PLACERVILLE, Calif. — Oct. 28, 2026
Dirt-track racing fans in El Dorado County will have a reason to arrive early next month when the Hangtown 100 returns to Placerville Speedway with a revised afternoon schedule designed to beat the November chill.
The two-day event is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13-14, at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. Organizers have announced that cars will hit the track at 2 p.m. both days, with the front gates opening at 1 p.m. and pit gates opening at 10 a.m.
The schedule gives spectators an earlier start to a weekend featuring national-level midget racing, the addition of Winged 360 Sprint Cars and a headline appearance by NASCAR star Kyle Larson.
Organizers aim to beat the November cold
The earlier schedule follows a positive response to the previous year’s afternoon start, according to Placerville Speedway promoter Scott Russell.
“Last season when we utilized the early start time it was well received, so it was decided that we would implement it for both nights this year,” Russell said in the event announcement.
He added, “We’d like to get everything completed before the evening chill sets in so fans can have a more enjoyable experience.”
Once cars hit the track, the program is expected to include wheel packing, hot laps, qualifying and racing. Fans planning to attend should allow time to enter the fairgrounds, find parking and get settled before the on-track activity begins.
Two racing divisions headline the weekend
The Hangtown 100 will feature the USAC NOS Energy Drink National Midgets, a division known for compact, powerful open-wheel cars competing on dirt ovals.
Winged 360 Sprint Cars will join the program as a companion division for the first time at this year’s event, expanding the weekend’s lineup for fans of open-wheel dirt-track racing. The sprint car program is scheduled for both nights.
The announcement lists a $2,000 winner’s payout and $250 to start for the 24-car Winged 360 Sprint Car feature each night. Organizers also said they were seeking additional sponsorship for the sprint car program.
Kyle Larson set to compete in both divisions
Larson, the NASCAR Cup Series driver who also serves as a Hangtown 100 co-promoter, is scheduled to compete in both a USAC National Midget and a Winged 360 Sprint Car.
His participation adds a prominent name to a late-season event that brings racing teams and spectators to Placerville from across Northern California and beyond.
A separate fan promotion is also planned in partnership with Red Hawk Resort + Casino. According to the event announcement, participants can record lap times at the resort’s Apex Kart Track through Nov. 13. The 10 fastest times will have a chance to race against Larson at Red Hawk on Nov. 14. Fans should check the organizer’s current information for participation requirements and details.
Live music and happy hour planned
The Hirst Home Team Happy Hour is scheduled for 1-3 p.m. in the grandstands both days. The event announcement lists live music and discounted Coors Light and Coors Banquet beer at the Cold Zone.
The official Hangtown 100 website lists a two-night reserved-seating package for $85, excluding online fees, with a pit-pass upgrade available for an additional $10 per night. Single-night reserved seating is also advertised. Ticket availability and prices should be confirmed before making plans.
Tickets are available through the official Hangtown 100 website and its ticketing page.
Where to watch the Hangtown 100
Placerville Speedway is located at 100 Placerville Drive, Placerville, on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. From Highway 50, take the Forni Road/Placerville Drive exit and follow Placerville Drive north to the fairgrounds.
For local residents, the most important detail is the earlier schedule: Front gates open at 1 p.m., and cars are scheduled to hit the track at 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13-14.
With cooler weather approaching and two racing divisions on the program, the Hangtown 100 will give Placerville another high-profile weekend of dirt-track competition as the 2026 racing season winds down.
Official event information: Hangtown100.com | Placerville Speedway
