Bandolero Nationals Coming to Hawkeye Downs in 2024

In 2024, INEX Bandolero Nationals will take place on Friday, September 6th and Saturday, September 7th at Hawkeye Downs Speedway in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Last year, the Bandolero Nationals were held at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Charlotte, North Carolina. We are excited and ready to welcome the nation’s most exceptional young drivers to the Midwest!

Schedule and public admission information will be released as it is available. Participation in the Bandolero Nationals is a requirement for every driver in the Bandit or Outlaw divisions in order to be eligible to win their respective division’s national championship. Read more on the INEX Racing Series website below.

What is a Bandolero?

Bandoleros have two racing divisions: Bandits (drivers between the ages of 7 and 11) and Outlaws (drivers over the age of 12).

“Using the same magic formula that made the Legend Cars the most mass-produced competition car in history, officials of USLCI have introduced the Bandolero Car. The Bandolero Car is a turnkey, spec-series racer designed for drivers as young as eight years old and the young-at-heart at any age.

The Bandolero Car serves as a stepping stone between a 1/4 Midget or kart and a race car that is simple for everybody to use. The driver operates a Bandolero in a similar manner to a kart with left foot braking. The car is equipped with a centrifugal clutch so the driver does not have to shift gears.

The Bandolero Car's motivation is provided by a thumping Briggs & Stratton 570cc Vanguard engine mounted behind the driver. Small modifications have been made to the engine to bring the once 20HP stock engine to nearly 30HP.” Learn more online here.