The Wait Is Over: Spring Thaw Opens 10th WABAM Dirt Kings Tour Season at Shawano

By: Alexander Gilhart

(Shawano, WI) - This Saturday April 25th the WABAM Dirt Kings Tour roars to life at the Shawano Speedway for the Spring Thaw. Since 1963 Late Models have been racing at the legendary half mile. Notable Shawano Speedway Late Model Track Champions include Roger Regeth, MJ McBride, Terry Anvelink and Pete Parker.

For the WABAM Dirt Kings Tour this Saturday’s event will mark the 14th stop to the Shawano Speedway. Nick Anvelink has been the driver to beat winning 6 of the 13 events. Troy Springborn is the only other multi time winner winning two events. AJ Diemel won back in 2018 while Kyle Raddant had a breakthrough win in 2021. Mike Mullen and Taylor Scheffler won in 2024 and Mitch McGrath won last year's running of the Spring Thaw.

In addition to the WABAM Dirt Kings Tour Late Models, the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Stock Cars, Street Stocks and Mighty 4’s will all be in action. Pit Gate opens at 3pm, Fan Gates open at 4pm with Racing getting underway at 6pm. Adults (17 and up) are $15, Seniors are $12 while ages 12-17 are $6, 11 and Under are Free with a paid adult.

What To Watch For

New Team For a Familiar Face: In 2026, Justin Ritchie has teamed up with Tim Rothe to pilot the No. 56 machine. The 2020 Dirt Kings Tour Champion is also a former winner of the Diamond 41 at 141 Speedway. Ritchie brings an impressive resume to the partnership, including three track championships at Shawano Speedway.

Brett Swedberg Eyes the Crown in 2026 Title Run: Coming off a strong season that included a victory in the Diamond 47, along with four Top-5 and five Top-10 finishes, Brett Swedberg has his sights set on finishing one spot higher and capturing the 2026 championship. There may be no better place to begin that pursuit than at Shawano Speedway, a track where Swedberg is a two-time track champion.

Fresh Faces Meet Familiar Names in 2026: Every season it’s exciting to see who will return to the series and who will be some new faces. In 2026 Adam Janke is planning to run the full season as well as Shawn Miller who has switched from an MB Customs to a Rocket Chassis and Travis Jellum who plans to run for Rookie of the Year.

Notable returners in 2026 include Brad Mueller, a three-time Dirt Kings Tour feature winner and six-time Plymouth Dirt Track Racing champion. Troy Springborn also returns to competition in 2026, bringing with him seven Shawano Speedway championships. Former Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Late Model feature winner Joe Bongiorno will once again pilot the Formella Racing No. 55. Other notable returners include Turk Letizia, Lucas Postl, and Chris Oertel, all of whom add depth and experience to the 2026 roster.