Knoxville Raceway Offers Free Grandstand Admission for Season Opener

Raceway partners with local dealerships to welcome fans for 73rd annual kickoff event.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Knoxville Raceway has announced that grandstand admission will be free for race fans on Saturday, April 18th, for their 73rd annual Pella Motors/Kraig Ford Season Opener. This partnership with local car dealerships aims to thank loyal fans and grow the raceway's audience.

Why it matters

Knoxville Raceway is a beloved local institution that has drawn racing fans for decades. Offering free admission for the season opener is an innovative way to engage the community, thank longtime supporters, and introduce the sport to new potential fans.

The details

The April 18th Season Opener will feature all three weekly Knoxville Championship Series divisions – 410 sprint cars, Randall Roofing 360 sprint cars and Pro Sprints. The event is expected to draw all of their 2025 Track Champions as well as the defending Knoxville Nationals Champion.

  • The 73rd annual Pella Motors/Kraig Ford Season Opener will take place on April 18, 2026.

The players

Knoxville Raceway

A renowned short-track racing venue that has hosted sprint car events for over 70 years, located in Knoxville, Iowa.

Pella Motors

A local car dealership partnering with Knoxville Raceway to sponsor the season opener.

Kraig Ford

Another local car dealership collaborating with Knoxville Raceway on the season opener event.

Marion County Fair Association

The organization that oversees the fairgrounds where Knoxville Raceway is located and has approved the free admission promotion.

Jason Reed

The General Manager of Knoxville Raceway.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is an idea we've considered for some time, and the timing felt right to make it happen in 2026. This is both a thank you to our loyal fans and an investment in the future. We believe our fans will bring friends with them, helping grow our audience and introduce more people to the excitement of Knoxville Raceway.”

— Jason Reed, General Manager, Knoxville Raceway (kniakrls.com)

What’s next

The free grandstand admission promotion will take place on April 18, 2026 for the Pella Motors/Kraig Ford Season Opener at Knoxville Raceway.

The takeaway

Knoxville Raceway's decision to offer free grandstand admission for their season opener demonstrates a creative approach to engaging the local community, rewarding loyal fans, and introducing new audiences to the excitement of sprint car racing.