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SOPHIA, N.C. (July 28, 2026) – The North-South Shootout is proud to announce that the JBIII Memorial 176, scheduled for Saturday, August 29, at Wall Stadium Speedway, has been named an official qualifying event for the 24th Annual North-South Shootout, to be held November 6-7, 2026, at Caraway Speedway.
The winner of the JBIII Memorial will earn a guaranteed starting position in the prestigious Tour Type Modified feature at this year’s North-South Shootout, along with a special commemorative qualifier trophy.
The partnership carries special meaning, as both events honor the memory and legacy of John Blewett III.
“John Blewett III means so much to the North-South Shootout, and everyone knows what he means to Wall, too,” said Caraway Speedway owner and promoter Darren Hackett. “Having the JBIII 176 become an official Shootout qualifier just feels right. We’re excited to give the winner at Wall a chance to come to Caraway and race for both memorial wins.”
Blewett was a two-time winner of the North-South Shootout, capturing victories in the inaugural event in 2003 and again in 2005 before his tragic passing in 2007. Following his death, the event was renamed the John Blewett III Memorial North-South Shootout, a tribute that continues today.
Beyond his accomplishments behind the wheel, Blewett played a pivotal role in helping establish the Shootout itself. Long before the inaugural event, he became one of its biggest advocates, encouraging fellow competitors to support the vision of the event’s late founder, Charles Kepley, and helping build the strong Modified fields that became a hallmark of the event’s early success.
“John believed in this event before we even ran a lap,” said Dale Wolbrink, a member of the Shootout’s original organizing team. “Charles had an idea, and John got behind it immediately. His endorsement helped give the event credibility from day one. To me, that’s every bit as important as the races he won.”
The road to the John Blewett III Memorial North-South Shootout now begins at Wall Stadium. Fans won’t want to miss the chance to see one driver take the first step toward a sweep of two of Modified racing’s most meaningful memorial events. Visit WallStadium.com for the latest information on the JBIII 176.
The 24th Annual North-South Shootout returns to Caraway Speedway on November 6-7, 2026. The full weekend of racing will also include the International Supermodified Association (ISMA), the Crown Vic Clash, the Vintage Fall Nationals. NASCAR Local Racing Series Powered by O’Reilly Auto Parts Chargers, 602 Modifieds, and Legends.
For the latest North-South Shootout news, visit Caraway Speedway and North-South Shootout social media channels or CarawaySpeedway.com and NorthSouthShootout.com.
