JAMES RIVER, NS – Management for Riverside International Speedway is pleased to announce an exciting and diverse stock car racing schedule for the 2025 season. The special events only facility featuring a 1/3-mile asphalt oval with the highest banks in Canada will once again host top-tier events, series, and racers from across the nation, and beyond.
The season kicks off with the Maple Leaf Classic on June 28 featuring the NASCAR Canada Series and the Maritime Pro Stock Tour in a double-header jam-packed with excitement for fans and racers alike. It will be NASCAR Canada’s only stop on the East Coast in ’25 and the first of three stops at Riverside for the Pro Stock Tour. With these series representing the nation’s only stock car touring series and the region’s longtime top touring series, fans will see some of the best racers in Canada in one huge show.
The IWK 250 Super Weekend runs from July 16 to July 19. It has become one of the most anticipated stock car racing events in the country with fans flocking to the region for an extended vacation at or near the James River facility. It kicks off Wednesday (July 16) when camping for over 800 RVs opens in the morning followed by a late afternoon/early evening practice session for Friday night racers. On Thursday, it’s IWK 250 practice followed by the IWK 250 Tailgate Party – a sellout for the last two years. Friday sees evening racing for the Auto World MASS Sportsman and the Cross Roads Maritime League of Legends. Saturday it’s the iconic IWK 250 presented by Steve Lewis with a whopping purse of over $100,000 including $20,000 to win – one of the richest stock car races in Canada and a bucket list event for racers and fans from all over North America. The IWK 250 is sanctioned by the Maritime Pro Stock Tour and is a championship points event for series racers.
The Summer Sizzler returns on August 16 with the Maritime Pro Stock Tour, the Maritime League of Legends, and for the first time at Riverside, Bandoleros – an entry-level miniature race car described as a cross between a kart and a car. Drivers typically range from eight to 14. Bandolero cars have been racing in the Maritimes for several years. A test session will be held in the spring to determine rule modifications that may be required for Riverside. Bandolero teams interested in learning more should sign up for the Bandolero info list at www.riversidespeedway.ca.
The race season will conclude on September 6 with the Back to School Spectacular. It will feature the Auto World MASS Sportsman Series championship race with plans underway to make this the region’s biggest sportsman event. They’ll be joined by the popular Hot Rod Classics Vintage Race Car Series and the MASS Mini Stock Series. Stay tuned for more event details to be announced as finalized.
Additional events (other than stock car racing) are under consideration for the ’25 season at Riverside and will be announced if and when they are confirmed.
About Riverside International Speedway: For 56 years, Riverside International Speedway has been recognized as a premiere stock racing facility in Canada. The 1/3-mile high-banked asphalt oval roars to action several times a 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).
