5/12/2026
Crate Racin' USA
7th Annual Gene Maine Memorial Headlines Needmore this Weekend
(Eastaboga, AL – May 12, 2026) – An extraordinary night of dirt track racing action is set for Saturday night, May 16th at Needmore Speedway as the 7th Annual Gene Maine Memorial takes center stage with a huge night of racing and big-money purses across multiple divisions.
Headlining the program will be the Southern Thunder Super Late Model Series competing for a massive $7,501-to-win payday in the second race of a two-night swing for the tour. The series will open the weekend on Friday night at Waycross Motor Speedway before rolling into South Georgia for one of Needmore Speedway’s premier events of the season.
The Gene Maine Memorial has quickly become one of the marquee dirt late model events in the region, producing an impressive list of past winners that includes Brandon Overton (2020), Wil Herrington (2021), Henry Carter (2022), Mark Whitener (2023 and 2024), and Jordy Nipper (2025).
In addition to the Super Late Models, fans will also be treated to a stacked undercard featuring some of the best weekly racers in the Southeast. The Crate Racin' USA Late Model Sportsman division will battle for $1,201-to-win, while the Super Street/Hobby division races for $2,001-to-win. Legends competitors will chase a $1,000 top prize, Factory Stocks will race for $1,001-to-win, and Crown Vics will compete for $401-to-win.
Track officials are expecting a packed grandstand and pit area for the highly anticipated event as race fans from across the region make their way to the “D-Shaped Oval” for a full evening of side-by-side dirt track action.
Pit gates will open at 3:00 p.m. with grandstands opening at 5:00 p.m. The drivers meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., followed by hot laps at 7:00 p.m.
Grandstand admission is $20 for adults, while kids ages 12-and-under will be admitted free. Pit admission is $40 for adults, with kids ages 7-12 admitted for $10 and children 6-and-under free. Fence parking spots are available for $30 plus admission and can be reserved by texting 229-561-0836. ATV passes will also be available for $15.
For more information on the 7th Annual Gene Maine Memorial, contact Needmore Speedway at 229-256-7273 or visit the track at 1060 John Vickers Road in Norman Park, Georgia.
Article Credit: Cody Earley
