Honoring the Pioneers and Celebrating the Spectacle at Skagit Speedway
Dirt Cup was the brainchild of Jim Raper, a visionary who sought to create an open wheel event with a substantial purse that would draw talented drivers from across the West Coast. Raper’s ambition for a grand showcase of speed and competition began with a handful of open competition races in the late 1960s. His determination and passion for motorsports laid the groundwork for what would become a cornerstone event in the racing community.
In 1972, Dirt Cup evolved into a prestigious three-track event featuring Skagit Speedway, Sky Valley, and Elma. This collaboration amplified the event’s reputation, attracting a wider array of racers and fans. However, the lineup changed over the years—Elma withdrew from the series in 1977, followed by Sky Valley in 1978. Despite these changes, the Dirt Cup maintained its status as one of the nation’s premier unsanctioned open wheel races, celebrated for its fierce competition and electrifying atmosphere.
The event’s prominence continued to grow, and it became known as the Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup, a tribute to the visionary who started it all. Today, the Dirt Cup is bigger and better than ever, drawing elite competitors and enthusiastic crowds from far and wide. The event’s legacy is a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation and community that defines Skagit Speedway.
We are immensely grateful to all those who have come before us and paved the way for the Dirt Cup’s enduring success. From the earliest stakeholders who boldly followed their dreams to establish Skagit Speedway, to influential figures like Steve Beitler who guided the event through transformative years prior to its acquisition by the 26 Promotions group, each has left an indelible mark on this storied tradition.
None of this would be possible without the racers, car owners, fans, and partners, embodying the passion and dedication that keep the Dirt Cup thriving year after year. Your unwavering support and enthusiasm ensure that the spirit of competition and camaraderie Jim Raper envisioned continues to flourish.
As we look to the future, we honor the remarkable history of the Jim Raper Memorial Super Dirt Cup and celebrate the community that has made it one of the nation’s most spectacular motorsports events.
WINNERS
1972 - Ross Fontes
1973 - Gary Patterson
1974 - Jimmy Sills
1975 - Jan Opperman
1976 - Jimmy Boyd
1977 - Jimmy Boyd (2)
1978 - Doug Wolfgang
1979 - Doug Wolfgang (2)
1980 - Jimmy Sills (2)
1981 - Leeland McSpadden
1982 - Jimmy Boyd (3)
1983 - Tim Green
1984 - Leeland McSpadden (2)
1985 - Jimmy Sills (3)
1986 - Tim Green (2)
1987 - Jimmy Sills (4)
1988 - Jeff Swindell
1989 - Jimmy Sills (5)
1990 - Jimmy Sills (6)
1991 - Brent Kaeding
1992 - Bobby Burrow
1993 - Tim Green (3)
1994 - Steve Kent
1995 - Kevin Pylant
1996 - Brent Kaeding (2)
1997 - Randy Hannagan
1998 - Randy Hannagan (2)
1999 - Brent Kaeding (3)
2000 - Ronnie Day
2001 - Steve Kent (2)
2002 - Kasey Kahne
2003 - Kasey Kahne (2)
2004 - Shane Stewart
2005 - Jonathan Allard
2006 - Jonathan Allard (2)
2007 - Brandon Wimmer
2008 - Jayme Barnes
2009 - Jayme Barnes (2)
2010 - Shane Stewart (2)
2011 - Jonathan Allard (3)
2012 - Mother Nature
2013 - Jonathan Allard (4)
2014 - Brock Lemley
2015 - Jason Solwold
2016 - Sam Hafertepe Jr
2017 - Sam Hafertepe Jr (2)
2018 - Seth Bergman
2019 - Robbie Price
2020 - Postponed (Covid-19)
2021 - Dominic Scelzi
2022 - Tyler Courtney
2023 - Justin Sanders
2024 - Corey Day
2025 - Trey Starks