Mark Galloway 150 Preview - The Field

As we near the moment the 2026 field of the Mark Galloway Shootout will exit off turn four and make the run to the green flag. We wanted to highlight a handful of the contenders for this crown jewel of the Northwest.

(Thomas Stanford at the 2025 Mark Galloway Shootout, Photo by David Nelson)

With over 35 entries into the race it will be a showcase of some of the best of the northwest, taking on some of the best in the southwest. The Mark Galloway Shootout is the first of two rivalry races between the two Pro Late Model tours. The second coming later in the season at Colorado National Speedway. 

Some drivers are rookies to the 5/8 track, some are rookies to late model racing in 2026, and some are long time vets and future hall of famer’s. The following are listed in no particular order, but here are the cases for eight drivers to win this Saturday.

Haeden Plybon - is an obvious first choice to talk about, the reigning back to back winner always shows his skill and speed on the biggest oval on the west coast. Looking to become the first person to ever win the shootout three times Plybon will bring his A game to this year's event. Look for him to lead laps early and have the ability to control restarts.

Kevin Harvick - Happy Harvick has never won at Evergreen Speedway, finishing fourth in last year's Mark Galloway Shootout. Hoping to find a few more passes to finally get to that top spot on the podium. He only has to go through some of the best in late model racing, including his own son.

Thomas Stanford - Last year's pole sitter spent too much time working through traffic leaving himself with a third place finish. Stanford who has always run the 5/8 oval well is in good form with a win on the season already coming into the shootout.

Keelan Harvick - One bad restart is all it took for Keelan Harvick to let the Mark Galloway Shootout slip though his fingers. Now with more seat time, and more wins under his belt. Can young Keelan capture his first northwest crown jewel?

Wyatt Gardner - The 2024 Evergreen Speedway Late Model Champion captured a win on the 5/8 during that year’s Summer Showdown weekend. Looking to return to his home track and find some momentum, another strong run at the Mark Galloway Shootout would certainly be the rebound he is searching for.

Ethan Ebert - One of the hottest young talents in Northwest racing, Ebert has captured two crown jewel victories in less than 20 starts. Ebert will return to the Super Speedway of the West ready to prove he can win outside of West Richland.

Naima Lang - You can never count out the double zero hero. Lang who won the inaugural Mark Galloway Shootout brings a new build race car to the 5/8 oval, sporting a new Joes chassis. Could Lang become the first ever three time winner if he can find victory lane in 2026.

Kyle Keller - The Nevada native is taking his time away from running in the Arca Menards West to take a swing at the Cars Tour West. Keller is now running for a title in the Southwest tour, meaning he will have to run well on the fast 5/8 oval of Evergreen Speedway.

Buddy Shepard - The driver who made stars at both the Mark Galloway Shootout and the Summer Showdown, Shepard is no stranger to taking on this big and fast flat oval, A top five run last year could easily spell success for him this time around.

You can follow along on the Evergreen Speedway social media for a full driver lineup announcement the rest of this week. Who do you think will bring home the win this weekend?

Past Winners

2011	Naima Lang
2012	Shane Harding
2013	Jason Fraser
2014	Tyler Tanner
2015	Kelly Mann
2016	Tayler Riddle
2017	Owen Riddle
2018	Robb Touchette
2019	Gracin Raz
2020	No Race (Covid)
2021	Naima Lang
2022	Garrett Evans
2023	Kole Raz
2024 (Race 1)	Tyler Tanner
2024 (Race 2)	Haeden Plybon
2025	Haeden Plybon

EVENT INFO

Friday

Practice for both CARS Tour PLM and Legends from 3pm to 6:30pm.

20 Legend race at 6:35pm

Saturday

Gates open at 2pm

Main Events start at 5pm

Opening Ceremonies at 7pm

(Stay tuned closely to Evergreen Speedways social media for the latest raceday updates)

Scheduled to race

CARS Tour PLM (5/8)

Vintage Mods

Mini Stocks

Legends