Late Models return to Madera Speedway

Race fans are encouraged to get outdoors and enjoy a summer of motor sports kicking off tonight at Madera Speedway with the third round of the RACER Network-televised 51FIFTY Jr. Late Model Series and Mission Pro Late Model Series at the fastest one-third mile in the West.

Both divisions will race in 70-lap features, plus INEX Legends and INEX Bandoleros are scheduled to race.

Main events begin at 6 p.m. with the 51FIFTY Jr. Late Model race green flag slated for approx. 8 p.m. Adult tickets are just $20, seniors and military are $15, youth ages 6-12 are $10 and kids five and under are free. All tickets will be sold at the track ticket booth.

Race fans can “Join” www.YouTube.com/ShortTrackTV for $19.99 per month for a members-only live stream as well. The races will be televised at a later date on RACER Network.

Through two races for the 51FIFTY Jr. Late Model Series, the drivers ages 10-16 years old have thrilled crowds with two exciting first-time winners.

Lane Christensen dominated his series debut in the season opener for a coveted victory. The winner of the Madera Jr. Late Model Combine then jumped ahead of the pack to lead most of the laps in the second race of the season.

Jaxon Burnett ultimately prevailed, taking the lead on a thrilling restart with just five laps remaining. Burnett then outfoxed Brexton Busch, the late Kyle Busch’s son, in a green-white-checkered finish for his breakthrough trip to victory lane.

Christensen’s performances have him leading the standings by nine points over rookie Keatin Lyons. Hunter Gates ranks third followed by Busch and Jarrett Dickson. Wyatt Flowers and Mason Blodgett are also within 16 points of the lead in a razor tight battle among the contenders.

The young drivers compete in a 70-lap feature under the lights starting with a 40-lap opening segment followed by a break for adjustments and RACER Network interviews. A 30-lap race to the finish determines the winner.

An opening night win has been enough to preserve the points lead for Mike Hensley in the Mission Pro Late Model Series. Hensley paired the win with a fifth place finish in May to build his championship leading resume.

He is tied with Jason Aguirre in the standings, following Aguirre’s second place finish in round two.

Round two winner Shaun Reynolds is third in the standings, followed by veteran driver Rick Thompson and Hunter Maier. 2024 Madera Late Model champion Trevor Schlundt ranks sixth.

The Mission Pro Late Models will face a new challenge on Saturday night with a non-stop 70-lap feature around the speedway.

INEX Legends and INEX Bandoleros are also on tap.

Pit gates open at 1:30 p.m. with the drivers meeting at 3 p.m. Practice begins at 3:30 p.m. Qualifying hits the track at 5 p.m., followed by heat races. Opening Ceremonies are at 6 p.m.

For more information about the Madera Speedway, including how to advertise with a race team on RACER Network, visit www.racemadera.com or call the race office at (559) 507-9931.

The 2026 season would not be possible without the support 51FIFTY LTM, Mission Foods, Allied Packaging, 805 Beer, Race 2B Drug Free, Competition Carburetion, Hoosier Tires, Franks Radio, and Sunoco Race Fuel.

Madera Racing on RACER Network airs on Mondays.