VT&NH Racing News 
This Saturday, May 16th the gates will open for the thirty-fourth season of short track stock car racing at White Mountain Motorsports Park in North Woodstock, New Hampshire.
With an entry list that continues to grow for the Thunder and Lightning division fans will look to pack the stands on Saturday for HK Power Sports Opening Day! With returning veterans and young Rookies the 1764 Sports Bar & Grill Late Models are ready to fire off for the first 50 lap showdown of the 2026 season.
The defending King of The Mountain, Quinny Welch, left fans wondering all winter long if they would see the 78nh back on track following his 10th Track Championship. With an announcement just over a day ago, would confirm that the Welch Racing team would be on the property for HK Power Sports Opening Day!
Other returning veterans Stacy Cahoon and Mike Jurkowski will see a new fleet of Rookies rolling in the gate on their tail. The 2025 Strictly Mini Champion MaKenna Merchant, and Thunder Road Street Stock Champion Kyler Davis, as well as Street Stock Rookie of The Year Hayden Bushey and Flying Tiger champion Jason Woodard will be among those looking to take on the next level of racing.
As the 2026 Farmyard Store Flying Tigers kick off their season this Saturday, it’ll also play as round one of the ACT Flying Tiger Twin-State Series and Central Asphalt Tiger Triple Crown Series. Three different sets of points will be handed out following the 75 lap headlining event this weekend.
The Tigers will see two of the top three point guys from 2025 return for a run at the title in 2026. Defending champion Shane Sicard and top runner Luke Peter’s will be back to defend their top spots on the #1 support division in North America. The Tigers will see some returning names as well as some Rookies. Kyle Willis piloting the old Mike Martin car will be one to keep your eyes on as well as the youngster Owen Cheney as he prepares for his third season behind the wheel of a Flying Tiger car.
Jacob Roy and Tyler Thompson look to be the heavy hitters when it comes to the Bar Habor Bank Strictly Minis in the 2026 season. With last years champion moving up to the Late Model ranks, it leaves to door wide open for both Roy and Thompson to try and score their first division championship. Some of Thunder Roads faithful will throw their hats into the pot this Saturday as well. Top runner Nate Bren and returning racer Jenifer Getty will make the trip to White Mountain as Brothers Hayden and Reilly Morris will put their HK Power Sports Ford Mustangs in the fight as well.
With a new title sponsor for the famed open wheel Dawrf Cars, Caulder Construction is set to bring the life back to the Dwarf Cars with new and old drivers returning. The Dads 4 By Tool & Supply Kids Divison is ready to get back in the saddle for another year of youth racing at the New Hampshire speed plant.
Don’t forget in 2026 the NELCAR Ledgends and Bandos will call White Mountain home, as their first race of the season is also this Saturday!
Pit gates will open at 8:00am with Car Show from 10:00am to 12:00pm. First round practice is set for 1:30pm with the thirty-fourth season opener starting at 5:00pm!
Catch the action live on www.nestn.tv and don’t forget to follow along on the VT&NH Racing News for your live race updates!
