Armed Forces Night features Late Models, sprint cars

Saturday night, May 9, is NASCAR Armed Forces Night at Roseville's All American Speedway, featuring a full program of stock car and sprint car thrills plus a patriotic tribute to those who have served the country. The ground-pounding NCMA Sprint Cars compete in a 30-lap feature plus Twin 40-lap features for the NASCAR Late Model division. Modified, Street Stock, Mini Stock and INEX Legends also compete on the one-third mile speedway. Tickets are available when the gates open at 4 p.m. or at www.allamericanspeedway.com. All tickets are general admission with adults admitted for $20. Kids ages 6-12 are $15. Kids 5 and under are free. Heat races start the program at 5 p.m. with the opening ceremony at 6., followed by seven main events. NCMA Sprint Cars returned to Roseville last July with speeds well over 100 mph. 2025 West Coast Stock Car/Motorsports Hall of Famer Tony Hunt of Lincoln prevailed in the 30-lap feature over longtime rival Shauna Hogg of Fair Oaks. Both drivers return this weekend for another open-wheel battle, joined by other Northern California drivers such as Folsom's Jerry Kobza and 2025 Mini Stock track champion John Sproule. The Sprint Cars will also run two eight-lap heats. Drivers from across California competed in the season opener for the NASCAR Late Model class on April 4, but defending-champion Kenna Mitchell of Loomis scored in both 40-lap races. Mitchell aims to duplicate the success Saturday. Auburn's Thomas Martin ran second in both features on opening night while Madera's Joey Kennealy also had a strong start with third- and fourth-place finishes. Valley favorite Hayden Stepps of Oakdale returns along with Southern California drivers Donald Witkowski and Monty Tipton among the many drivers chasing the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series checkered flags. Former champions dominated opening night in Roseville, including the Modified feature being led by Rocklin's Tyler Wentworth. Multiple Street Stock champion Josh Whitfield opened 2026 with a victory in the 30-lap feature, topping fellow champions Tim Walters and Rich Lavallee. 2025 Mini Stock champion John Sproule won the curtain raiser for that class as well. INEX Legends return for their first points paying weekend of the season. The Legends will also race Friday night for INEX points in a 20-lap feature before racing in 30 scheduled laps Saturday night for All American Speedway points. Rocklin's Robby Czub is the defending champion.