News & Updates

The 2026 Super Cup season is almost here, and RedsRacing is more prepared than ever. After months of off-season preparation in the shop, both Jon Kirsch (#8) and Jonny Kirsch (#88) are ready to hit the asphalt oval tracks across the region. The team has been working tirelessly on car setups, suspension tuning, and engine optimization to ensure peak performance when the green flag drops.

This season features an ambitious 11-race schedule that will take the team to some of the best asphalt oval tracks in the area, including their home track at Grundy County Speedway. The Super Cup series promises intense competition with tight racing, strategic pit decisions, and the kind of door-to-door action that fans love.

The crew — Julie, Roger, Adam, and Josh — have been putting in long hours alongside the drivers to get everything race-ready. From trailer organization to spare parts inventory, every detail has been accounted for. Adam, who has been working with Jon for over four and a half years, has fine-tuned the technical setup to give both cars a competitive edge.

"We're feeling really confident heading into the season," said Jon. "The cars are fast, the crew is dialed in, and we've got a schedule that gives us a lot of opportunities to compete for wins. Jonny has been putting in serious work too — he's ready to turn some heads this year."

The season opener is set for April at Grundy County Speedway. Stay tuned for race recaps, results, and behind-the-scenes content as the 2026 season unfolds.

At RedsRacing, it's not just about the drivers — it's about the entire team that makes race night possible. Behind every checkered flag and every podium finish is a crew of dedicated individuals who pour their hearts into this sport. Today, we're introducing you to the people who make RedsRacing run.

Leading the charge behind the wheel are Jon Kirsch in the #8 car and his son Jonny Kirsch in the #88. But the magic happens long before the cars hit the track. Julie Kirsch, Jon's wife, is the organizational force behind the team. She manages logistics, keeps spirits high, and makes sure everyone is where they need to be on race night. Her presence at the track is a constant source of energy for the entire crew.

Roger Kirsch, Jon's father, brings a lifetime of mechanical experience and racing knowledge to the team. Watching three generations of the Kirsch family working together at the track is something special — it's the kind of thing that makes grassroots racing so meaningful.

Adam has been a cornerstone of the team for over four and a half years. As a close family friend and Jon's colleague, he handles the technical aspects of race preparation with precision and expertise. His knowledge of car setup and data analysis has been instrumental in keeping the team competitive.

Rounding out the crew is Josh, Jon's neighbor and a reliable presence both in the shop and at the track. Whether it's helping load the trailer, handing off tools during a quick repair, or providing pit-side support, Josh embodies the grassroots spirit that defines RedsRacing.

Together, these six individuals form a team that's built on trust, friendship, and a shared love of asphalt oval racing. It's proof that you don't need a huge budget or a massive crew to compete — you just need the right people.

If you're new to racing or curious about what RedsRacing competes in, here's your introduction to Super Cup asphalt oval racing — one of the most exciting forms of grassroots motorsport in the country.

Super Cup racing takes place on paved (asphalt) oval tracks, typically ranging from 1/4 mile to 1/2 mile in length. Unlike dirt track racing, asphalt ovals provide consistent grip levels and allow for higher speeds, making for intense bumper-to-bumper competition. The smooth surface rewards precise car setup, clean driving lines, and smart race strategy.

The cars themselves are purpose-built race machines based on production car platforms. They feature roll cages for safety, racing seats and harnesses, modified suspensions for oval-specific handling, and engines tuned for sustained high-RPM performance. Teams spend countless hours in the shop getting their cars dialed in for each track's unique characteristics.

A typical race night at a track like Grundy County Speedway includes practice sessions, qualifying (which determines starting positions), heat races, and a feature race. The feature is the main event — the one that counts most for points and bragging rights. Depending on the track, feature races can range from 25 to 100 laps of intense competition.

What makes Super Cup racing special is its accessibility. While professional motorsport series require millions of dollars in funding, Super Cup racing allows families and small teams like RedsRacing to compete at a high level. The series emphasizes close competition through rules designed to keep the playing field relatively level, ensuring that driver skill and team preparation matter more than budget size.

For fans, Super Cup racing offers affordable entertainment with non-stop action. The compact oval format means every seat in the grandstand provides a great view of the racing, and the close-quarters competition ensures there's always something exciting happening on track. It's the kind of racing where you can hear the engines roar, smell the rubber, and feel the excitement of each pass for position.

Whether you're a lifelong racing fan or attending your first race, Super Cup asphalt oval racing delivers an experience you won't forget. Come out to the track, support your local teams, and see why grassroots racing continues to thrive.

With the 2026 season fast approaching, the RedsRacing shop has been a hive of activity. Every winter, the team tears down both race cars to inspect, repair, and upgrade every component. It's a labor-intensive process that can take weeks, but it's essential for ensuring reliability and performance when the season starts.

The process begins with a complete teardown. Every bolt gets inspected, every bearing gets checked, and every wear item gets evaluated. Suspension components are measured and rebuilt to specification. Brakes are inspected and fresh pads are installed. The engine gets a thorough inspection — compression tests, valve adjustments, and oil system checks are all part of the routine.

Adam, the team's technical lead, oversees the rebuild process with meticulous attention to detail. His four-plus years of experience working alongside Jon has given him an intimate understanding of what each car needs to perform at its best. "You can't cut corners in this part of the process," he explains. "The work we do in the shop during winter directly translates to what happens on race night."

Jon and Jonny are also hands-on in the shop. Both drivers believe that understanding every aspect of their cars makes them better behind the wheel. "When you know exactly how the suspension is set up, how the weight is distributed, and what the engine is doing, you can make smarter decisions during a race," Jon says.

Once the mechanical work is complete, the team turns its attention to cosmetics and safety equipment. Fresh paint, updated numbers, new decals, and a thorough check of all safety gear — harnesses, helmets, fire systems, and the roll cage — round out the preparation. By the time the season opener arrives, both the #8 and #88 cars will be ready to compete.