Smackdown XIV: Who Will Write the Next Chapter?

Written on 08/20/2025
Nick Coward

The roar returns to Kokomo Speedway this August 21–23 as the Elliott’s Custom Trailers & Carts Sprint Car Smackdown XIV brings three nights of USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car action to Indiana’s ¼-mile bullring.

 

Above: Justin Grant is a record-holding 4-time winner of Smackdown at Kokomo, including triumphs in the past two events. (Photo: Mat Breiner)

 

Since its debut in 2012, Smackdown has delivered unforgettable moments and crowned some of the sport’s most iconic champions. From Bryan Clauson’s inaugural triumph, to Dave Darland and Brady Bacon etching their names in the history books, to Tyler Courtney’s 2017 stunner, the event has always produced legends.

But in recent years, one name has towered above the rest—Justin Grant. The Ione, California driver has captured the finale in 2018, 2021, 2023, and 2024, making him the winningest driver in Smackdown history. Grant now arrives chasing an unprecedented three-peat and a fifth Smackdown crown. Standing in his way are a hungry field of USAC sprint stars, including past champions Kyle Cummins, Brady Bacon, and Robert Ballou, all eager to reclaim the Kokomo spotlight.

The format remains as fierce as ever: two preliminary nights set the stage, with points determining the King of the Hill Shootout—a head-to-head bracket that decides Saturday’s front row. Then it’s 40 laps for glory and a massive $30,000 payday.

For fans, Smackdown XIV is more than just racing. It’s a festival—complete with karaoke, cornhole tournaments, live music, auctions, and family fun that stretch the excitement well beyond the racetrack.

The question is simple: will 2025 be another chapter in Justin Grant’s dynasty, or the breakthrough year for a new name in Kokomo history? Either way, Smackdown XIV promises to deliver the drama, intensity, and heart-pounding action that has made it one of the premier events in all of non-wing sprint car racing.

 

 


Unofficial Fan Guide: Sprint Car Smackdown XIV – Kokomo Speedway (Aug 21–23, 2025)

The USAC AMSOIL Sprint Car National Championship thunders into Kokomo Speedway for the fourteenth edition of the Sprint Car Smackdown, a three-day showdown of non-wing 410 sprint cars on Indiana’s most famous quarter-mile bullring.

From Thursday’s opener through Saturday’s $30,000-to-win finale, here’s everything fans need to know.

📍 Event Details

  • Event: Elliott’s Custom Trailers & Carts Sprint Car Smackdown XIV

  • Series: USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Cars (non-wing 410s)

  • Venue: Kokomo Speedway – ¼-mile dirt oval, 2455 N Davis Rd, Kokomo, IN

  • Dates: Thursday–Saturday, August 21–23, 2025

  • Stream: All three nights live on FloRacing

  • Radio: USAC app / Mixlr audio stream

  • Live Timing: Race Monitor app

🎟️ Tickets

  • 3-Day Reserved Seat Pass:

    • $90 advance (through August 16)

    • $100 after August 16

  • Single-Day General Admission:

    • Thursday – $30 (kids 12 & under free)

    • Friday – $30 (kids 12 & under free)

    • Saturday – $40 (kids 12 & under free)

  • Pit Passes:

    • Thurs/Fri – $40

    • Saturday – $45

Call 779-230-1310 or visit MyRacePass to reserve tickets.

🏕️ Parking & Camping

  • Parking is first come, first serve (no reserving spots).

  • Main camping lot is sold out—waiting list available. Call 779-230-1310 to join.

  • RVs only (no unattended cars in spots—violators will be towed).

  • Camping opens Sunday, Aug 17 at 6pm (weather permitting).

  • Tags required—pick up at front office.

  • Overnight security on site.

  • Rules: quiet hours by the grain elevator, no fireworks, pets leashed, campfires in fire rings only, golf carts allowed (must be 16+, max 10 mph).

🎤 Fan Entertainment

  • Thursday, Aug 21: Kick It for Karaoke – post-race fun at Turn 5 Bar

  • Friday, Aug 22:

    • Cornhole Tournament (12 pm outside Turn 4)

    • Live music: The Flying Toasters after the races

  • Saturday, Aug 23: Riley Kids Auction & Kickball Game (12–2 pm, outside Turn 4)

📅 Night-by-Night Breakdown

Thursday, August 21 – Opening Night

  • Gates Open: 3:00 pm

  • Drivers Meeting: 6:00 pm

  • Cars on Track: 6:30 pm – hot laps, qualifying, heat races, semis, features

  • Tickets: $30 GA / $40 Pit; Kids 12 & under free

  • Highlights: The first battles set the tone, with points collected toward Saturday’s finale and the coveted “King of the Hill” Shootout.

Fan Tip: Arrive early to claim prime GA seats. Thursday night ends with karaoke at Turn 5 Bar—stay for the fun!

Friday, August 22 – The Smackdown Builds

  • Gates Open: 4:00 pm

  • Drivers Meeting: 6:00 pm

  • Cars on Track: 6:30 pm

  • Tickets: $30 GA / $40 Pit; Kids 12 & under free

  • Highlights: The second night of prelims sets the field—drivers race for points and positions that will decide Saturday’s shootout lineup.

Fan Tip: Join the Cornhole Tournament at noon outside Turn 4, and stick around after the races for a live show by The Flying Toasters.

Saturday, August 23 – The $30,000 Finale

  • Gates Open: 4:00 pm

  • Drivers Meeting: 5:30 pm

  • Hot Laps: 6:00 pm

  • Feature Format:

    • 4 x 10-lap qualifying races (top 2 transfer to Feature, others to semi or C-main)

    • 10-lap C-Main (top 4 transfer)

    • 15-lap Semi (top 6 transfer)

    • King of the Hill Shootout (top 8 in points, 2-car head-to-head battles decide starting order)

    • 40-lap Feature – $30,000 to win

  • Tickets: $40 GA / $45 Pit; Kids 12 & under free

Fan Tip: Don’t miss the midday Riley Kids Auction & Kickball Game outside Turn 4 (12–2 pm). Arrive early—this night draws the biggest crowds.

🏆 Past Smackdown Finale Winners

  • 2012 – Bryan Clauson

  • 2013 – Dave Darland

  • 2014 – Brady Bacon

  • 2015 – Robert Ballou

  • 2016 – Kevin Thomas Jr.

  • 2017 – Tyler Courtney

  • 2018 – Justin Grant

  • 2019 – C.J. Leary

  • 2020 – Brady Bacon

  • 2021 – Justin Grant

  • 2022 – Kyle Cummins

  • 2023 – Justin Grant

  • 2024 – Justin Grant

History Note: Justin Grant leads all drivers with 4 finale victories (2018, 2021, 2023, 2024) and enters 2025 chasing a record-breaking three-peat.

✨ Why Fans Can’t Miss Smackdown XIV

  • Drama at Every Turn: Non-wing sprints on a ¼-mile bullring means sliders, crossovers, and wheel-to-wheel action.

  • Festival Atmosphere: Karaoke, cornhole, live music, auctions, and kickball add to the party.

  • Big Money on the Line: $30,000 to win Saturday’s finale ensures no one holds back.

  • History in the Making: Will Justin Grant extend his reign, or will a new king of Kokomo rise?