SAPULPA, Okla. — Continuing as the seasonal-opening staple of POWRi National and West Midget League competition, the 13th annual Turnpike Challenge presented by Milestone Home Services returns to a pair of familiar Sooner State venues this week.
The event begins with a single-night stop at Creek County Speedway in Sapulpa on Thursday, March 12, before shifting north to Port City Raceway for back-to-back nights of racing on Friday and Saturday.
With more than 40 entries expected, the field is shaping up to be one of the deepest and most competitive editions in event history.
What To Watch For
• Former Micro champion Kale Drake begins his first full POWRi championship campaign with RMS Racing as the Oklahoma swing sets the early tone for the season.
• Trifecta Title Threat — 2023 POWRi champion Karter Sarff teams with Trifecta Motorsports in a pairing expected to contend for wins and the championship throughout the 2026 campaign.
• Reinbold/Underwood Rookie Debut — Arizona standout Drew Sherman begins his rookie season with Reinbold/Underwood Motorsports, making his POWRi National tour debut during the Turnpike Challenge.
• Chase McDermand Racing Duo — The emerging pairing of Mack Leopard and Drake Edwards enters the season with momentum, giving Chase McDermand Racing a formidable two-car effort.
• Depth of the Field — With more than 40 expected entries featuring national contenders, experienced regional standouts, and a wave of rising rookies, the Turnpike Challenge once again showcases one of the most competitive early-season lineups in POWRi competition.
Notable Entries
A strong mix of national contenders, proven winners, and rising stars are expected to headline the Turnpike Challenge entry list.
Reigning POWRi National Midget League champion and nine-time feature winner Jacob Denney begins the 2026 season looking to continue the momentum that carried him to last year’s championship.
The always potent Keith Kunz Motorsports stable will be represented by four-time POWRi winner Gavin Miller alongside reigning Rookie of the Year Colton Robinson, both capable of striking early during the Oklahoma swing.
Fresh off a preliminary night victory at the Chili Bowl Nationals, Oklahoma standout Blake Hahn brings the home-state advantage and strong fan support that comes with racing in his backyard.
Returning to POWRi competition, four-time feature winner Kevin Thomas Jr. adds another nationally recognized contender to the entry list while Hayden Reinbold, a two-time POWRi feature winner, continues to build momentum entering the new season.
Former POWRi champion Karter Sarff joins Trifecta Motorsports in a pairing expected to be among the most consistent contenders throughout the 2026 championship chase, while Kale Drake begins his first full national campaign with RMS Racing.
Highlighting a strong 2026 Rookie of the Year class are several talented newcomers including Drew Sherman, Hank Soares, and Bradley Cox, each looking to make an immediate impression during the season-opening weekend.