Jackson Macenko is a rising star of the 500 Sprint Car Tour
At just 22 years old, Jackson Macenko has quickly become one of the most promising young drivers in American pavement sprint car racing. Born on February 18, 2004, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Macenko’s passion for speed and competition has already taken him from rookie hopeful to a consistent front-runner on the yourBIGplans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour and beyond.
Macenko began his partnership with Brad Hayes Racing in 2023, marking the team’s first foray into non-wing pavement sprint car competition. The pairing quickly proved successful.
Under the guidance of Brad Hayes and chief mechanic Tony Fox, Macenko adapted rapidly to the power and intensity of sprint car racing. Before joining the sprint ranks, Hayes Racing built its reputation in the Kenyon Midget Series, and that developmental background gave Macenko the foundation to step up with confidence and maturity 500sprintcartour.com.
By 2024, Macenko’s growing experience translated into strong performances. He made his debut at the legendary Little 500 at Anderson Speedway, a grueling 500-lap race that tests even the most seasoned veterans. Despite a crash ending his 2024 run early, he returned in 2025 to finish a resilient fifth place, running 495 laps without issue for Brad Hayes Racing andersonspeedway.com.
Statistically, Macenko’s 2025 campaign was his breakout season. Competing across the nine-race 500 Sprint Car Tour schedule, he earned four top-five finishes and seven top-10s, including a career-best second place in the Glen Niebel Classic at Anderson Speedway, where he led 41 laps. Those performances cemented his reputation as a driver capable of battling with series elites like Bobby Santos III and Tyler Roahrig racingamerica.com.
Heading into the 2026 season, Macenko’s mindset has evolved alongside his skill. Reflecting on past frustrations, he’s focused on maintaining composure and capitalizing on every opportunity. “The biggest thing is staying calm and mentally sharp when things get tough,” he said. “We have the speed—now it’s about finishing the job.”
Now a seasoned competitor in both the 500 Sprint Car Tour and USAC Silver Crown series, where he’s logged multiple top-ten finishes, Jackson Macenko represents the next generation of discipline, dedication, and speed in open-wheel racing. With his aggressive yet composed driving style and a strong team behind him, the Cincinnati native is poised to turn hunger into trophies and promise into victory lanes across America.
