Belleville, IL. (4/8/26) – The first of two standalone appearances for the POWRi West Midget League at I-44 Speedway in 2026 brings the series back to a familiar proving ground, as “slide-job city” returns to center stage on Saturday, April 11.
Reworked and revitalized for the new season, I-44 Speedway has quickly reestablished itself as one of the most racy and technical bullrings in the region. With multiple grooves, tight racing lanes, and a history of aggressive slide jobs, the Oklahoma City oval is set to challenge a stacked field of West Midget competitors ready to make an early statement.
While the POWRi West Midget League makes its first of two standalone stops at the venue, I-44 Speedway will also host four nights of POWRi National Midget League competition throughout 2026, further cementing its place as a key battleground for midget racing this season.
A strong mix of momentum and motivation headlines the weekend, with Kyle Jones entering as the current POWRi West Midget League points leader aboard the Joyner Motorsports entry. Consistency has been key to Jones’ early success, but with a deeper field assembling, maintaining that advantage will be anything but easy. Close behind, Brecken Reese sits second in points and looks to capitalize on the standalone opportunity as preparations continue toward the Chandler Grand Prix.
What to Watch For
Points Pressure Up Front
Kyle Jones enters as the POWRi West points leader aboard the Joyner Motorsports entry, relying on consistency to stay on top. Brecken Reese sits second and will look to capitalize on the standalone opportunity as momentum builds toward the Chandler Grand Prix.
Laps Matter at I-44
Experience at I-44 Speedway is hard to replicate. Kale Drake continues to build with RMS Racing and brings valuable track time into the weekend, while Trey Marcham returns to one of his strongest venues with extensive laps and eleven career West wins.
Sarff Getting Dialed In
Karter Sarff, paired with Trifecta Motorsports, uses this weekend as a key tune-up ahead of upcoming National Midget starts as the program continues to sharpen.
New Look, Immediate Potential
Kade Taylor makes his debut with Mounce/Stout Motorsports, a pairing with upside as both sides look to click quickly in a competitive field.
Proven Chemistry
Kris Carroll returns in the Eric Fenton-owned JET Motorsports entry, a familiar and established combination capable of contending.
Rookie Race Heating Up
The West Rookie of the Year battle continues to take shape with Hank Soares and Zane Lawrence both expected in the field, each looking to gain ground in a pivotal early-season event.
Depth From Top to Bottom
A deep lineup adds even more intrigue with Cooper Miller, Brant Woods, Chance Cody, Ryan Padgett, Pierce Urbanosky, and Shannon McQueen, while former West Midget League champion Michelle Decker returns to add veteran presence to an already stacked field.
With a blend of proven winners, rising contenders, and evolving team combinations, the POWRi West Midget League return to I-44 Speedway is poised to deliver a high-intensity night of open-wheel racing. As “slide-job city” reclaims its identity, Saturday’s showdown offers an early-season test that could shape momentum moving forward.
I-44 Speedway | Saturday, April 11
Divisions:
POWRi West Midget League
Jr. Sprints
Restrictor Micro
A-Class Micro
Non-Wing Micro
600cc Modified
Turf Tire Micro
USRA Tuner
Times:
Pits Open: 3:00 PM
Grandstands Open: 5:00 PM
Drivers Registration: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Drivers Meeting: 6:00 PM
Hot Laps: 6:15 PM
Event Information: https://www.myracepass.com/events/599205
Pricing:
General Admission: $15.00
Seniors (65+): $10.00
Youth 11-14: $5.00
Military (Active & Retired) & Kids Under 10: FREE
Pit Pass: $35.00
Additional Information:
All POWRi West Midget League events will be streamed LIVE on Start2Finish. For more information or to purchase your Express-Pass, visit www.s2ftv.com.
More information, including track details and driver features, can be found online at https://www.i-44speedway.com | 4100 SW 149th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73170 | (918) 417-0624
Stay updated with official POWRi news, including race recaps, full results, and press releases, online at www.powri.com, on X and Instagram @POWRi_Racing, and on Facebook at POWRi.