Sprint Cars, Vintage Racing & Tight Championship Battles Highlight This Friday Night at Lincoln Speedway

305 Sprint Cars, MARA Midgets, DIRTcar Pro Late Models & More Take the Green July 18

[July 16, 2025] 
Lincoln, IL — Championship chases are heating up and the horsepower will be flying when Lincoln Speedway returns to action this Friday, July 18 with a six-division program featuring 305 Winged Sprint Cars, Vintage Racing of Illinois, and a host of DIRTcar and MARA divisions. With the summer stretch in full swing, fans can expect thrilling side-by-side racing, close points battles, and a variety of cars on the 1/4-mile bullring.

Friday’s show includes action from the DIRTcar Pro Late Models, DIRTcar Modifieds, DIRTcar Sportsman, MARA Midgets, 305 Sprint Cars, and the always entertaining Vintage Racing of Illinois.

Pro Late Model Points Battle: Johnson Leads, Ewing Dominates Features

In the DIRTcar Pro Late Model standings, two-time defending champion Braden Johnson of Taylorville, IL leads the way with consistent top finishes, though he has yet to find victory lane this season. Trailing by just 20 points is Brandon Sweitzer of Lincoln, IL, who has also shown strong consistency without a win. The driver dominating feature wins, however, is Dakota Ewing of Decatur, IL. Ewing has won four of the five Pro Late Model features this year but missed the one event he didn't win, placing him third in points. Lincoln locals Ryan Miller and Michael Maestas round out the top five in the standings.

DIRTcar Modifieds: Lynn vs. Roberts in Battle of Past Champs

The DIRTcar Modified championship is shaping up to be a showdown between two familiar names. Austin Lynn, from Mason City, IL, currently leads the standings by 44 points over Brandon Roberts of Ashland, IL. Both drivers are former champions at the track and have scored wins this season. Veteran driver Brian Lynn of Mason City sits third in the standings, followed by Carter Sinkhorn (Taylorville, IL) and Justin Coffey (Stonington, IL).

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Austin Lynn is atop the Modified standings in Lincoln - Photo by Joe Putnam

MARA Midgets: Sparks Leads Touring Standouts

The Midget Auto Racing Association (MARA) brings its exciting open-wheel talent back to Lincoln with Crystal Lake, IL’s Jace Sparks leading the way in the championship by 76 points over Mark McMahill of Peoria, IL. Other contenders include Tyler Roth (Springfield, IL), Dominic Bruns (Champaign, IL), and Daltyn England (Springfield, IL). Feature winners this season have included Alex Midkiff (3 wins), Brian Peterson (2 wins), Mark McMahill (1), and Parker Jones (1).

The 305 Winged Sprint Cars, Vintage Racing of Illinois, and DIRTcar Sportsman divisions will also be in action, although they do not compete for Lincoln Speedway track championships. Their presence adds variety and excitement to an already diverse lineup.

Friday, July 18 – Event Info:
Pits Open: 4:00 PM
Grandstands Open: 5:00 PM
Hotlaps: 6:00 PM
Racing Begins: 7:00 PM

Grandstand Admission: $15
Kids 11 & Under: FREE!

Fans are encouraged to come early and enjoy a full night of high-speed entertainment and family-friendly fun at Lincoln Speedway, located on the Logan County Fairgrounds in Lincoln, Illinois.

For more information, visit www.lincolnspeedwayil.com or call 217-764-3200. Updates are also available on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) @LincolnILSpeedway.

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