Mohawk International Raceway Prepares For An Exciting 2025 Season
Story By: ROBERT HILL JR. / MOHAWK INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY – HOGANSBURG, NY – As the 2025 racing season approaches, there is a lot to be excited about at the Mohawk International Raceway, including some phenomenal series and races coming to town.
One of the biggest pieces of news this offseason was the return of the Mohawk International Raceway to the DIRTcar banner. This move provides our drivers access to many prestigious races and increased payouts throughout the season. It also offers them the opportunity to compete for both MIR titles and DIRTcar titles across the Northeast.
Additionally, we are returning to Friday night racing at MIR this season. What better way to kick off the weekend than with a night of dirt track racing and high-speed excitement at the Mohawk International Raceway?
Our 2025 season officially begins on Friday, May 23rd, with the Three Feathers Cafe presenting our season opener. Fans can expect intense racing from the drop of the green flag as teams and drivers aim to build championship-contending seasons.
In the 358 Modified division, 2024 track champion and the all-time winningest driver in 358 Modified history at MIR, Chris Raabe, is expected to return full-time to defend his title. However, drivers such as Preston Forbes and Carey Terrance will be hot on his heels as they pursue the 2025 championship. Other drivers to watch include Louie Jackson Jr., Tyler Meeks, Brianna Ladoucer, and 2024 Rookie of the Year Dustin Bradley, among others.
Our 2024 Sportsman division was highly competitive, with third-generation driver Tristan Ladoucer claiming the track championship. As he continues to develop within the sport, Ladoucer is poised to be a strong contender in 2025 and enters the season as an early favorite to defend his title. With the return to Friday night racing, we anticipate the return of drivers such as Shane Pecore, who is expected to race weekly at MIR and will undoubtedly be a championship contender. Other notable drivers include 2024 runner-up Joshua Jock and third-place finisher Cory Castell.
The Pro Stock division remains one of the most exciting classes, with multiple drivers capable of winning on any given night. Early favorites for the 2025 title include 2024 track champion Dakota Sharp and runner-up Burton Ward. Nonetheless, perennial contenders Kevin Fetterly Jr. and Denis Gauvreau will also be in the mix. Marc Lalonde, a prominent figure in the division, is set to make 2025 his final season before retiring. Over the years, Marc and his wife Josee have built an impressive program, providing opportunities for students and aspiring racers to learn about the sport and develop their skills. We wish Marc all the best in his retirement and will certainly be watching him this season.
The mini-stock class is always a crowd favorite, with new talent emerging each season, adding unpredictability to the championship chase. Defending champion CJ LaVair will be a driver to watch, along with fellow top contenders Tony Frezzo, and Bobby Lavair, all of whom finished in the top five last season. If drivers from the Canadian side, such as 2024 feature winner Emily Massy and consistent front-runner Carl Gorry, make regular appearances at MIR this season, they could also contend for the championship. However, their commitment to the MIR schedule remains to be confirmed.
Key dates to mark on your calendar for 2025 include the season opener on May 23rd, the Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Summer Shootout 75 on Monday, June 30th, and our spectacular 4th of July Fireworks Celebration featuring the Farnham Ale & Lager Pro Stock Series and a $2,000-to-win, 40-lap 358 Modified race. The DIRTcar 358 Modified Series comes to town on Thursday, July 17th, in a back-to-back event with Cornwall Motor Speedway, featuring a $5,000-to-win 358 Modified race and a $1,500-to-win 604 Crate Late Model race. On Tuesday, August 5th, we host the Short Track Super Series for the Showdown on the Border, offering a $10,000 prize to the winner. Last year’s race delivered a thrilling finish, and this year promises more of the same.
September will be a busy month with the Canadian Super Dirt Weekend Qualifiers on Friday, September 12th, and Saturday, September 13th, featuring significant prize money and qualifying spots. This weekend will also showcase the DIRTcar Sportsman and Pro Stock tours. The season will conclude with our annual SmokeFest 200-lap Enduro Race on Saturday, September 20th, with $2,000 awarded to the winner.
2025 promises to be a record-breaking year for the Mohawk International Raceway, and we can’t wait to get started. Be sure to join us on Saturday, May 17th, for test and tune, and on Friday, May 23rd, for the season opener presented by Three Feathers Cafe.
