0
0
Allentown, PA – The 2026 Ironton Global Allentown Indoor Races will open in exciting fashion with a brand-new special event honoring one of short track racing’s most accomplished and respected figures: Will Cagle.
On Friday night, January 9, the top 10 fastest TQ Midget drivers in time trials will square off in a unique 15-lap Will Cagle Shootout, a tribute to the legendary racer who made his final competitive attempt at the inaugural Allentown Indoor Race back in 2016.
Longtime event sponsor Ricky Harring, was good friends with Cagle and was the driving force behind bringing him to the race in 2016 and honoring him with this race.
The race will feature an unusual and fan-friendly twist: Drivers will pick their own starting spots. Starting deeper in the field comes with a reward, because the purse increases based on starting position.
“We are always looking for ways to mix-up our program and add incentives to the racers,” added Len Sammons.
“When Ricky Harring came to us with the idea of honoring Will Cagle, we talked through a lot of different ideas until we settled on this plan. Will was one of the greatest drivers of all time, creating an event that showcases the best of the Indoor Series, in a short exciting event that rewards the racers seemed like a perfect fit!”
The shootout will pay $240 to win from the pole, with prize money increasing by $120 per spot the farther back a driver elects to start. Any driver daring enough to take the 10th starting spot and win will take home $1,320.
All drivers in the event will be locked into the A-Main to close out the program, making this race all about prestige and bonus cash!
Will Cagle passed away on February 5, 2024, at age 86, remains one of the most decorated and influential figures in Northeast dirt Modified history. Known for his iconic No. 24 Modifieds, Cagle amassed an extraordinary 415 career victories and earned three Mr. DIRT titles, cementing his place among the sport’s all-time greats.
Although his competitive prime came on dirt ovals, Cagle maintained an unwavering passion for racing well into his later years.
In 2016, at age 77, he made his final attempt to qualify for the first-ever Indoor Auto Racing Series event held inside Allentown’s brand-new PPL Center, a sold-out, one-day event. Mechanical issues prevented him from competing, but his presence added historical significance to the inaugural race.
In 2017, he made a ceremonial start-and-park appearance during Eastern States Weekend at Orange County Fair Speedwa, likely his last time behind the wheel in competition.
Prior to that, Cagle competed in Legend Cars, including runs at Big Diamond, Grandview, and Lincoln in 2008, and a standout performance in the 2010 “Legend Car Million” at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where he finished third in a 30-car Masters Division field.
Originally from Tampa, FL, Cagle built his legacy in the Northeast after moving north to race during the summer months. His dominance was widespread: 40 wins at the Nazareth ½-mile between 1963–1970; 47 wins at Orange County Fair Speedway in that same era. Followed by years of success across upstate New York as he continued to climb the Modified ranks
The Will Cagle Shootout is designed to honor both the competitive spirit and the adventurous racing style that made Cagle a legend. It promises to be an action-packed and fitting tribute as the green flag drops on the 2026 Allentown Indoor Race weekend.
The headline TQ Midgets division plus Slingshots and Champ Karts also in action both nights with compete shows including main events.
Lower level reserved ticket holders for Saturday night’s event will gain access to special pre-race Fanfest. Attendees will get the opportunity to tour the race track, meet the drivers and the cars up close before racing action kicks off at 7pm.
Located in the heart of the city, the PPL Center is surrounded by restaurants, bars, entertainment spots, and hotels, offering fans a perfect weekend getaway packed with racing, nightlife, and fun.
Ticketing info and special hotel rates for race fans are available at The Americus and Renaissance hotels through links at IndoorAutoRacing.com.
The Allentown weekend is part of the 2026 Indoor Auto Racing Series, promoted by Len Sammons Productions. Series sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Danny Sammons at danny@aarn.com.
