2026 Slinger Nationals: Your Guide to Wisconsin’s Late‑Model

The 47th Slinger Nationals kicks off on Monday, July 13, and peaks with a 200‑lap feature on Tuesday, July 14, at the iconic Slinger Speedway. This event is billed as the season’s biggest short‑track race in Wisconsin, drawing 35 drivers and a star‑studded field that includes NASCAR regulars, development‑program talents, and seasoned late‑model veterans.

Top Contenders and Past Champions

Carson Hocevar, a NASCAR Cup Series driver who has competed at Slinger three times, headlines the national roster. Ty Majeski, the 2024 Craftsman Truck Series champion and four‑time winner at Slinger over the past eight years, enters as the early favorite. The entry list also features several past winners, including Rich Bickle (four victories spanning 1992‑2013), Luke Fenhaus (2021), Brad Mueller (2024), and Dennis Prunty (2015).

Track champions are well represented. Steve Apel dominates with titles from 2013‑2015 and 2019‑2020, while Rich Bickle also captured the championship in 1983 and 1989. Luke Fenhaus claimed the 2021 title, Grant Griesbach won in 2025, and Brad Mueller secured back‑to‑back crowns in 2003‑2004. Alex Prunty tallied victories in 2018 and 2024, and Dennis Prunty also posted a 2012 title.

Development‑program drivers such as Carson Brown (Richard Childress Racing) and Tristan McKee (Spire Motorsports) round out the field. National barnstormers—including Carson Brown (June ASA STARS winner), Ty Majeski (two‑time Snowball Derby winner and 2023 ASA STARS champion), Stephen Nasse and Derek Thorn (Snowball Derby winners)—add further prestige to the 35‑driver lineup.

New Features for 2026

Slinger Speedway has refreshed the format with a “bracket challenge” and a 100‑lap CRA Pro Late Model feature on Monday, turning what was traditionally a practice day into a competitive showcase. The top 32 super late models will be placed into a bracket, each pairing for a three‑lap time‑trial duel where the faster lap advances. Four rounds proceed, culminating in a final four that earns a $5,000 payday and a guaranteed spot in the Tuesday night main event.

The same lap times also dictate the qualifying order for the 200‑lap feature on Tuesday, adding an extra strategic layer to the weekend. These innovations aim to heighten fan engagement and reward speed throughout the entire event.

Prizes, Tickets, and Broadcast

The race purse awards a $20,000 winner’s share, complemented by lap‑leader bonuses. In 2025 fans contributed $28,000 in lap‑leader bonuses. Ticket prices are $12 for Monday’s bracket and late‑model action, and $30 for general admission or $35 for reserved seats (top 10 rows) on Tuesday night. Discounts are available for seniors, veterans, and teens.

A Sunday night “Prelude to the Nationals” headlined by the Midwest Truck Series opens the weekend festivities. The entire event streams on FloRacing, a subscription‑based platform, ensuring nationwide coverage of both days.

For fans seeking a deep‑dive into Wisconsin’s motorsports calendar, the Slinger Nationals sits alongside events like Road America and the Milwaukee Mile, highlighting the state’s vibrant racing scene.