Ken de la Bastide Column: Speedway announces Redbud 400 changes for 2026

There was an exciting announcement this week pertaining to the annual Redbud 400 at Anderson Speedway.

The 60th running of the classic is set for July 25 bringing back to the event the traditional competitors.

The 2026 edition of the race will see 200 lap events for both the Vore’s Welding & Steel Street Stocks and Late Models.

Both races will pay $5,000 to win with a total purse of $26,700 in total payout, with a guaranteed $500 to all starters.

The field for both races will consist of up to 30 teams with a break at the 100-lap mark of each race.

When the Redbud 400 was started it featured the former American Speed Association late models with well-known regional drivers like Bob Senneker, Mike Eddy, Gary St. Amant and Butch Miller.

It was a special weekend for Anderson and the Speedway with an annual parade, qualifying on Friday, a bowling tournament and Mayor’s Breakfast.

The ASA stars competed before large crowds with plenty of close racing.

The format has changed over the years with in recent years the super late models of the renamed ASA competing on the quarter-mile oval.

Unfortunately, recent car counts have not been what they had been in the past with fans not really familiar with the names of the competitors taking part in the race.

One thing that has changed recently is the lack of super late model teams in the Hoosier state.

With the Vore’s Welding & Steel Street Stocks and Late Models the Redbud 400 will turn the spotlight on local teams and with a purse of $5,000 to the winner should attract teams from throughout the Midwest.

Both divisions have competed in 200 lap races in Anderson on an annual basis and have brought exciting racing for the fans.

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $20 for adults and $25 on race day.

As the Redbud enters its 60th year, 2026 represents a meaningful evolution — a chance to honor history while re-embracing the local heroes who define Anderson Speedway, the track noted on its website. This year’s event promises to be one of the most unique and memorable in Redbud history.

In other racing news: The historic Salem Speedway has new owners starting with the 2026 season.

Brent Harmon and Melissa Middleton purchased the facility from Nick Bohanon.

Harmon currently operates the adjacent drag strip to the half-mile oval.

Anderson’s Josh Poore was honored by the Dayton Auto Racing Fan group as the “Asphalt Driver of the Year”.

Poore is a familiar driver at Anderson Speedway this year winning the Modified championship and has been the Street Stock champion several times.