken the time to share their thoughts. This wasn’t a quick or reactionary decision. It reflects several years of discussion, review, and refinement—both here and in conversations with other track operators. We want to offer some additional context to help explain where we’re coming from and how this structure aligns with the progression models used across organized sports.

We appreciate the discussion, and it’s clear everyone here cares about the long‑term health of the program. The structure we’re putting in place isn’t about trophies or limiting anyone—it’s about following the same progression model that every established sport uses to keep competition fair, safe, and enjoyable.

A lot of the feedback we’ve seen centers around concerns about limited track time, class restrictions, and the ability to run multiple vehicles—especially for racers who travel or only get to race a few times a month. We understand that completely. The goal of this structure isn’t to reduce anyone’s racing opportunities. It’s to prevent situations where drivers with very different skill levels end up on the track together, which leads to avoidable contact, frustration, and inconsistent race flow. Week after week, we see developing drivers unintentionally mixing into advanced classes simply because the class list allowed it, not because the skill gap made sense.

That’s why we’re shifting toward grouping racers by experience and consistency rather than just equipment. It’s a system designed to improve the overall quality of racing—not to take entries away.

This approach is actually very normal in organized sports.
- Motorsports: Karting, dirt racing, and full‑scale oval programs all use Rookie, Intermediate, and Pro divisions. Drivers move up when they’re ready—not just because they own the right car.
- Youth and school sports: Athletes don’t jump straight from beginner to varsity. They progress through levels so they can develop without being thrown into a field they aren’t prepared for.
- Martial arts, skiing, and cycling: Skill‑based tiers are the standard because they protect both the developing athlete and the advanced competitor.
- RC off‑road programs: Many tracks already run Sportsman, 17.5, 13.5, and Mod as a progression ladder for the exact same reasons.

We tested this structure at Lakeside last season, and other track operators immediately noticed the improvement in race flow and driver experience. Cleaner racing helps everyone—newer drivers get room to learn, and advanced drivers get the competitive environment they expect.

We also understand that some racers travel and own multiple cars. That’s why we’ve said from the start that there will be flexibility and exceptions once we see how weekly points nights actually shape up. The goal isn’t to force anyone into spending money or abandoning a class they enjoy. It’s to build a sustainable program where drivers compete with others at a similar stage in their development, just like every other sport.

This won’t be perfect on day one, but it’s a step toward a more organized, fair, and enjoyable race night for the majority of racers—and that’s what keeps a program healthy long‑term.

02/10/2026

Looking for a solid group to meet Wednesday night (11th) at 6pm in the Island city shop. We need to form a few work committees to tackle several projects before our outdoor season can begin. These projects include running conduit to the future announcer's booth, trenching water and drainage lines, inner barrier planning, and very important to me, improving disability access, including driver's stand, pits, and restroom. Please let us know if you can attend. Thanks

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02/06/2026

***Final Update
A few tweaks to the running order, rules, and skill classifications.

This will be it for '26!

The plan remains, we ask drivers to select (1) class per group, up to 4 total entries. Drivers may race Novice & Intermediate classes or Intermediate & Expert but not Novice and Expert. Competition will be at it's best when we are competing in the proper skill level.

This system eliminates the back to back situation, the marshalling issues and delays that come with it, and allows the race event to move along more efficiently. There will be some flexibility however provided certain requirements are met.

ONCE per event, a driver will be allowed a back to back entry. That driver will have a substitute marshal cleared by the announcer/track director in advance. That marshal will be in position immediately causing no delay. The driver will also NOT be allowed additional time to be prepared. This should be considered a privilege extended to you and will be revoked if you fail to meet these terms.

Hey Racers! Along with Hoosier Speedway, we release our Summer class lineup & rules. Both tracks will post up general track rules within a week or two but this lets you get started planning. You can select ONE class per group, up to FOUR total. You will not be allowed to race a class labeled Novice and a class labeled Expert on the same race Event. Novice-Inter or Inter-Expert will be allowed. Marshalling will be mandatory with the usual exceptions. More info to follow.

02/03/2026

01/18/2026

Input needed!!
With meetings planned for next week & other tracks starting to release the '26 rules, we need to hear from you. Our mission remains the same, close, fair competition, & structuring the lineup for efficiency. We want to continue working with and aligning rules with our closest tracks & friends at Hoosier Speedway & Lucky 13 Speedway as much as possible. I can tell you there will be an all new class for Novice/Beginner drivers based on a 2wd Slash that I am extremely excited about! Here's where I need input. Not everyone will have the desire to compete in the upper level classes and I feel the Intermediate skill level has been under-served for too long. You've all seen our class lineups laid out in an order of progression with some degree of protection built in. I am extremely happy with the results, we had very close racing and a ton of new winners! What we didn't address yet is a "move up" procedure. I do NOT intend to make a ruling on that at this point but I do think we work toward moving ourselves forward over the next few seasons. I view classes like SlashMod and SR10 HobbyStock to be beginner classes. Many drivers will remind me of just how competitive those classes are and I couldn't agree more but if those couple box-stock classes aren't reserved for Novice drivers or drivers just using it for a fun, lower stress class, then what is? I believe a healthy oval track should see about 1/3 Short course and 2/3 1/10 scale entries. So, my point.. focus on the development of the Intermediate level classes to protect the newer drivers as they work on their skill & also, protect the upper level classes from drivers not yet ready to compete at that level. The goal is to have the highest quality racing possible. I envision the Inter level classed to be nearly 50% of the entries. Ultimately, this would mean the most growth in 3 classes, 1/10 StreetStock, 1/10 Midwest Mod, & 1/10 17.5 Late Model. This would have drivers entering with box stock SR10 HobbyStock and leaving Intermediate to 13.5 LateModel or Sprint Car. HERE is what I need to know NOW. Who would consider 1/10 StreetStock, Midwest Mod, or adding a 17.5 1/10 LateModel class as the heart of our lineup for the '26 season?