JAMES RIVER, NS – The NASCAR Canada Series will return to Riverside International Speedway in 2026, on June 27, as part of the Maple Leaf Classic. It is the third year in a row that Canada’s only national stock car touring series has been at the nation’s highest-banked oval on the last weekend in June, and the 16th visit for the series to Riverside.
“We are once again pleased to be NASCAR’s East Coast host,” said Joan Roue, manager at Riverside. “We’re especially thrilled to be the first official date announced for the series ’26 campaign, and appreciate NASCAR Canada working with us to get this news out so racers and race fans can start making plans to attend.”
As it has in the past two years, the Fort Garry Industries Pro Stock Tour will join NASCAR Canada on the marquee for the show. Between the two series, fans will see 450 laps of feature racing – 300 for NASCAR Canada and 150 for the Pro Stock Tour, plus time trials (NASCAR Canada) and heat races (Pro Stock Tour). The show will conclude with fireworks to celebrate Canada’s 159th birthday on July 1.
“We’re thankful that the Maritime Pro Stock Tour is again committed to this event,” continued Roue. “It provides a platform for both them and NASCAR Canada to showcase their series, drivers, teams, and sponsors to a crossover audience. We’re thrilled to host such an amazing event with two of the nation’s top touring series, featuring the best drivers from across Canada and throughout our region.”
While not yet confirmed, options are being considered for a Friday show that would see the Maple Leaf Classic a multi-day event in 2026. With hundreds of campsites available on its 100-acre property, and with a multitude of lodging options in nearby Antigonish, Riverside is perfectly situated to grow this event into a destination for motorsports fans from across North America.
This is the second major event date announced for Riverside’s 2026 season, joining the IWK 250 Super Weekend already on the calendar for July 15-18. With just three weeks between two of the biggest motorsports shows in the country, an increasing number of fans from afar are planning vacations where they take in the Maple Leaf Classic to start, then travel throughout the region, returning to Riverside for the IWK 250 Super Weekend before heading home.
Camping reservations and tickets will be available online well in advance of the event at www.riversidespeedway.ca. Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are available by contacting info@riversidespeedway.ca.
This announcement is the second of what is expected to be a busy and exciting 2026 season, Riverside’s 57th year. Fans should stay tuned to Riverside’s website (www.riversidespeedway.ca), social media (Facebook, X, and Instagram) for the latest news from Riverside.
To learn more about NASCAR Canada, please visit www.nascar.ca; to learn more about the Fort Garry Industries Pro Stock Tour, please visit www.prostocktour.com.
About Riverside International Speedway: Since 1969, Riverside International Speedway has been recognized as a premier stock racing facility in Canada. The 1/3-mile high-banked asphalt oval roars to action several times each year for special events. It is the largest outdoor entertainment venue in eastern Canada and the home of the IWK 250 – widely known throughout North America as a “bucket list” event for racers and fans alike. It also hosts the NASCAR Canada Series in its only stop on the East Coast. Located in James River between New Glasgow and Antigonish, the facility is easily accessible at Exit 30 on Trans-Canada Highway 104. For more information, please visit www.riversidespeedway.ca or call 902-863-2410 (May to September) or 902-404-7049 (October to April).
