Get geared up for FORKSful of fun at River Cities Speedway

Ever wondered why automobile racing is one of the world’s most popular spectator sports? You won't find the answer by watching it on television. To truly get that adrenaline rush, one must experience all the action up close and in person!

Head to River Cities Speedway, May through mid-September, when it revs up with the sights and sounds of Premier Racing! Every Friday, beginning with Hot Laps at 6:30 PM and a 7 PM Start Time, skilled regional drivers vie for the checkered flag on one of the best 1/3-mile Bullring dirt/clay tracks in the nation.

The present Grand Forks County Fairgrounds, home of River Cities Speedway, opened in 1903. Among the many attractions offered by the 1903 Red River Valley Exposition were horse races and a two-mile automobile race. Their popularity was so enormous that four national guardsmen were assigned to guard the famous horses. In time, automobiles and motorcycles replaced horses on the half mile racetrack.

Grand Forks’ racing facilities received a boost with the construction of a new grandstand in 1937. The project was one of several WPA (Works Progress Administration) projects that served the local community. President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered the dedication speech in person on October 4, 1937, before a crowd estimated at approximately 20,000! Amazed at the turnout, Roosevelt drew huge applause when he remarked that perhaps he should have had the grandstand made even larger. In the late 1950s, the half-mile track was converted to a quarter-mile track. This change affected the way race cars were driven, as the smaller oval didn’t allow much time for shifting gears and racers had to keep their engines revved up in high gear.

In 1999, the Grand Forks Speedway became River Cities Speedway. Today’s racers compete in the following classifications: NOSA Outlaw Sprints, NLRA Late Models, Wissota Midwest Modifieds and Wissota Street Stocks. River Cities Speedway is the only track in North Dakota and one of the few tracks in the Midwest that runs both a 410 Outlaw Sprint Car division and NLRA Late Model division, on a weekly basis, throughout the racing season.

Local interest in racing continues to grow every year. The grandstands fill up quickly, as race fans gather to cheer on their favorite drivers. While you’re there, be sure to pick up a drink and some tasty treats (taco-in-a-bag and hot dogs are two favorites) from the concessions area or stop by the beer garden for an adult beverage. A free treat awaits the kids at the Friday night candy toss. Afterward, head over to the pits for an autographed picture of your favorite driver or stop by their souvenir shop and pick up a T-shirt. If y’all are ready for an evening of nonstop thrills, it’s time to make tracks to this track!

SPECIAL EVENTS

Wayne Anderson Cup Night #1 // Thursday May 22

  • Buffalo Wild Wings NOSA Sprint Cars
  • Cirrus Aircraft NLRA WISSOTA Late Models
  • WISSOTA Modifieds
  • Happy Harry's WISSOTA Midwest Mods
  • Big Al's Construction Street Stocks

World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series // Friday, May 30

  • Support Class: Cirrus Aircraft NLRA WISSOTA Late Models

Wayne Anderson Cup Night #2 // Friday, June 13

  • Buffalo Wild Wings NOSA Sprint Cars
  • Cirrus Aircraft NLRA WISSOTA Late Models
  • WISSOTA Modifieds
  • Happy Harry's WISSOTA Midwest Mods
  • Big Al's Construction Street Stocks

Greater Grand Forks Fair Races // Friday, June 20​

  • River Cities Speedway
  • Buffalo Wild Wings NOSA Sprint Cars
  • Happy Harry's WISSOTA Midwest Mods
  • Big Al's Construction Street Stocks
  • Lightning Sprints

World of Outlaws Late Models Series // Friday, June 27

  • World of Outlaws Late Models Series
  • Support classes: Happy Harry's WISSOTA Midwest Mods & Big Al's Construction Street Stocks

Wayne Anderson Cup Night #3 // Wednesday, July 2

  • Buffalo Wild Wings NOSA Sprint Cars
  • Cirrus Aircraft NLRA
  • WISSOTA Late Models
  • WISSOTA Modifieds
  • Happy Harry's WISSOTA Midwest Mods
  • Big Al's Construction Street Stocks

Mid-Season Track Championship // Friday, July 11

  • Buffalo Wild Wings NOSA Sprint Cars
  • Superior Customs IMCA RACESaver Sprint Cars
  • Cirrus Aircraft NLRA WISSOTA Late Models
  • Happy Harry's WISSOTA Midwest Mods
  • Big Al's Construction Street Stocks

Buffalo Wild Wings King of the Wings // Friday, July 18

  • Buffalo Wild Wings NOSA Sprint Cars
  • Superior Customs IMCA RACESaver Sprint Cars
  • Western Renegade Non-Wing Sprints
  • Lightning Sprints



Big Motor Mania // Friday, July 25

  • Buffalo Wild Wings NOSA Sprint Cars
  • Cirrus Aircraft NLRA WISSOTA Late Models
  • WISSOTA Modifieds
  • Happy Harry's WISSOTA Midwest Mods
  • Big Al's Construction Street Stocks

Hall of Fame Night // Friday, August 1

  • Buffalo Wild Wings NOSA Sprint Cars
  • Cirrus Aircraft NLRA WISSOTA Late Models
  • Happy Harry's WISSOTA Midwest Mods
  • Big Al's Construction Street Stocks

Lightning Sprint Nationals // Friday, August 8

  • Cirrus Aircraft NLRA WISSOTA Late Models
  • WISSOTA Modifieds
  • Happy Harry's WISSOTA Midwest Mods
  • Big Al's Construction Street Stocks
  • Lightning Sprints

Wayne Anderson Cup Finale & School Bus Races // Friday, August 15

  • Buffalo Wild Wings NOSA Sprint Cars
  • Happy Harry's WISSOTA Midwest Mods
  • Big Al's Construction Street Stocks
  • INEX Legends
  • School Bus Racing

World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series // Friday, August 22

  • Support Class: Cirrus Aircraft NLRA WISSOTA Late Models

Track Championship Night // Friday, August 29

  • Buffalo Wild Wings NOSA Sprint Cars
  • Cirrus Aircraft NLRA WISSOTA Late Models
  • WISSOTA Modifieds
  • Happy Harry's WISSOTA Midwest Mods
  • Big Al's Construction Street Stocks

Prelude to the Johnny // Thursday, September 4

  • NLRA Season Championship and other classes TBA

19th John Seitz Memorial // Friday, September 5 & Saturday, September 6

  • 7 to 10 PM on Friday and 6 to 10 PM on Saturday
  • Classes TBA

All Sprint Night // Friday, September 12

  • Buffalo Wild Wings NOSA Sprint Cars
  • Superior Customs IMCA RACESaver Sprint Cars
  • Western Renegade Non-Wing Sprints
  • Lightning Sprints

RCS Season Finale // Friday, September 19

  • Superior Customs IMCA RACESaver Sprint Cars
  • IMCA Modifieds
  • Western Renegade Non-Wing Sprints
  • Lightning Sprints

Premier Racing Series tickets are: $23 for Adults; $10 for Students ages 16-18, College Students (with ID) and Active or Retired Military (with ID); and Free for Kids 15 years old and younger. Save $3 by purchasing through any of the Advance Ticket Outlets: Northdale Oil (GF and EGF); The Rock Bottle Shop; Gateway Cenex; and NAPA Auto Parts. Additional information may be found at RiverCitiesSpeedway.com.

A complete listing of all our awesome events, along with top spots to stay, play, shop, dine and unwind, may be found at VisitGrandForks.com. We also invite you to follow Visit Greater Grand Forks on Facebook and Instagram.

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