Management for Riverside International Speedway is excited to announce a multi-year extension with Toromont Cat to continue the popular Cat Car for Kids sponsorship in the iconic IWK 250 presented by Steve Lewis. 2027 marks a significant milestone for the partnership.
“Toromont Cat is proud to celebrate the 20th year of the Cat Car for Kids and our continued partnership with Riverside International Speedway in support of the IWK 250,” said Matt Ferguson, Atlantic Region Vice President for Toromont Cat. “What began as a unique way to give back has grown into a cherished tradition for our team, our customers, and racing fans across Atlantic Canada. For two decades, the Cat Car for Kids has helped shine a spotlight on the incredible work of the IWK and the families it supports. We’re excited to return to Riverside for another unforgettable race weekend and to celebrate this important milestone with our community.”
“Toromont Cat has been a fantastic partner with Riverside for an amazing two decades,” said Joan Roue, manager at Riverside. “The Cat Car for Kids has become its own brand within the IWK 250; the announcement of its celebrity driver and the debut of the livery is much anticipated throughout the racing community in this region, and beyond. Toromont Cat has also been integral in our annual visit to the IWK Health Care Centre and in activating the sponsorship at their location in Dartmouth and at the track on race day. We are very thankful they’ve chosen to continue this longstanding relationship.”
Over the years, the Cat Car for Kids celebrity drivers have included NASCAR stars like Mark Martin, Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, Carson Hocevar, Ricky Craven, Kenny Wallace, Regan Smith, Marcos Ambrose, David Reutimann, Mike Skinner, Aric Almirola, Matt Crafton, and late model superstar Bubba Pollard. The 2027 driver will be announced as the event draws closer.
The IWK 250 Super Weekend is not only one of the most anticipated stock car racing events in Canada, but it has helped raise awareness and over $750,000 has been donated to the IWK Foundation in support of the IWK Health Care Centre – the region’s hospital for children.
The 2027 edition of the IWK 250 Super Weekend is set for July 14-18, kicking off on Wednesday (July 14) when camping for over 800 RVs opens in the morning, followed by practice in the afternoon, and the Dash4Cash $5k-to-win 75-lap pro stock race in the evening. On Thursday, it’s practice in the afternoon and the popular IWK 250 Tailgate party in the evening. Friday will see practice in the afternoon and racing in the evening, highlighted by a 100-lap sportsman race. Saturday is the culmination of the event with the IWK 250 Presented by Steve Lewis – featuring a $125,000+ purse with a guaranteed $20k to win.
Besides the financial rewards there are significant and long-lasting accolades for competitors. The IWK 250 Hanley Hot Laps (time trials) winner will see their name engraved on the perpetual Hanley Cup, honouring North American short track superstar Jr. Hanley, a native of Nova Scotia who calls Riverside home. And the IWK 250 champion will see their name engraved on the iconic John W. Chisholm Memorial Cup – an everlasting tribute to the founder of Riverside and co-founder of the IWK 250, the late John ‘Nova’ Chisholm.
The first '250' at Riverside was held in 1977 - at the time it was the longest stock car race ever in the Maritimes. In 2007, it was rebranded the IWK 250 as a way for co-founders John Chisholm and Steve Lewis to give back after IWK Health Centre care was necessary for a shared family member. The list of IWK 250 champions is a who's who of Canadian short track racers, including several Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame inductees... Jr. Hanley, Don Biederman, Rollie MacDonald, Scott Fraser, and Greg Sewart. The Cat Car for Kids has visited Victory Lane twice, in 2008 with Regan Smith and in 2018 with Kenny Wallace.