12/8/2025
BAPS Motor Speedway
2026 Late Models Preview:
YORK HAVEN: BAPS Motor Speedway Limited Late Model division did not disappoint this past season as the limited late model division had 55 different drivers attempt at least one race with 7 different drivers grabbing the checkered flags and ending up in victory lane. Fans can expect more races for the division in 2026 and It will be safe to say that the action will certainly heat up when we take the green flag on Saturday March 7, 2026.
Scott Palmer:
Scott Palmer’s last 2 seasons has been a part time schedule at BAPS Motor Speedway with finishing 21st in points and one win in 2023 and came back in running half the season and finishing 9th in the final standings. The driver from Greencastle Pennsylvania used the phrase "Possible Retirement" at the end of the 2025 season and approached the season as if we are going to have some fun and run all the races. Well the season didn't disappoint as he posted 3 feature wins, 8 top 5 finishes and 8 top ten finishes to secure the ADAMS HVAC Track Championship. The driver of the number 86 Late Model will be back in 2026 to defend his title.
Trent Merkel
This driver came on the scene in 2024 when he ran a handful of late model races and posted a 19th place finish in the final standings driving the 118. Trent Merkel and the team returned to BAPS Motor Speedway to compete full time in the division and were fun to watch. Not only did Trent get his first career win in the late model division but he also posted 4 top 5 finishes and 6 top 10 finishes in 10 races and ended up a career best 3rd in the standings. If he can continue this push with momentum going into the 2026 season not only, will he visit victory lane but he will be a favorite to contend for the track title.
Chad Smith
After entering the division during the 2022 season where he posted his first career win and a 25th place in the final standings, the team came back in 2023 & 2024 and posted back-to-back years of 12th in the final standings and recorded his second career win in the division. The 2025 season was different for the 99 team, not only did they record their best finish in the standings in 4th they also posted a win, 3 top 5 finishes and 5 top 10 finishes in 10 races. This team has high hopes going into the 2026 season and I would look for them to contend for the track championship.
Skylar Taschck
In his first full season in a limited late model at BAPS Motor Speedway Skylar Taschck was extremely impressive, not only did he post a season high in the standings with a 8th place finish. He racked up one top 5 finish and 3 top 10 finishes to go along with his rookie of the year status. If the Duncannon driver can start off the season the way he ended, not only will he improve in the standings but his first career win in the division is almost a sure thing.
Lucas Adams
The fourth-year driver made a big improvement in the limited late model division in 2025. Not only did Lucas Adams record his best finish in the final standings with a 14th place finish, but he also bested his best top 10 finishes with 4 on the season.
Notable Notes: The 2026 season could be a season full of surprises as several drivers are expected to make their return to the division and could see a couple new rookies hit the circuit.
Season Opener
Saturday March 7, 2026
Super Sportsman, Late Models, Legends & Open Practice.
Submitted By: Kolten Gouse
