Mahoning Valley Speedway’s 2026 season ended with championship celebrations, exciting finishes and some welcome news about the track’s future.

Track promoter Bill Osborn announced in victory lane that racing will return to the Lehighton oval in 2027, highlighting a season-ending program that featured several memorable performances.

Frankie Althouse capped his championship season in style, winning the 30-lap Street Stock feature to secure the division title.

Althouse battled defending champion Jon Moser throughout the early stages, with the two swapping the lead several times over the opening 12 laps.

Contact on lap six sent Althouse sliding sideways, but he recovered as Moser regained the lead one lap later. Althouse eventually used the outside groove to move back in front and secure the victory. Brandon Christman finished second, followed by Randy Ahner Jr. and Moser.

Ryan Berger saved his best for last in the Hobby Stock division, earning his first victory of the season in the 25-lap feature.

Berger took the lead from rookie Dale Moninghoff on lap two and held off Travis Solomon the rest of the way. Solomon finished second, while Shayne Geist placed third to clinch his second consecutive Hobby Stock championship.

The Pro 4 feature produced a family showdown as Bobby Kibler Jr. used a bump-and-run maneuver to pass his father, Bobby Kibler Sr., with three laps remaining.

Kibler Jr. held on for his division-leading sixth victory of the season, while his father finished second. Rich Pursell, who placed fourth, secured the Pro 4 championship over his daughter, Kadie Pursell.

Riley O’Keefe overcame an early setback to capture his second consecutive Legends feature victory at Mahoning Valley.

O’Keefe was sent to the rear following contact with Ed Stadtlander but worked his way back through the field. He caught leader Anthony Marsh with five laps remaining and completed the winning pass with two laps to go. Marsh finished second, followed by Chris Sinatro.

Jacob Shultz used lapped traffic to his advantage in the 20-lap East Coast TQ Midget feature, erasing Tyler Wagner’s half-track lead before making the winning pass with five laps remaining.

Wagner finished second, while Charlie Shultz placed third.

Alex Greenzweig dominated the 20-lap Microstock feature, leading every lap and holding off Frank Fritziner and Scott Miller.

Jerry Garris earned his first career victory in the Northeast Antique Auto Racing Association feature, becoming the fourth member of his family to win at Mahoning Valley. He joined his father, Mike “Critter” Garris, and brothers Mikey and Jay.

The program also featured two Old School Promotions 30-lap Junk Car races. Wyatt Fulmer won the opener ahead of Kevin Behler and Nick Cech, while Paul Mercante captured the second event over Danny Cascioli and Fulmer.

In addition to Althouse, Geist and Pursell, Kyle Strohl, Nick Baer and Marc Aigeldinger were recognized among the speedway’s 2026 track champions.