NSRA Autocross 2026 Autocross Action in the Ozark Empire
By Kevin Webb NSRA Autocross Director autocross@nsra-usa.com
T he National Street Rod Association was excit- ed to host another weekend of autocross excitement at the Mid-America Street Rod Nationals, May 22-24, in Springfield, Missouri. The first stop on the 2026 NSRA Autocross season did not disappoint, starting with great weather all weekend making it the perfect way to spend time at the track. Fast and loud cars and trucks were the main attraction, but we’re seeing a definite rise in first-time drivers wanting to challenge those cones. Aside from the fun and excitement autocross brings to NSRA events, it’s the safety aspects of both the cars’ and drivers’ responses, along with performance handling that’s attracting much after- market interest. American Autowire, manufacturer of high-quality vehicle wiring harnesses and acces- sories and Bowler Performance Transmissions, manufacturer of high-performance transmissions and driveline components, were two early spon- sors of NSRA Autocross. Gateway Classic Cars, top seller of classic vehicles with 16 locations since 1999, and Sanderson Headers, with over 60 years of experience producing high quality exhaust headers and system components, have joined Simpson Racing Products and RaceQuip, both pro- viding high quality track safety products. Their donation of loaner helmets meant every person who wanted to try our NSRA Autocross program for the first time could do so safely. Most importantly, thanks to everyone at AutoXperts Promotions who provided the track layout, timing and all the ride-alongs in their very fast fleet of race cars. They helped new and expe-
rienced drivers improve their lap times and provid- ed live lap times throughout the event.
When the engines were shut down the Class Winners included: Late-Model (1997 and newer) William Lumpkin in his 2024 Subaru WRK TR. William was able to perfect his driving line with over 50 runs at the event. The “Early” class (1908- 1963) was won by Jon Busbe in a ‘63 Chevrolet Biscayne owned by his grandfather, Ron Busbea. His team included Megan Busbea, overall Operations Manager, and 4-year-old Kohen as Crew Chief. “Mid-Year” class (1964-1996) was won by Scott Stuewe and the ‘94 Corvette he co-owns with his wife Sarah. Womens class (1908-1996) was won by two- time champion Janetta Slayton in her 2017 Chevrolet Corvette. Her crew chief, ‘heyboy,’ and Husband of the Year is Jamie Slayton. Truck class (1917-1996) was won by Jackson Dale in his ‘70 GMC short-bed pickup, with support from Crew Chief Hanna Dale, and as anyone with a young child knows, Family Manager McClain (11 months).
A very special guest was the Springfield Police Department. Officers Chaney and Torres stopped by to do some demonstration runs on the track and apprehend Rod Schoch and Lyle Hartsock for excessive speed. Consensus was, don’t try to outrun these two officers—they are very fast!
16 JULY 2026
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