Merced Speedway Race Track in Merced, California, USA

• dirt tracks
• USA
• California

Merced Speedway Dirt Track Logo

Merced Speedway is the fastest, smoothest dirt track in the Central Valley of California. With large, covered grandstands, fans are kept cool in the summer heat with an obstruction free view of the entire speedway.

Merced Speedway races IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks, Valley Sportsman, WRS 305's, Mini Late Models, Dwarf, BCRA Midget Lites, 360 Sprints, and 410 Sprints.

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• Phone: 209-600-8382
• Surface: 1/3 mile banked clay oval

• 900 Martin Luther King Way
  Merced, California, 95341 USA
• lat: 37.290959, lng: -120.483021
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Merced Speedway Dirt Track Racing Schedule

Schedules are known to change without warning, double check with race track before heading out.

Merced Speedway Dirt Track News

• 
  After Best USAC/CRA Finish of the Year at Santa Maria, Jeff Dyer Takes on Perris Auto Speedway This Saturday

  Yucca Valley, CA - July 16, 2025 — After enduring a challenging start to the season in the Avanti Windows and Doors USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series, Jeff Dyer finally found some momentum two weeks ago at Santa Maria Speedway, finishing 11th in the 30-lap main event. That marked his best result of the year in the ultra-competitive 410 non-wing sprint car series. Now, the Yucca Valley-based racer hopes to improve on that finish when the series returns to its home track—Perris Auto Speedway—this Saturday night, July 21st. At Santa Maria, Dyer qualified 14th and placed fifth in his 10-lap heat race. Starting 13th in the feature, the California Highway Patrol Officer saw a spin deprive him of his first top-ten of the season. While the 410 effort ended on a high note, mechanical gremlins hampered Dyer's effort in the California Lightning Sprint Car Series that night. After qualifying fourth fastest and finishing fifth in the first heat, he lost an oil cap during the second heat race, which led to oil loss. The result was a spun bearing that ended his night prematurely. Dyer's young teammate, 16-year-old rookie Drake Cardey of Riverside, also had a rollercoaster evening. Making his debut on Santa Maria's 1/3-mile clay oval, Cardey impressed right out of the gate, qualifying second fastest. He followed that up with a third-place result in his first heat and a win in his second heat. Starting on the pole for the Lightning Sprint main, Cardey led the first 15 laps and appeared to be on his way to a breakout win. However, disaster struck entering turn three on lap 16 when his car belched smoke and coasted to a stop—another victim of engine failure. He was credited with a seventh-place finish. Following that event, Cardey headed east for a four-race Midwest tour in a 600cc non-wing micro sprint prepared by the legendary Keith Kunz Motorsports. Despite never having driven a micro before, Cardey made the A-Main all four nights against stacked national fields—winning a heat race, a B-Main, and showing remarkable speed and racecraft. Night 1: 5th place at Sweet Springs Motorsports Complex (MO) Night 2: From 15th to 6th at Mitchell County Fairgrounds (KS) Night 3: 7th place at Jefferson County Speedway (NE) Night 4: Charged from 13th to 4th before hitting an infield tire and breaking the steering, resulting in a 21st-place finish Despite the final night's misfortune, Cardey left a strong impression on fans and industry insiders watching via Flo Racing with his aggressive, fearless driving style. Fans can catch Dyer and the USAC/CRA stars in action this Saturday night at Perris Auto Speedway. Spectator gates open at 5:00 p.m., and racing begins at 7:00 p.m. Ticket Prices: Adults (13 & over): $35 Seniors (65+): $30 Kids (6-12): $10 Children 5 & under: Free Fairgrounds Parking: $20 Tickets are available in advance at www.tix.com. Tickets will also be available at the gate on race day. Venue Info: Perris Auto Speedway 18700 Lake Perris Drive Perris, CA 92571 www.perrisautospeedway.com (951) 940-0134 Cardey's California Lightning Sprint Car is sponsored by Eibach Springs, Cardey Construction, Jake Swanson Shock Technology, Last Lap Insider, and Dylan Godeniz Motorsports. In 2025, the following marketing partners will help keep Dyer on track. Straight Time Stirrups, Haircuts By Susie, Jobu Racing, Justice Brothers, Fonseca Racing, Specialty Fasteners, and Blud Racing Lubricants. If you would like to be a part of Dyer Motorsports in 2024, call (760) 550-7237 or send an email to mailto:dyermotorsports4@gmail.com. Jeff is racing in memory of his grandparents, Glenn, and Beverly Sels, throughout the 2025 season. Jeff Dyer's 2025 Race Results 2/22/25 Mohave Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 14th B Main 3/1/25 Perris Auto Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 23rd A Main 3/14/25 Imperial Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars DNS 3/14/25 Imperial Valley Raceway SoCal Lightning Sprints 5th A Main 3/15/25 Imperial Valley Raceway SoCal Lightning Sprints 9th A Main 4/5/25 Perris Auto Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars DNS 4/12/25 Bakersfield Speedway California Lightning Sprints DNS 5/3/25 Ventura Raceway California Lightning Sprints 6th A Main 5/10/25 Barona Speedway SoCal Lightning Sprints 1st A Main 5/17/25 Merced Speedway California Lightning Sprints 4th A Main 6/7/25 Bakersfield Speedway California Lightning Sprints 1st A Main 6/7/25 Bakersfield Speedway Ultimate Sprint Car Series 14th B Main 6/21/25 Ventura Raceway California Lightning Sprints 4th A Main 7/5/25 Santa Maria Raceway California Lightning Sprints DNS 7/5/25 Santa Maria Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 11th A Main Drake Cardey's 2025 Race Results 3/14/25 Imperial Valley Raceway SoCal Lightning Sprints 4th A Main 3/15/25 Imperial Valley Raceway SoCal Lightning Sprints 8th A Main 4/12/25 Bakersfield Speedway California Lightning Sprints 10th A Main 5/3/25 Ventura Raceway California Lightning Sprints 2nd A Main 5/17/25 Merced Speedway California Lightning Sprints 12th A Main 6/7/25 Bakersfield Speedway California Lightning Sprints 8th A Main 6/21/25 Ventura Raceway California Lightning Sprints 11th A Main 7/5/25 Santa Maria Raceway California Lightning Sprints 7th A Main 7/8/25 Sweet Springs Mtrsprts. Complex 600cc Non Wing Micros 5th A Main 7/9/25 Mitchell County Fairgrounds 600cc Non Wing Micros 6th A Main 7/10/25 Jefferson County Speedway 600cc Non Wing Micros 7th A Main 7/11/25 Jefferson County Speedway 600cc Non Wing Micros 21st A Main Scott Daloisio produced this release. For more information: phone (909) 226-7768 or E-mail mailto:sdaloisiosports@gmail.com.

• 
  Brent Sexton Has Dream Trip to Indiana

  Lakeside, CA - June 19, 2025 — Brent Sexton of Lakeside, California, lived out a lifelong dream earlier this month when he traveled to Indiana to compete in the Sprint Car portion of Indiana Midget Week. The three-time Lightning Sprint Car champion was geared up to compete six nights in a row. However, Mother Nature had other plans, and the veteran racer was only able to race three times due to rain. Sexton and the traveling Sexton Gatlin Racing crew kicked off their Indiana campaign at Circle City Raceway, just minutes from the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway on June 3rd. There, Sexton faced the toughest field of competitors in his sprint car career. Still, the seasoned driver wasn't fazed in the slightest. After qualifying seventh in his group, he lined up in the same spot for his heat race. Early on, he ran near the back but quickly found speed on the low line, advancing to fifth and nearly grabbing the final transfer spot before running out of laps. In the 17-car, 12-lap B Main, Sexton started fourth—thanks to his heat race performance—and held his ground, using the bottom groove to move up to third and secure a coveted transfer into the A Main. For a driver who only began racing full-sized sprint cars two years ago, transferring into the main event against such a stacked field was a significant achievement. Starting 19th in the feature due to his qualifying time, Sexton again relied on the low line and charged forward to finish 14th. Only two other drivers passed more cars than the Tennessee native in the 25-lap main event. Twenty-four hours later, Sexton and the beautiful #42 car made the short trip to Paragon Speedway. Buoyed by his strong showing at Circle City, he was ready to take on another unfamiliar track. Qualifying didn't go in his favor, however, as he timed in ninth in his group and started deep in his heat. He managed to pass one car, placing him in a tough spot for the 22-car B Main. Starting 16th, Sexton again went to work on the bottom, advancing five positions to finish 11th. Unfortunately, time ran out, and he didn't make the A Main. On the bright side, only four drivers improved their positions more in the B. The following night at Lincoln Park Speedway in Putnamville, racing was canceled due to rain. Unfortunately, the wet weather lingered, washing out the next two nights of competition at Bloomington and Tri-State Speedway. Fortunately, the rain vacated the area by Sunday night, and Sexton was able to compete at the legendary Kokomo Speedway—a track he had looked forward to racing on the most. He qualified seventh in his group of 10 and finished eighth in both his heat race and the B Main. Though he didn't make the A, just getting the chance to compete at Kokomo was another highlight of the trip. Aside from the rain and some motorhome issues on the return trip, the week was a memorable one for the entire Sexton Gatlin Racing team. While most of the team was in Indiana, SGR teammate Braydin Collie had a stellar outing with the California Lightning Sprint Cars at Bakersfield Speedway on June 7th. After qualifying seventh, the El Cajon, California teenager won his eight-lap heat race. Starting sixth in the feature, he charged to the front and even led momentarily in a thrilling mid-race battle. He eventually finished third—his best result of the year. Sexton Gatlin Racing has a big announcement on the horizon. Details will be revealed in the next week to 10 days. For more updates, follow Sexton Gatlin Racing on social media and stay tuned for their results throughout the 2025 season. Sexton Gatlin Racing would like to thank the following companies for making the 2024 season possible. East County Electric Works, Keys Brothers, Geoff Dale, BR Motorsports, Maxima Oil, Automated Interiors, Valley Lubricant Services, Sexton Fire Protection, BK Wings, and Troy Dirt. If you or your company are interested in becoming a marketing partner with Sexton Gatlin Racing in 2024, please call (619) 454-6945 or E-mail mailto:sextonfire@cox.net or mailto:sextonfire@gmail.com. Brent Sexton 2025 Results 3/8/25 Ventura Raceway USCS Sprint Cars 13th A Main 3/14/25 Imperial Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars DNS 3/15/25 Imperial Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 14th A Main 3/28/25 Ocean Speedway USCS Sprint Cars 5th A Main 3/29/25 Merced Speedway USCS Sprint Cars 12th A Main 4/12/25 Bakersfield Speedway USCS Sprint Cars 12th A Main 5/17/25 Santa Maria Speedway Ultimate Sprint Cars 21st A Main 6/3/25 Circle City Speedway (Indianapolis) 410 Sprint Cars 14th A Main 6/4/25 Paragon Speedway (Indiana) 410 Sprint Cars 11th B Main 6/5/25 Lincoln Park Speedway (Indiana) 410 Sprint Cars Rained Out 6/6/25 Bloomington Speedway (Indiana) 410 Sprint Cars Rained Out 6/7/25 Tri State Speedway (Indiana) 410 Sprint Cars Rained Out 6/8/25 Kokomo Speedway (Indiana) 410 Sprint Cars 8th B Main Grant Sexton 2025 Results 2/22/25 Mohave Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 20th A Main 3/8/25 Ventura Raceway USCS Sprint Cars 8th A Main 3/14/25 Imperial Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 19th A Main 4/12/25 Bakersfield Speedway USCS Sprint Cars 17th A Main 5/17/15 Santa Maria Speedway USCS Sprint Cars DNS AJ Bender 2025 SGR Results 3/15/25 Imperial Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 23rd A Main Braydin Collie 2025 SGR Results 3/14/25 Imperial Valley Raceway SoCal Lightning Sprints 11th A Main 3/15/25 Imperial Valley Raceway SoCal Lightning Sprints 11th A Main 4/12/25 Bakersfield Speedway California Lightning Sprints 11th A Main 5/17/25 Merced Speedway CLS vs BCRA Civil War 9th A Main 6/7/25 Bakersfield Speedway California Lightning Sprints 3rd A Main This release was produced by Scott Daloisio. Contact (909) 226-7768 mailto:sdaloisiosports@gmail.com

• 
  Sexton Gatlin Racing Makes Indiana Debut This Week

  Lakeside, CA - June 1, 2025 — For the first time in their careers, Brent Sexton and his son Grant will be racing in Indiana this week. The Lakeside, California-based Sexton Gatlin Racing (SGR) team is set to compete in six consecutive nights of sprint car action as part of Indiana Midget Week. The series kicks off at the cozy confines of Circle City Raceway in Indianapolis. Brent, 52, and Grant, 20, are well-known names in lightning sprint car circles. Brent is a three-time lightning sprint champion, earning California Lightning Sprint Car Series titles in 1999 and 2008, and capturing the POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprint Car Series championship in 2022. The latter came a year after Grant claimed the same title in 2021. In 2023, the father-son duo began shifting their focus to the high-powered 410 sprint cars in the USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series. That year, Grant, then 19, earned Rookie of the Year honors, while Brent finished third in the same category in 2024. Over the past two years, SGR has adopted a "pick and choose" approach to their race schedule, and 2025 has followed suit. Brent has competed in seven events so far—five with the Ultimate Sprint Car Series (USCS) and two with USAC/CRA. His best finish to date is a fifth-place showing at Ocean Speedway with USCS on March 28. Grant has made five starts this season—three in USCS and two in USAC/CRA. His top result came at Ventura Raceway on March 8, where he finished eighth in a USCS event. "A good buddy of mine, Mark Deskovick, moved out there (Indiana) from Ramona," Sexton answered when asked why they are headed to Indiana. "He always said we should come out to visit and see what it is all about. It has been a bucket list thing, and now we are in a position to do it." "I would love to make A mains more than anything," Sexton continued. "Being a first timer, just seeing the tracks we have always dreamed about is a big deal. I am looking forward to seeing all of them. We begin at Circle City and finish at Kokomo. I cannot wait." In preparation for Indiana Midget Week, the Sextons consulted with Anaheim native and Indiana transplant Jake Swanson. Swanson shared that post-race car prep typically happens late at night due to the intense Midwest humidity. Taking his advice, the SGR team plans to service their cars in hotel parking lots after races, ensuring they rest during the day and stay cool before hitting the track each evening. Fans unable to attend Indiana Midget Week in person can catch all the action live with a Flo Racing subscription. For more details, visit FloRacing.com. June 3: Circle City Raceway (Indianapolis) June 4: Paragon Speedway (Paragon) June 5: Lincoln Park Speedway (Putnamville) June 6: Bloomington Speedway (Bloomington) June 7: Tri-State Speedway (Haubstadt) June 8: Kokomo Speedway (Kokomo) For more updates, follow Sexton Gatlin Racing on social media and stay tuned for their results throughout the 2025 season. Sexton Gatlin Racing would like to thank the following companies for making the 2024 season possible. East County Electric Works, Keys Brothers, Geoff Dale, BR Motorsports, Maxima Oil, Automated Interiors, Valley Lubricant Services, Sexton Fire Protection, BK Wings, and Troy Dirt. If you or your company are interested in becoming a marketing partner with Sexton Gatlin Racing in 2024, please call (619) 454-6945 or E-mail mailto:sextonfire@cox.net or mailto:sextonfire@gmail.com. Brent Sexton 2025 Results 3/8/25 Ventura Raceway USCS Sprint Cars 13th A Main 3/14/25 Imperial Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars DNS 3/15/25 Imperial Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 14th A Main 3/28/25 Ocean Speedway USCS Sprint Cars 5th A Main 3/29/25 Merced Speedway USCS Sprint Cars 12th A Main 4/12/25 Bakersfield Speedway USCS Sprint Cars 12th A Main 5/17/25 Santa Maria Speedway Ultimate Sprint Cars 21st A Main Grant Sexton 2025 Results 2/22/25 Mohave Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 20th A Main 3/8/25 Ventura Raceway USCS Sprint Cars 8th A Main 3/14/25 Imperial Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 19th A Main 4/12/25 Bakersfield Speedway USCS Sprint Cars 17th A Main 5/17/15 Santa Maria Speedway USCS Sprint Cars DNS AJ Bender 2025 SGR Results 3/15/25 Imperial Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 23rd A Main Braydin Collie 2025 SGR Results 3/14/25 Imperial Valley Raceway SoCal Lightning Sprints 11th A Main 3/15/25 Imperial Valley Raceway SoCal Lightning Sprints 11th A Main 4/12/25 Bakersfield Speedway California Lightning Sprints 11th A Main 5/17/25 Merced Speedway CLS vs BCRA Civil War 9th A Main This release was produced by Scott Daloisio. Contact (909) 226-7768 mailto:sdaloisiosports@gmail.com

• 
  Sexton Gatlin Racing Returns to Placerville Speedway This Weekend

  Lakeside, CA, May 1, 2025 — This Friday and Saturday, May 2nd and 3rd, Sexton Gatlin Racing (SGR) will make its highly anticipated return to Placerville Speedway as drivers Brent Sexton and his son Grant compete in the Ultimate Sprint Car Series (USCS) at the iconic Northern California venue. This marks the Lakeside, California-based team's first appearance at Placerville since a dominant showing in 2022. SGR's last outing at the red clay oval was as part of the show at the three-night Hangtown 100 in November 2022, which was co-sanctioned by the California Lightning Sprint Car Series and Bay Cities Racing Association. The team swept all three main events that weekend: San Diego's AJ Bender took victories on the first two nights, with Grant Sexton finishing second and sixth. On the final night, it was 17-year-old Grant's turn to shine, claiming the win with Bender right behind in second. Brent, a three-time lightning sprint car series champion, also made all three main events in 2022, finishing fifth, 12th, and 15th. His oldest son, Dalton, qualified for all three mains as well, earning finishes of 10th, 12th, and 15th. This Friday, Brent returns to the seat for one night only before heading off for his annual vacation in Cabo San Lucas. He enters the weekend ranked fourth in USCS points, just four digits out of third. In four starts this season, Brent's best finish was a fifth-place showing at Ocean Speedway on March 28. Grant, now 20, will be racing both nights. Thus far, he has made two USCS starts in 2025. He earned an eighth-place finish at Ventura Raceway on March 8 and was poised for a top-five finish at Bakersfield on April 12 before contact with another car knocked him out of contention, resulting in a 17th-place finish. He currently sits 20th in the championship standings. Placerville Speedway Details: Opened in 1965, Placerville Speedway is located on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds (100 Placerville Drive, Placerville, CA). Gates open at 4:00 p.m. with on-track action beginning at 5:15 p.m. both nights. Tickets: Friday, May 2: Purchase Here Saturday, May 3: Purchase Here Tickets will also be available at the gate for walk-up customers each night. For more information, visit PlacervilleSpeedway.com or call (530) 344-7592. Sexton Gatlin Racing would like to thank the following companies for making the 2024 season possible. East County Electric Works, Keys Brothers, BR Motorsports, Maxima Oil, Automated Interiors, Valley Lubricant Services, Sexton Fire Protection, BK Wings, and Troy Dirt. If you or your company are interested in becoming a marketing partner with Sexton Gatlin Racing in 2024, please call (619) 454-6945 or E-mail mailto:sextonfire@cox.net or mailto:sextonfire@gmail.com. Brent Sexton 2025 Results 3/8/25 Ventura Raceway USCS Sprint Cars 13th A Main 3/14/25 Imperial Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars DNS 3/15/25 Imperial Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 14th A Main 3/28/25 Ocean Speedway USCS Sprint Cars 5th A Main 3/29/25 Merced Speedway USCS Sprint Cars 12th A Main 4/12/25 Bakersfield Speedway USCS Sprint Cars 12th A Main Grant Sexton 2025 Results 2/22/25 Mohave Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 20th A Main 3/8/25 Ventura Raceway USCS Sprint Cars 8th A Main 3/14/25 Imperial Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 19th A Main 4/12/25 Bakersfield Speedway USCS Sprint Cars 17th A Main AJ Bender 2025 SGR Results 3/15/25 Imperial Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 23rd A Main Braydin Collie 2025 SGR Results 3/14/25 Imperial Valley Raceway SoCal Lightning Sprints 11th A Main 3/15/25 Imperial Valley Raceway SoCal Lightning Sprints 11th A Main 4/12/25 Bakersfield Speedway California Lightning Sprints 11th A Main This release was produced by Scott Daloisio. Contact (909) 226-7768 mailto:sdaloisiosports@gmail.com

Merced Speedway Dirt Track Videos

• 𝑯𝑰𝑮𝑯𝑳𝑰𝑮𝑯𝑻𝑺: USAC NOS Energy Drink National Midgets | Merced Speedway Race #2 | November 24, 2024
• 𝑯𝑰𝑮𝑯𝑳𝑰𝑮𝑯𝑻𝑺: USAC NOS Energy Drink National Midgets | Merced Speedway Race #1 | November 24, 2024

Merced Speedway Nearby Dirt Tracks

Distance information is direct (as the crow flies) - driving distance will differ due to road routes and things like lakes or mountains.

• 
  Hills Ferry Raceway Race Track27 miles away - Newman, California, USA
• 
  Stockton Dirt Track Race Track61 miles away - Stockton, California, USA
• 
  Delta Speedway Race Track62 miles away - Stockton, California, USA
• 
  Lodi Cycle Bowl Race Track68 miles away - Lodi, California, USA
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  Ocean Speedway Race Track72 miles away - Watsonville, California, USA
• 
  Lemoore Jet Bowl Race Track79 miles away - Lemoore, California, USA
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  Kings Speedway Race Track81 miles away - Hanford, California, USA
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  Antioch Speedway Race Track88 miles away - Antioch, California, USA
• 
  Plaza Park Raceway Race Track90 miles away - Visalia, California, USA
• 
  Thunderbowl Raceway Race Track98 miles away - Tulare, California, USA
• 
  Speedway 41 Race Track98 miles away - Hanford, California, USA
• 
  Placerville Speedway Race Track100 miles away - Placerville, California, USA

Merced Speedway Dirt Track Racing Organizations

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  CLS - California Lightning Sprints Dirt Track Racing Organization
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  HMWT - Hunt Magnetos Wingless Tour Dirt Track Racing Organization
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  SCCT - Sprint Car Challenge Tour Dirt Track Racing Organization
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  USAC - United States Auto Club Dirt Track Racing Organization
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  WSDCA - Western States Dwarf Car Association Dirt Track Racing Organization