JAMES RIVER, NS – Bubba Pollard, a North American short track racing superstar, will enter the IWK 250 presented by Steve Lewis on July 19 at Riverside International Speedway. Pollard will drive the popular Cat Car for Kids sponsored by Toromont Cat as a teammate to Donald Chisholm and Russell Smith, Jr., out of the Nova Racing shop in Antigonish.
Pollard follows a long list of renowned celebrity drivers in the Cat Car for Kids since its debut in 2008, including NASCAR greats like Mark Martin, Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, Kenny Wallace, and more. Only two celebrity drivers in 15 tries have bested regional talent; Regan Smith won the IWK 250 in 2008, and Wallace won it in 2018.
“We’re excited to be a part of this event,” said Pollard. “It’s been on our to-do list for a while, but hasn’t worked out until now. We’ve heard it’s a phenomenal track with fantastic fans. I’ve watched it a couple of times – it looks like a great event for a really good cause.”
Pollard, 38, hails from Senoia, Georgia. The third-generation driver has over 100 late model victories in some of the biggest and most well-known asphalt super late model races in North America including the ASA Stars Tour at North Wilkesboro, All American 400, Clyde Hart Memorial, Money in the Bank, Oxford 250, Rattler 250 (three times), Slinger Nationals, and Speedfest (four times). He is the only winner of the short-lived Canadian Short Track Nationals in 2018 and 2019. He’s won 14 series championships since 2009 in six series (Miller Lite, Gulf Coast, Southern Super Series, World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing, Blizzard Series, and Spears SR National SL Series). In 2024, Pollard made two starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, one driving for NASCAR superstar Dale Earnhardt Jr.; the race was at Richmond Raceway in Virginia – Pollard finished an impressive sixth.
To commemorate Caterpillar’s 100th anniversary, the Cat Car for Kids will be a Centennial Grey edition like the limited edition Cat equipment offered this year. While Cat machines are now known for their yellow, grey was the original colour when the company was founded in 1925. The Cat Car for Kids further features special badging to denote 100 years for the brand. An artist rendering of the car can be found at www.riversidespeedway.ca.
Pollard will visit the IWK Health Centre in the days preceding the IWK 250, visiting with patients and their families, and inviting them to sign the Cat Car for Kids as co-sponsors with Toromont Cat. Fans attending the Friday and Saturday shows on the IWK 250 Super Weekend will have a chance to meet Pollard and get his autograph on Friday (July 18) between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., and on Saturday (July 19) as part of the IWK 250 pre-race show, starting at 5:30 p.m.
The IWK 250 Super Weekend kicks off Wednesday, July 16, with new-for-’25 the $5k-to-win Dash 4 Cash Pro Stock 75 and the Cross Roads League of Legends. On Thursday, July 17, it’s the IWK 250 Tailgate Party Presented by Coldstream Clear. Friday, July 18, will see the NAPA/Henry’s Auto Parts 100 for the Auto World MASS Sportsman Series and the Maritime Legends Challenge for the Cross Roads Legends Tour. Saturday, July 19, will see the 17th running of the $20k-to-win IWK 250 presented by Steve Lewis – the 36th “250” at Riverside. With the addition of the Dash 4 Cash, more than $178,000 is being offered in prize monies for the IWK 250 Super Weekend – making it one of the richest stock car racing events in Canada and, indeed, on the Eastern seaboard.
Tickets will go on sale for the IWK 250 Super Weekend in the coming days. They are available as single-day tickets or in 2-Day or 3-Day Bundles. The 2-Day bundle includes Friday and Saturday, and the 3-Day Bundle includes Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Those purchasing a Bundle can add Tailgate Party tickets to their cart for just $10 each (regular $25). Ticket pricing, order links, and much more are available on the IWK 250 at www.riversidespeedway.ca. As part of its commitment to affordable family entertainment, kids 15 & under get in free all year long. Anyone on the pre-sale waitlist for IWK 250 tickets will receive advance notification of the on-sale date and time emailed directly to them.
With more than 750 campsite reservations already made for the IWK 250 Super Weekend, the Riverside camping sections are full. Overflow reservations are now being accepted for an area adjacent to the track property (location TBA, closer to the event). Anyone with a reservation who will not be using the site (at all or for a camper) is encouraged to turn it in; full refunds are being offered for a limited time.
The 2025 season at Riverside kicks off on June 28 with the Maple Leaf Classic Presented by Tidal Tractor featuring the NASCAR Canada Series 300 and the Wajax 150 for the FGI Pro Stock Tour – two top touring series in one BIG show. With this being the only stop east of Quebec for the NASCAR Canada Series, Riverside is NASCAR’s East Coast host.
Fans should stay tuned to Riverside’s website (www.riversidespeedway.ca), social media (Facebook, X, and Instagram), and sign up for the electronic newsletter (www.riversidespeedway.ca/media/newsletter) for further announcements regarding the 2025 season at Riverside.
About Riverside International Speedway:
For 56 years, Riverside International Speedway has been recognized as a premier stock racing facility in Canada. The 1/3-mile high-banked asphalt oval roars to action several times each year for special events. It is the largest outdoor entertainment venue in eastern Canada and the home of the IWK 250 – widely known throughout North America as a “bucket list” event for racers and fans alike. It also hosts the NASCAR Canada Series in its only stop on the East Coast. Located in James River, between New Glasgow and Antigonish, the facility is easily accessible at exit 30 on Trans-Canada Highway 104. For more information, please visit www.riversidespeedway.ca or call 902-863-2410 (May to September) or 902-404-7049 (October to April).