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The Strawberry Cup

Every June, the city of Lebanon, Oregon, transforms into a haven for racing enthusiasts as the Strawberry Cup takes center stage at the renowned Willamette Speedway. This event isn't just another race; it's a celebration of community, history, and the unyielding spirit of competition that has defined the Pacific Northwest's dirt track scene for decades.
Dating back to the 1960s, the Strawberry Cup has been a cornerstone of Willamette Speedway's racing calendar. It's more than a race; it's a rite of passage for drivers and a cherished tradition for fans. The day kicks off with a vibrant parade through downtown Lebanon, featuring racecars and culminating in the unveiling of the world's largest strawberry shortcake—a sweet prelude to the high-octane action that follows at the track.
At the heart of the Strawberry Cup is the I-5 Silver Bullet Late Model Series, drawing the crème de la crème of dirt late model racers from across the West Coast. With a $2,000-to-win purse, the stakes are high and the competition ruthless. The event has become a proving ground for legends—drivers who have made their mark on Willamette Speedway’s slick clay and in the hearts of fans.
The roster of past champions reads like a dirt track hall of fame, with each name representing a chapter in this legendary tradition:
• 1999 – David Hawkes
• 2000 – Greg Walters
• 2001 – Bob Boyd
• 2002 – Trevor Glaser
• 2003 – Tim Zeller
• 2004 – Trevor Glaser
• 2005 – Bruce Hipple
• 2006 – Jimmy Whisler
• 2007 – Craig Hanson
• 2008 – Trevor Glaser
• 2009 – Rick Wyatt
• 2010 – Jeremy Shank
• 2011 – Trevor Glaser
• 2012 – Jeremy Shank
• 2013 – Trevor Glaser
• 2014 – Rob Mayea
• 2015 – Rob Mayea
• 2016 – Collen Winebarger
• 2017 – Collen Winebarger
• 2018 – Steve Moore
• 2019 – Joey Tanner
• 2020 – Doug Elkins
• 2021 – John Campos
• 2022 – Joey Tanner
• 2023 – Bricen James
• 2024 – Bricen James
These aren’t just names—they’re chapters in Strawberry Cup folklore.
Some of the Region’s Best Late Models Join the Fray:
• Joey Tanner – Driving the #46 Rocket XR1.2, Tanner electrifies fans with his aggressive and fearless style. Known for his ability to slice through the pack with speed and precision, Joey is always a top contender on race day.
• Collen Winebarger – A precision driver with a steady hand and sharp instincts, Winebarger excels under pressure. His skill in reading track conditions and seizing the right moments makes him a regular front-runner.
• Bricen James – The undisputed star of the I-5 Silver Bullet Series, James is the back-to-back and defending champion. Known for his raw speed, fearless decisions, and relentless drive, Bricen has become the face of the tour and the benchmark everyone is chasing.
• Jesse Williamson – A master of setup and strategy, Williamson is a multi-time champion whose experience and consistency make him a dangerous threat every time he rolls onto the clay.
• Kye Frick – Frick combines natural talent with a fearless attitude that has fans leaning forward in their seats. Whether he’s threading the needle on a slick track or muscling through traffic three-wide, Kye races with the hunger of someone chasing their breakout moment—and it feels like it’s just around the corner.
Street Stocks: Grit, Heart, and Raw Horsepower
The Street Stocks division embodies the raw, unfiltered essence of grassroots racing. These machines, often built in home garages, deliver edge-of-your-seat thrills and unpredictable action. For many drivers, a win in the Strawberry Cup's Street Stocks race is a career-defining moment, symbolizing grit, determination, and a deep bond with the racing community.
Featured drivers include:
• Dustin Wilkinson – A fierce competitor blending smooth driving with calculated aggression, known for his on-track intensity and never-say-die attitude.
• Myke Landis – Gritty and relentless, Landis’s aggressive style keeps him a formidable opponent in close quarters.
• Dakota Godard – A seasoned veteran with a strategic driving style, Godard balances patience with timely aggression to stay competitive.
Up-and-Comers and Division Mainstays
The Limited Late Models, IMCA Stock Cars and Hornets divisions serve as launchpads for rising stars. These races are hotbeds of excitement, where young drivers sharpen their skills and seasoned racers show their mastery. The Strawberry Cup is their moment to shine—and for many, it’s the first step toward becoming future legends of the sport.
Limited Late Models:
• Chad Slover
• Randy Barley
• Andy Breshears
• Frank Elwess
• Brian Winkler
IMCA Stock Cars:
• Sid Schott
• Cody Humphrey
• Tyler Pagel
• P.J. Humphrey
• Don Schott
Hornets:
• Tom Pitts
• Jesse Shanklin II
• Lauren Hadley
• Lauren Hadley Jr.
Beyond the racing, the Strawberry Cup delivers an atmosphere that captivates fans of all ages. From the pre-race parade and strawberry shortcake celebration to the thunderous roar of race night, it’s a full-throttle day of unforgettable memories. With affordable tickets and a welcoming vibe, it’s no wonder the Strawberry Cup is a can’t-miss tradition for racers and fans alike.
If you're not shouting over roaring engines, dodging flying dirt, and high-fiving strangers in the beer line, you're not truly experiencing the Strawberry Cup. This is where community pride meets high-octane thrills, creating memories that last a lifetime.

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