USAC Eastern Storm Jesse Hockett Classic 2026 at Grandview Speedway | Preview, Schedule & Live Stream
USAC Eastern Storm Ignites Grandview Speedway Tonight with Jesse Hockett Classic
The USAC Eastern Storm lands at Grandview Speedway on Tuesday night for the Jesse Hockett Classic, and the Pennsylvania dirt is already humming with anticipation. Non-wing sprint cars from across the country roll into Bechtelsville for the 19th running of this six-night Eastern swing, joined by the track’s own 358 Modifieds in a double-header program that promises slide jobs, wheel banging and pure short-track thunder.
Gates swing open at 5:00 PM Eastern. Hot laps and qualifying heat races fire up shortly after 7:00 PM, with the big features still to come under the lights. This is the kind of night that reminds everyone why Eastern Storm weeks feel different — national stars mixing it up with local favorites on a bullring that rewards aggression and patience in equal measure.
Date, Time & Venue
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 Grandview Speedway – 43 Passmore Road, Bechtelsville, Pennsylvania (1/3-mile high-banked dirt oval)
The Thunder on the Hill Racing Series presents the Levan Machine & Truck Equipment / Alpine Building Supply USAC Eastern Storm Jesse Hockett Classic. Country artist Billy McGowan will also perform, giving fans one more reason to stick around after the checkered flag.
Global Time Zone Conversions – Key Event Times
Here is exactly when everything happens so fans anywhere can set their alarms:
| Event | Eastern Time (ET) | Central (CT) | Mountain (MT) | Pacific (PT) | UTC | India Standard (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pits Open | 2:30 PM | 1:30 PM | 12:30 PM | 11:30 AM | 18:30 | 12:00 AM (Jun 17) |
| Front Gates Open | 5:00 PM | 4:00 PM | 3:00 PM | 2:00 PM | 21:00 | 2:30 AM (Jun 17) |
| Drivers Meeting | 5:45 PM | 4:45 PM | 3:45 PM | 2:45 PM | 21:45 | 3:15 AM (Jun 17) |
| Hot Laps / Qualifying | ~7:00–7:30 PM | ~6:00–6:30 PM | ~5:00–5:30 PM | ~4:00–4:30 PM | ~23:00–23:30 | ~4:30–5:00 AM (Jun 17) |
| Main Features Expected | 8:30 PM onward | 7:30 PM onward | 6:30 PM onward | 5:30 PM onward | 00:30+ (Jun 17) | 6:00 AM+ (Jun 17) |
Live Streaming & Telecast
FloRacing carries the full USAC Eastern Storm program live. The broadcast is available on desktop, mobile, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV and the FloSports app. Replays stay in the library for subscribers.
Some regions may also see coverage through USAC’s digital channels or local dirt racing outlets. No traditional linear TV broadcast is confirmed for this specific event, so streaming remains the primary way to catch every lap.
Weather & Track Conditions
Forecast for Bechtelsville and the surrounding Berks County area calls for mostly sunny skies during the day with a high near 77°F (25°C). Evening temperatures drop into the mid-50s°F (around 13°C), so bring a light jacket if you are heading to the track. Winds stay light.
The dirt should be in good shape for racing — tacky enough early for aggressive moves, then slicking off as the night progresses. That classic Grandview progression usually rewards drivers who can move around and find grip on the cushion. Expect rooster tails and plenty of side-by-side action once the sun goes down.
Key Driver Battles & Storylines
This opener always sets the tone for the entire Eastern Storm. Several names stand out:
- Justin Grant – Reigning Eastern Storm champion. The Indiana driver knows how to win these short-track wars and will be the man to beat if he can carry momentum from the start of the week.
- Brady Bacon – Five-time winner at Grandview in USAC competition. The veteran has history here and always seems to find another gear when the Eastern Storm rolls into Pennsylvania.
- Briggs Danner – The local Allentown product racing in front of the home crowd. Nothing gets the grandstands louder than a Berks County driver charging the high side.
- Logan Seavey, Chase Stockon, Kyle Cummins, Robert Ballou – Consistent national threats who can win on any given night when the track suits their style.
- Mitchel Moles, Jake Swanson, Trey Osborne – Young guns looking to make early statements in the six-race series.
The 358 Modifieds add another layer. Grandview’s Modified division always puts on a show, and the double-header format means fans get two full programs of action.
Records & Milestones
The Jesse Hockett Classic honors the memory of the talented Indiana driver who passed away far too soon. Hockett’s spirit lives on every time these cars unload at Grandview — a track that has hosted USAC non-wing racing for decades.
The Eastern Storm itself began here in 2007 as a way to bring national non-wing talent back to the East Coast bullrings. Nineteen years later it remains one of the most anticipated weeks on the USAC calendar.
Match Prediction & What to Watch For
Wide open is the honest call. Grant has the recent success and experience, but Grandview has a way of producing surprise winners when drivers get aggressive early. Bacon’s track record here makes him dangerous in any feature. Danner will have extra motivation with the home fans behind him.
Expect qualifying to be ultra-competitive. The driver who can lay down a clean lap and then manage traffic in the feature will take home the $6,000 winner’s share (plus the series championship bonus structure that pays extra at the end of the six nights).
The Modified feature should be equally wild — these cars love the high banks and the double-file restarts usually create instant chaos.
Injury & Team News
No major injury updates have surfaced heading into tonight. The series appears at full strength with the expected national contingent making the trip east. Teams will be fine-tuning setups all afternoon as they chase the unique Grandview groove.
Why This Night Matters
The Eastern Storm is more than just another race. It is six straight nights of the best non-wing sprint car racing the East Coast sees all year. Grandview always delivers atmosphere, and the combination of national stars, local heroes, and that unmistakable dirt smell creates something special.
Fans who make the trip will see slide jobs into turn one, cars bouncing off the wall, and probably a few last-lap passes. Those watching from home — especially anyone tuning in from halfway around the world at 5 AM IST — will still feel the energy through the stream.
The 2026 USAC Eastern Storm starts right here, right now. The engines are warming, the dust is waiting, and Grandview is ready to put on a show.
