Saskatchewan International Raceway (SIR), Western Canada’s oldest and longest-operating drag strip, proudly announces its 2026 race schedule, commemorating the track’s 60th anniversary season under the banner “60 Years of Speed.” The year ahead features a variety of special events, landmark celebrations, and continued commitment to safe, legal drag racing across Saskatchewan. SIR has scheduled 27 days of racing for the 2026 season.
Operated by the Saskatchewan Drag Racing Association Inc. (SDRA), SIR continues its mandate as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing a professional, community-driven venue for motorsports. Track Manager Shawn “Skippy” Zezula has earned widespread recognition for preparing a racing surface renowned across Canada for its exceptional traction, consistent prep, and the kind of hard-launching passes that routinely produce towering wheel stands.
“Our Southwinds Showdown will be the biggest and best motorsports event in Saskatchewan’s history,” said Trevor Jacek, President of the SDRA. “It will be a tribute to our past, a showcase of today’s talent, and a look forward to the future. Block out Saturday, August 15th in your calendar. You won’t want to be anywhere else. Details of the Southwinds Showdown will be revealed in the coming months, and we promise it will be worth the wait.”
SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
Southwinds Showdown — August 15, 2026
The capstone event of SIR’s 60th anniversary season, the Southwinds Showdown, will feature the best and fastest racing ever seen in the history of Saskatchewan, anniversary celebrations, and a showcase program marking six decades of drag racing in Saskatchewan. The 2025 edition featured dozens of feature cars including jet-engine-powered Funny Cars that shoot flames out the back and run the quarter mile in 250mph (400 km/h), blown-alcohol Funny Cars and dragsters, Pro Mods, and nitromethane-fueled motorcycle. 2026’s feature car lineup promises to be larger and faster. Rain-out backup date: August 16, 2026.
Heads Up Havoc — July 3–4, 2026
SIR’s wildly successful heads-up racing event returns with a full field of high-horsepower machines, many of them street-legal, with some capable of reaching 180 mph (290 km/h) in just four seconds, delivering incredible, side-by-side heads-up racing.
Fall Finale — September 19–20, 2026
The Fall Finale “big payout” bracket race also returns after a prolific inaugural event in 2025, which drew 150 entries from the most competitive drag racers from all four Western Canadian provinces. The 2026 edition will further expand with even more competitive depth.
Home Quarter Drag & Drive—June 19-21, 2026
The Home 1/4 Drag and Drive pairs quarter-mile racing at SIR with a scenic, out-and-back trips across Saskatchewan. Drivers make morning passes on the dragstrip, then navigate a checkpoint-verified route each afternoon.
Street Legal Program — 7 Events in 2026
SIR will host seven Street Legal dates throughout the 2026 season. This volunteer-run program allows car and motorcycle owners to safely test and race their street-legal vehicles in a controlled environment, offering an essential alternative to the risks of racing on public roads. Participants must hold a valid driver’s license and pass a simple safety inspection, making Street Legal one of Saskatchewan’s most accessible and community-driven motorsports programs. Street Legal is a welcoming starting point for the general public to enjoy SIR as a participant and a staple for friends, family, and motorsports enthusiasts to spectate at.
Points Series — Racing for All Ages and Classes
The 2026 SIR Points Series features an array of competition categories, including:
Super Pro, Pro, Sportsman, and Street Legal bracket cars, including vehicles capable of over 200 mph (320 km/h);
Jr. Dragsters, driven by competitors as young as 8-years old; and
Jr. Street, whereby youth aged 13+ race full-size vehicles with a parent riding along.
The diverse and family-friendly SIR Points Series is a staple event and ensures a competitive pathway for new racers, seasoned veterans, and future stars alike.
2026 SASKATCHEWAN INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY SCHEDULE
May 2026
May 9 — Street Legal
May 22 — Street Legal
May 23 — Test and Tune
May 24 — Points Race #1
June 2026
June 5 — Street Legal
June 6 — Points Race #2
June 7 — Points Race #3
June 19 — Home 1/4 Drag and Drive
June 20 — Home 1/4 Drag and Drive
June 21 — Home 1/4 Drag and Drive
June 26 — Street Legal
June 27 — Points Race #4
June 28 — Points Race #5
July 2026
July 3 — Heads Up Havoc
July 4 — Heads Up Havoc
July 17 — Street Legal
July 18 — Points Race #6
July 19 — Points Race #7
July 29 — Miles of Mayhem
August 2026
August 14 — Points Race #8
August 15 — Southwinds Showdown (60th Anniversary Feature Race)
August 16 — Southwinds Showdown: *Rain-out backup date*
August 29 — Points Races #9
August 30 — Points Races #10
September 2026
September 13 — Street Legal
September 19 — Fall Finale
September 20 — Fall Finale
September 27 — Street Legal
This story was originally published on December 29, 2025. 
