🚨 MADERA, CA — MADERA SPEEDWAY REFUSES TO BACK DOWN AFTER STEVE HILTON GRAND MARSHAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Madera Speedway is firing back after receiving criticism over its decision to have Republican California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton serve as Grand Marshal for the upcoming 53rd Annual Harvest Classic.
The Speedway says it received numerous calls and messages objecting to Hilton’s appearance and demanding that the track reconsider its decision.
Instead, track owner Kenny Shepherd made it clear the Speedway isn’t backing down.
“In an attempt to make everyone happy, we are changing our policy regarding politics in racing,” Shepherd said.
He then announced what the Speedway described as a tongue-in-cheek “two-tier” pricing system.
“Since one party enjoys and demands that we pay more for everything in California, we will now have a two-tier system to price everything from tickets to drinks, food, shirts and hats at the speedway,” Shepherd said.
The Speedway even released a mock concession menu showing dramatically different prices based on political affiliation. One example listed a hot dog and soda at $6 for Republicans and $17.50 for Democrats.
The pricing announcement appears to be satire aimed at those criticizing the Speedway rather than a conventional concession pricing policy.
Despite the controversy, Hilton remains scheduled to serve as Grand Marshal for the Harvest Classic.
🏁 THE RACE IS STILL ON
The 53rd Annual Harvest Classic is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Madera Speedway.
The event will feature the ARCA Menards Series West Madera 150, Super Modifieds, NCMA Sprint Cars and additional racing.
Hilton is expected to participate in the pre-race festivities before the Madera 150.
Madera Speedway’s own website currently prominently announces: “STEVE HILTON IS HARVEST CLASSIC GRAND MARSHAL!”
Whether fans agree or disagree with the Speedway’s response, one thing appears certain: Madera Speedway isn’t allowing the political backlash to change its Grand Marshal selection.
📸 Photo courtesy: Kenny Shepherd / Madera Speedway