The Super DIRTcar Series kicks off its 61st season this Friday, April 17, at Albany-Saratoga Speedway, bringing the “Beasts of the Northeast” back to the Capital Region for the season opener. The feature race, a 61-lap contest worth $6,100 to win, also marks the beginning of the 2026 championship chase, giving one lucky driver the opportunity to strike early in the quest for the World of Outlaws World Finals.
The hunt for Mat Williamson’s third consecutive Super DIRTcar Series title begins here. The St. Catharines, Ontario driver, driving the Buzz Chew Racing No. 88, won the Big Gator trophy at DIRTcar Nationals earlier this year and looks to build on that momentum. A win this weekend would tie his all-time series wins record with Bob McCreadie and add to his strong history at Albany-Saratoga, including sweeping both visits in 2024.
Following Mat’s chase is a stellar performance from Matt Sheppard, the last winner at the “Great Race Place” during the Malta Massive weekend. With 104 career series victories, a win here keeps him close to Brett Hearn’s all-time wins record. Meanwhile, the track belongs to local heroes like defending champions Mike Mahaney and Felix Roy, as well as Peter Britten and Justin Stone, all eager to score popular home victories in front of their hometown fans.