The Historic Apple Cup Returns: Tri-City Raceway Set to Host 57th Running Apple Cup Race

The Pacific Northwest’s most iconic short track race is roaring back! Tri-City Raceway kicks off its 2026 season with the 57th Running of the Apple Cup, presented by Legends Casino, April 11–12. Long celebrated as one of the premier events in regional motorsports, the Apple Cup remains a crown jewel of West Coast racing—carrying a legacy that stretches all the way back to 1967.

Originally held at Yakima Speedway, the Apple Cup quickly became a proving ground for legends of the sport. Today, that tradition lives on at Tri-City Raceway, where the event has been revitalized for a new era while staying true to its deep roots. Nestled at the base of Red Mountain, the raceway is one of the most distinctive venues in North America—the only ½-mile paved tri-oval of its kind. With its blistering speeds, technical layout, and edge-of-your-seat action, it’s a track that draws competitors and fans from across the region and beyond.

Fans can look forward to thrilling side-by-side battles, top-tier talent, and the return of one of the Northwest’s most coveted trophies. Saturday night marks the season opener for the CARS Tour West, bringing one of the fastest-growing short track series in the country to the Pacific Northwest. Pro Late Models will headline the action as teams from across the West converge to launch the series’ inaugural Northwest season. The lineup is expected to feature rising star Keelan Harvick, adding a national spotlight to an already historic Apple Cup weekend.

The Apple Cup is more than just the start of a season—it’s a time-honored tradition that signals racing is back in the Northwest. Each year, thousands of fans come together for a weekend that blends history, high-stakes competition, and community spirit. It’s a celebration of everything that makes motorsports special, bringing the best drivers, teams, and fans to the Nation’s Fastest ½-Mile Tri-Oval for an unforgettable kickoff to the racing season.