Mike Smith Memorial Race Set for October 21-25

The 6th Annual Mike Smith Memorial Race returns to Montgomery International Dragway October 21-25, 2026.

MONTGOMERY, AL – The 6th Annual Mike Smith Memorial Race returns to Montgomery International Dragway, October 21-25, 2026, bringing five days of big-money bracket racing to Montgomery, Alabama.

The wildly popular event returns with the familiar race format competitors have come to expect, featuring a Wednesday Gambler’s Race, a $5,000-to-win Warm-Up Race, three $20,000-to-win main events, and $5,000-to-win Duck Races.

Check out all the race details below!

Remembering Mike Smith

Mike Smith was a fierce competitor for more than four decades, racing throughout the South and competing in some of the biggest money bracket races in the country. Known for his shirtless appearance and signature cigar in hand, Mike was the kind of racer who would bend over backwards to help a fellow competitor make it to the starting line—only to turn around and try to put them on the trailer.

Mike wasn’t just an iconic figure in the racing community; he was also a beloved member of his hometown of Roanoke, Alabama. Away from the racetrack, he owned a local mechanic shop and proudly served his community as a dedicated firefighter.

Outside of racing, Mike enjoyed riding his Harley and, most importantly, spending time with his children and six grandchildren, whom he adored.

His presence is also deeply missed at the OG Million, where he spent more than 10 years behind the grill at the Racers’ Appreciation Steak Dinner. Over the years, Mike helped cook for thousands of racers, becoming a familiar and cherished part of the event.

To keep Mike’s memory alive and honor the lasting impact he made on the sport and the people within it, Montgomery International Dragway and racers from across the region come together each fall for the Mike Smith Memorial Race—a weekend dedicated to racing, remembering, and celebrating the legacy of one of their own.

Triple $20K’s

The Mike Smith Memorial Race will feature three $20,000-to-win main events on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with a weekend entry fee of $450. Each day, the runner-up will earn $5,000, while semifinalists will take home $1,000 each.

Racers can also opt for a single-day entry at $200 per day. First-round buybacks will be available for $150 in each race.

The 2025 $20,000 main event winners included Mike Buchwald, Noah Lewis, and Mike Smith’s nephew, Brayden Rampy.

$5K Duck Race- Friday & Saturday Night

The $5,000-to-win Duck Races will take place at the conclusion of the fifth round of the $20K on both Friday and Saturday evenings. Entry is $100 per day, with a $50 first-round buyback available. If there are more than 150 entries, buybacks will not be offered.

The runner-up will receive $1,000, each semi-finalist will earn $500, and racers who advance to the final eight will take home $250 each.

Thursday $5K Warm-up

Thursday night will feature a $5,000-to-win Warm-Up Race. Entry is $100, with first- or second-round buybacks available. The runner-up will earn $1,000, semifinalists will take home $500 each, and racers who advance to the final eight will earn $250 each.

Wednesday Gamblers Race + Test & Tune

Wednesday will kick off the week’s racing action with a Test & Tune session followed by the Gambler’s Race! Test & Tune will run from 12 PM to 5 PM for $50.

The Gambler’s Race will begin at 5 PM with a $100 entry fee and a $60 buyback option. The race will feature an 80% payback, with payouts beginning in the quarterfinals.

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