Brighton, Ontario – One of Ontario’s most exciting grassroots racing championships is set to return in 2026, as the APC Duel on the Dirt Series comes back with renewed momentum and the continued support of Auto Parts Centres (APC) as title sponsor.
Built on fierce rivalries, home track pride, and blue-collar horsepower, the Duel on the Dirt Series has become the gold standard for dirt stock car competition in Ontario. Featuring the province’s toughest Thunder Stock, Mini Stock, 4 Cylinder, and Hoosier Stock competitors, the series once again brings together the best weekly racers from multiple speedways for a season-long battle for bragging rights and championship glory.
From the first green flag in May to the final showdown in October, fans can expect packed fields, aggressive racing, dramatic finishes, and the kind of raw emotion only grassroots racing can deliver.
“This series has grown into something drivers and fans circle on the calendar every year,” said Brighton Speedway promoter Mark Rinaldi. “Duel on the Dirt creates rivalries, builds excitement between tracks, and gives grassroots racers a chance to prove themselves against the very best in Ontario.”
The 2026 campaign begins with Home Track qualifying events at Brighton Speedway, Buxton Raceway, Merrittville Speedway, and Ohsweken Speedway, where drivers will earn points and momentum heading into the marquee Combined Events later in the season.
Those combined races are where the temperature rises.
Champions and contenders from every participating track will collide in a cross-track showdown format that has made Duel on the Dirt one of the most respected dirt series in the province. Every lap matters. Every position counts. And every driver wants to prove their home track is the toughest in Ontario.
2026 APC Duel on the Dirt Schedule
Home Track Events
Brighton Speedway
- Saturday, May 9 – Event #1 (both divisions)
- Saturday, June 6 – Event #2 (both divisions)
Buxton Raceway
- Saturday, May 16 – Event #1 (both divisions)
- Saturday, June 13 – Event #2 (both divisions)
Merrittville Speedway
- Saturday, May 2 – Event #1 (both divisions)
- Saturday, May 23 – 4 Cylinders Home Track Night #2
- Saturday, May 30 – Hoosier Stocks Home Track Night #2
Ohsweken Speedway
- Friday, May 22 – Event #1 (both divisions)
- Friday, May 29 – Event #2 (both divisions)
Combined Events
- Friday, June 19 – Ohsweken Speedway – Mini Stock Combined (Art Hill Memorial)
- Friday, July 3 – Ohsweken Speedway – Thunder Stock Combined (Brock Leonard Memorial)
- Sunday, August 2 – Buxton Raceway – Mini Stock Combined (King of the Cushion)
- Sunday, August 2 – Buxton Raceway – Thunder Stock Combined (King of the Cushion)
- Friday, September 25 – Brighton Speedway – Mini Stock Combined (Applefest Shootout)
- Saturday, September 26 – Brighton Speedway – Thunder Stock Combined (Applefest Shootout)
- Friday, October 2 – Merrittville Speedway – 4 Cylinders Combined (Fall Brawl)
- Saturday, October 3 – Merrittville Speedway – Hoosier Stocks Combined (Fall Brawl)
With pride on the line and championships to be won, the Duel on the Dirt will once again provide some of the most intense and memorable racing of the 2026 season.
Fans are encouraged to mark their calendars now and prepare for a season of rivalry, redemption, and edge-of-your-seat action.
More announcements, bonus details, and championship information will be released in the coming weeks.
About Auto Parts Centres (APC)
Auto Parts Centres (APC) is a trusted Canadian leader in the automotive aftermarket industry, serving customers through a network of retail locations and professional parts stores. Deeply rooted in motorsports, APC proudly supports racing at every level—from
grassroots short tracks to major events—helping drive the passion, performance, and people behind Canadian motorsport.
For more information, visit www.autopartscentres.com.