Maritime Racing
2026 IWK 250 Set for July 18th
Track Release/Photo by WingNut Productions
JAMES RIVER, NS (October 3, 2025) – Management for Riverside International Speedway is excited to announce that the 2026 edition of the IWK 250 Presented by Steve Lewis is set for Saturday, July 18. It will be the culmination of the IWK 250 Super Weekend, a four-day event that will start on Wednesday, July 15. The IWK 250 has grown in stature to become a crown jewel race in the North American short track stock racing world, and is one of the most well-known and anticipated races in Canada.
Next year will see the 39th running of the 250 at Riverside, the 18th year as the IWK 250 Presented by Steve Lewis. Over its long and storied history, this race has attracted some of the top names in stock car racing, and it’s become a bucket-list race for fans and racers all over North America. And it gives back. Since 2007, the IWK 250 has raised awareness and donated more than $700,000 to the IWK Foundation in support of the IWK Health Care Centre for women and children. The community benefits as well; with space for more than 800 RVs on-site and with thousands of fans attending the events, the population of James River swells to exceed that of nearby Antigonish on or around the IWK 250 Super Weekend. Folks gather to enjoy the on-track action but also to rekindle old friendships and make new ones.
The event kicks off on Wednesday (July 15) with the Dash 4 Cash, a 75-lap $5k to win non-points event for pro stock racers. On Thursday, fans will enjoy the IWK 250 Test’n’Tune followed by the popular Tailgate Party. Friday evening will see racing in two divisions, and Saturday is the main event with the IWK 250 presented by Steve Lewis. More event details will be announced over the coming months.
Camping reservations and tickets will be available online well in advance at www.riversidespeedway.ca. Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are available for the 2026 edition of the IWK 250 Super Weekend. The track administration office is now closed for the off-season, reopening in May. Until then, inquiries can be directed to info@riversidespeedway.ca.
This announcement is the first of what is expected to be a busy and exciting 2026 season, Riverside’s 57th year. Fans should stay tuned to Riverside’s website (www.riversidespeedway.ca), social media (Facebook, X, and Instagram) for the latest news from Riverside.
About Riverside International Speedway:
Since 1969, Riverside International Speedway has been recognized as a premier stock racing facility in Canada. The 1/3-mile high-banked asphalt oval roars to action several times each year for special events. It is the largest outdoor entertainment venue in eastern Canada and the home of the IWK 250 – widely known throughout North America as a “bucket list” event for racers and fans alike. It also hosts the NASCAR Canada Series in its only stop on the East Coast. Located in James River between New Glasgow and Antigonish, the facility is easily accessible at Exit 30 on Trans-Canada Highway 104. For more information, please visit www.riversidespeedway.ca or call 902-863-2410 (May to September) or 902-404-7049 (October to April).
