The Trifecta That Wasn’t

Michigan race fans had a monster weekend circled on the calendar. The plan was simple. Three straight nights of dirt late model racing across Michigan with the Valvoline Iron-Man Late Model Series and a stacked field of heavy hitters chasing a combined $30,000 payday across Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. A Midwest dirt racing road trip kind of weekend.

At least, that was the plan.

Friday night, May 22, 2026, at I-96 Speedway absolutely delivered.

The first leg of my unofficial “trifecta” brought some serious talent into Michigan. Big names, fast equipment, packed pits, and one of those nights where you could feel the energy before hot laps even rolled out. The racing itself was exactly what fans hoped for. Aggressive late model racing, close battles, changing track conditions, and a crowd that stayed locked in all night long.

I spent most of the evening bouncing between corners, trying to stay ahead of the action while also catching up with friends throughout the pits and infield. I got to hang out quite a bit with Don from Bennett Media, who some of you probably know from his video work at Owosso Speedway. We worked together at Owosso and became like peas and carrots. This was our first time working dirt racing together. Between him flying drones and filming video and me chasing photos, it felt like one of those race nights where everyone in the media side of the sport was just happy to be back at the track together.

One thing I’m still getting used to is people walking up and already knowing who I am. That’s a weird feeling in the best way possible. A year ago I was still figuring out where I fit into the Michigan motorsports scene. Now racers, fans, crews, and photographers are stopping me to talk racing, photos, social media, or just say hi. It means more than people probably realize.

I also made a major race track culinary adjustment.

The usual cheeseburger got replaced with a walking taco. While more mobile, this wasn’t the satisfying track meal that I needed. There was nothing wrong with the taste, it was great. I’m talking homemade taco meat from a crockpot and GFS nacho cheese (inject it into my veins) covering Nacho Cheese Doritos. I needed more and I needed that quanity at a table. Walking and eating in the pits is great, but not like this. Not like this. Probably won’t be going that direction again due to quantity, not quality.

No regrets.

After the races wrapped up, I stayed overnight at the track to get a head start on Saturday morning. The plan was to head over to Butler Motor Speedway with Michigan Area Racing Connection to cover round two of the weekend.

Then Michigan weather did Michigan weather things.

Rain washed out Butler before the night could happen, which also killed part two of the weekend swing. Sunday’s finale at Crystal Motor Speedway ended up falling to weather conditions as well, officially ending the “trifecta” before it ever really got going.

Honestly though, that’s racing in the Midwest.

You can plan the perfect motorsports weekend, line up three tracks in three days, prep all the gear, charge batteries, map out content plans, and Mother Nature still shows up with her own agenda.

So Sunday turned into something a little different.

I spent most of the day editing race photos from Friday night, catching up on work, watching the Indianapolis 500, and hanging out with family before another busy week kicks off. As for the Indy 500 itself, what a race. Patience mattered more than raw aggression this year. The closing laps felt tense without turning into complete chaos, and seeing teams gamble strategy while drivers searched for clean air reminded everyone why the 500 still feels bigger than almost anything else in motorsports.

Not a bad way to spend a rainy Sunday.

You can check out all of my race night images from Friday at I-96 Speedway Race Photos. There are thousands of images from the night, including late models, sprint cars, pit shots, fan moments, and plenty of action from around the speedway.

Now it’s already time to turn the page.

It’s a short week before another packed Michigan racing weekend. Sprint cars are back on the schedule, and there’s a pretty good chance I’ll also be heading to Detroit for IndyCar weekend coverage.

Race season in Michigan never really slows down. Stay tuned.