Placerville Speedway Sets 2 p.m. Start for Hangtown 100

PLACERVILLE, Calif. — Oct. 23, 2026

Placerville Speedway is preparing for the final stretch of its 2026 dirt-racing season, with the Hangtown 100 scheduled to bring two days of national-level midget racing and sprint car competition to the El Dorado County Fairgrounds next month.

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The annual event is set for Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13-14. Organizers have scheduled an earlier afternoon start both days, giving fans a chance to watch the action before November’s evening temperatures settle over the foothills.

According to the speedway’s official schedule, the front gates open at 1 p.m., and cars hit the track at 2 p.m. both days.

Hangtown 100 schedule and what fans need to know

The 2 p.m. track time marks an important adjustment for fans accustomed to the speedway’s usual evening program. The schedule allows wheel packing, hot laps, qualifying and racing to begin earlier in the day.

Placerville Speedway promoter Scott Russell explained the reasoning in the event announcement:

“We’d like to get everything completed before the evening chill sets in so fans can have a more enjoyable experience.”

Russell said the earlier start had been well received the previous season, prompting organizers to use it for both nights in 2026.

Kyle Larson returns as competitor and co-promoter

One of the event’s major attractions is Kyle Larson, the NASCAR star who also serves as a Hangtown 100 co-promoter.

Larson is scheduled to compete in both a USAC National Midget and a Winged 360 Sprint Car. The addition of Winged 360 Sprint Cars as a companion division gives fans two different forms of open-wheel dirt-track racing across the weekend.

Saturday’s program also includes a fan promotion involving Red Hawk Resort + Casino. According to the supplied event announcement, fans can record lap times at the resort’s Apex Kart Track through Nov. 13, with the 10 fastest times earning a chance to race against Larson on Nov. 14.

Winged 360 Sprint Cars add to the program

The Winged 360 Sprint Cars will compete both nights alongside the USAC National Midgets.

The event announcement lists a standard weekly purse for the sprint car division, with $2,000 going to the feature winner and $250 guaranteed to each starter in the 24-car feature. Organizers also said they were seeking additional sponsorship for the event.

For local racing fans, the combined lineup adds another reason to make the trip to Placerville as the regular season gives way to the late-fall showcase.

Happy hour, tickets and location

The Hirst Home Team Happy Hour is scheduled for 1-3 p.m. in the grandstands, featuring live music and discounted Coors Light and Coors Banquet at the Cold Zone, according to the event announcement.

Two-night reserved-seat packages are listed at $85 before online fees, with pit-pass upgrades available for an additional $10 per night. Fans should confirm current single-day ticket options and availability through the official event website before traveling.

Placerville Speedway is located at 100 Placerville Drive, on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville. The quarter-mile, banked red-clay oval has hosted racing since 1965 and draws competitors and spectators from across Northern California.

Tickets and event updates are available at the official Hangtown 100 website and the Placerville Speedway website.

For El Dorado County racing fans, the key dates are Nov. 13 and 14. With gates opening at 1 p.m. and cars on track at 2 p.m., arriving early will help spectators catch the full program — and make the most of the remaining dirt-track action before winter weather arrives.

Tickets can be purchased ahead of time via https://www.eventsprout.com/event/2026-hangtown-100