JAMES RIVER, NS – Bubba Pollard, a North American short track racing superstar and the Cat Car for Kids celebrity driver in 2025 and 2026, will return to Riverside International Speedway for the IWK 250 Presented by Steve Lewis on July 18, and he’s on a mission to improve his sixth-place finish last year – by five spots.
“We learned a lot last year,” said Pollard from his Georgia race shop. “It will definitely help to be familiar with the competitors, the track, tires and all the other elements of the race. We’ve got notes now so we’re not starting at square one. We were impressed with everything about the event last year and especially the other racers. They showed a lot of respect and we appreciate that. We can hit the ground running when we get there this year. If things go as planned we can be more aggressive and, hopefully, end up in Victory Lane.”
Besides racing in the IWK 250 on Saturday, July 18, Pollard plans to get more seat time at Riverside by entering the 75-lap Dash 4 Cash on Wednesday, July 15 – adding even more excitement to the kick-off event for the IWK 250 Super Weekend, which runs from July 15-18.
Pollard will be in the #26 Cat Car for Kids presented by Toromont Cat, a teammate to Antigonish’s Donald Chisholm, with both cars fielded by Nova Racing. The Cat Car for Kids livery this year features styling reminiscent of Pollard’s own #26 race car that he runs at top super late model series events all over the United States. Since its inception, the Cat Car for Kids number has matched the year – and while it’s pure happenstance this year – Pollard freely admits it would be really special to drive the #26 to the top spot.
“That’s pretty cool,” continued Pollard. “It will be extra meaningful to be in the Cat Car for Kids this year and adds even more incentive to do well. Everything we had heard about the event, the facility, the fans, and the racers before last year’s visit was even better when we got there. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone again and especially visiting with the child patients and their families at the IWK Health Care Centre.”
The Cat Car for Kids has become a brand of its own in the IWK 250; Toromont Cat has been the presenting sponsor since its inception in 2009.
“Toromont Cat is proud to continue our long-standing partnership with Riverside International Speedway in support of the IWK 250,” said Matt Ferguson, Atlantic Region Vice President for Toromont Cat. “This event has become a summer tradition for our team and a meaningful way to give back to the IWK, which plays a vital role for families across our region. We’re excited to see the Cat Car for Kids on the track once again and to welcome Bubba Pollard back behind the wheel of the #26 car for another memorable race weekend in support of this incredible cause.”
Pollard follows a long list of renowned celebrity drivers in the Cat Car for Kids since its debut in 2008, including NASCAR greats like Mark Martin, Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, Kenny Wallace, and more. Only two celebrity drivers in 16 tries have bested regional talent; Regan Smith won the IWK 250 in 2008, and Wallace won it in 2018.
Pollard, 39, hails from Senoia, Georgia. The third-generation driver has over 100 late model victories in some of the biggest and most well-known asphalt super late model races in North America including the ASA Stars Tour at North Wilkesboro, All American 400, Clyde Hart Memorial, Money in the Bank, Oxford 250, Rattler 250 (three times), Slinger Nationals, and Speedfest (four times). He is the only winner of the short-lived Canadian Short Track Nationals in 2018 and 2019.
He’s won 14 series championships since 2009 in six series (Miller Lite, Gulf Coast, Southern Super Series, World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing, Blizzard Series, and Spears SR National SL Series). In 2024, Pollard made two starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, one driving for NASCAR superstar Dale Earnhardt Jr.; the race was at Richmond Raceway in Virginia – Pollard finished an impressive sixth.
Pollard will visit the IWK Health Centre in the days preceding the IWK 250, visiting with patients and their families, and inviting them to sign the Cat Car for Kids as co-sponsors of the car with Toromont Cat. Fans attending the Friday and Saturday shows on the IWK 250 Super Weekend will have a chance to meet Pollard and get his autograph on Friday (July 17) between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., and on Saturday (July 18) as part of the IWK 250 pre-race show, starting at 5:30 p.m.
The IWK 250 Super Weekend kicks off Wednesday, July 15, with the $5k-to-win Dash 4 Cash Pro Stock 75 and the Cross Roads League of Legends. On Thursday, July 16, it’s the IWK 250 Tailgate Party Presented by Coldstream Clear. Friday, July 17, will see the NAPA/Henry’s Auto Parts 100 for the Auto World MASS Sportsman Series and the Maritime Legends Challenge for the Cross Roads Legends Tour. Saturday, July 18, will see the 18th running of the $20k-to-win IWK 250 presented by Steve Lewis – the 37th “250” at Riverside. With the addition of the Dash 4 Cash, more than $178,000 is being offered in prize monies for the IWK 250 Super Weekend – making it one of the richest stock car racing events in Canada and, indeed, on the Eastern seaboard.
Tickets will go on sale for the IWK 250 Super Weekend in the coming days. They are available as single-day tickets or in 2-Day or 3-Day Bundles. The 2-Day bundle includes Friday and Saturday, and the 3-Day Bundle includes Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Those purchasing a Bundle can add Tailgate Party tickets to their cart for just $10 each (regular $25). Ticket pricing, order links, and much more are available on the IWK 250 at www.riversidespeedway.ca. As part of its commitment to affordable family entertainment, kids 15 & under get FREE grandstand admission all year long. Anyone on the pre-sale waitlist for IWK 250 tickets will receive advance notification of the on-sale date and time emailed directly to them, along with a code for early access.
A very limited number of campsites remain available for the IWK 250 Super Weekend. Anyone with a reservation who will not be using their site (at all or for a camper) is encouraged to turn it in; full refunds are being offered. Email info@riversidespeedway.ca for more information.
The 2026 season at Riverside kicks off on May 30 with the Spring Fling featuring the inaugural East Coast Enduro Challenge paying a whopping $3,000 to win – over 30 cars are registered with more expected. The show will also include the Whispering Winds MASS Mini Stock series and the only street stock racing on the card this year at Riverside. Kids 15 & under get FREE grandstand admission and the chance to ride in a race car during KIDDIES RIDES; adult (16+) admission is only $20 for this event ($17.54+HST). Tickets for the Spring Fling are available now at www.riversidespeedway.ca and will be available at the gate on race day – starting at 10:30 for the pit and 2 p.m. for the grandstand. The show starts with KIDDIES RIDES at 3 p.m. A complete schedule is available at www.riversidespeedway.ca.
Fans should stay tuned to Riverside’s website (www.riversidespeedway.ca), social media (Facebook, X, and Instagram), and sign up for the electronic newsletter (www.riversidespeedway.ca/media/newsletter) for further announcements regarding the 2026 season at Riverside.
About Riverside International Speedway: For 57 years, Riverside International Speedway has been recognized as a premier stock racing facility in Canada. The 1/3-mile high-banked asphalt oval roars to action several times each year for special events. It is the largest outdoor entertainment venue in eastern Canada and the home of the IWK 250 – widely known throughout North America as a “bucket list” event for racers and fans alike. It also hosts the NASCAR Canada Series in its only stop on the East Coast. Located in James River, between New Glasgow and Antigonish, the facility is easily accessible at exit 30 on Trans-Canada Highway 104. For more information, please visit www.riversidespeedway.ca or call 902-863-2410 (May to September) or 902-404-7049 (October to April).