Cornwall, Ont. – Thursday, July 2, 2026 – What was expected to be a regular race week at Cornwall Motor Speedway quickly turned into one of the most remarkable community initiatives in the track’s history. Thanks to an incredible outpouring of support from race teams, businesses and fans, general admission will be free for everyone this Sunday, July 5.
The original plan already offered fans the best value of the season, with general admission priced at just $5 as Cornwall Motor Speedway prepares for a two-race weekend. Sunday’s event will serve as the perfect lead-in to Tuesday night’s visit by the Super DIRTcar Big Block Series, making its second and final appearance of the 2026 season.
The initiative began early Monday when local 358-Modified driver Ryan Stabler contacted the speedway with an idea inspired by a successful promotion recently held at Utica-Rome Speedway. Stabler pledged to sponsor admission for 200 fans, encouraging others in the racing community to do the same.
The response was immediate.
By the end of Monday, more than 20 businesses and race teams had joined the effort, bringing the total number of sponsored admissions to nearly 600. Momentum continued to build on Tuesday as more than 1,200 admissions had been sponsored, while supporters also began donating concession items including popcorn, poutine, hot dogs, bottled water and soft drinks.
On Wednesday morning, the Lavergne family challenged the racing community by pledging to make general admission free for everyone if more than 2,000 admissions were sponsored. By lunchtime on Thursday, that goal had been surpassed with more than 2,160 general admission tickets sponsored. The Lavergne family will cover the remaining admissions, ensuring every fan can enjoy Sunday’s event free of charge.
Nearly 75 businesses, race teams and individuals contributed to the campaign, while also sponsoring the equivalent of more than 600 concession items that will be distributed throughout race night.
“The response from our teams, sponsors and community has been overwhelming,” said Assistant Promoter Martin Belanger. “We expected support, but we never imagined it would grow to this level.”
“Our goal is not only to fill every grandstand seat on Sunday, but to introduce new people to the excitement of dirt track racing and create lifelong fans. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has contributed to making this initiative a reality.”
Additional information regarding admission procedures and the distribution of complimentary concession items will be announced through the speedway’s social media channels.
Heat races are scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m., with practice starting at approximately 6:00 p.m. The pit area will open at 3:00 p.m., while the grandstands will open at 4:30 p.m.
General admission is free for all spectators. Pit admission is $35.