05/04/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Willamette Speedway Kicks Off Kart Schedule This Sunday with "Mother’s Day Madness"
LEBANON, Ore. — Willamette Speedway officially fires up its kart racing program this Sunday for the highly anticipated Mother’s Day Madness event. The 1/6-mile track, known as "Little W***y," is in exceptional condition and ready to host karts for the first time in 2026.
After being reconfigured following the 2024 season, the track saw no racing action in 2025 while track promoter Cory Penfold underwent treatment for Stage IV cancer. Now in remission with "no evidence of disease," Penfold returns to the helm this Sunday to lead the kart program into a new era.
A Historic Milestone for Karting:
Willamette Speedway will make history this Sunday as the WPCK becomes the first kart series to compete under the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series powered by O'Reilly Auto Parts banner. Drivers will now chase points for track, regional, and national championships, elevating the prestige of the local karting scene.
"We’re pretty excited about the WPCK and the bit of history that we will make with this series Sunday and throughout the season," said Penfold, who co-founded the series with Eli Finn. Both founders are also active competitors with their sights set on the season championship.
"It’s not going to be easy by any means," added Finn. "We have a lot of really talented drivers. Tim Freer, Jeff Cox, Cory Penfold, Mike Barlow, myself, and Caiden Marontate have all won multiple features. We also have a rookie class that is arguably the best talent we’ve ever seen in this series."
Fast-Paced Sunday Schedule:
The 2026 season features 12 events over the summer, showcasing both Speedway and Cage Karts on the same day. Management has optimized the schedule to ensure a family-friendly experience that beats the summer sun.
"The goal is to get the program going and have it completed by 3:00 PM," Penfold explained. "Getting the kids out of the hottest part of the day is always something we shoot for."
Divisions and Competition:
A high car count is expected for the inaugural event. Fans can expect deep talent pools in the Open 500 Cage Karts and a look at future stars in the 250 division. Speedway karts of all classes are welcome, including:
Pee Wee
LO206
KT 100
Super Sport
UAS (Unlimited All Stars)
"We’re doing everything we can to support the karts in Oregon and Washington," said Penfold. "The future of racing is that younger generation, as well as the 'old guys' looking to have fun. We have just as much fun as the guys in Late Models or Sprints, but for a fraction of the cost."
Event Details: Sunday, May 10
Pit Gates Open: 9:00 AM
Sign-in: 9:00 AM
Hot Laps: 11:00 AM
Qualifying/Racing: To follow immediately (approx. 12:00 PM)
Grandstand Admission: $5.00
Pit Passes: Available at the gate for track-side access.
Advance tickets are available now at www.willamettespeedway.com.
Race teams with questions can contact track officials at:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
