NASCAR World Ecstatic as Dale Jr. Teases Return of ‘Toughest Short Track in South’

There is good news for Dale Earnhardt Jr. After Southside Speedway was closed in 2020 because of the pandemic, it will now return. The track hosted the NASCAR Cup Series from 1961-63 and saw many veterans compete there. However, for Hamlin, the track brings back memories of his childhood. Before becoming an accomplished driver himself, he would attend the races there as a young child.

A sucker for short-track venues, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was excited to learn that Southside Speedway and Newport Speedway will reopen soon.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. elated about the prospect of returning to iconic tracks!

After learning about the news, Dale Earnhardt Jr. shared via his X account, “With the news of a possible return for Newport, I had a note passed to me today that says that Southside Speedway in VA is absolutely also on the path to a return. Incredible to hear these two historic facilities will soon be back in operation.”

After the COVID-19 pandemic, the entire 2020 schedule was canceled. Post that, it was announced that the track was permanently closing. Its closure cost about $80,000 per year in business. However, Southside Speedway found a new lifeline when the Chesterfield Economic Development Authority, which currently owns it, bought it for $4.5 million in 2021. This takeover came with the promise of making the track operational, along with a major revamp. This move was also backed by the local community, which was involved in the process of breathing new life into the racetrack.

Some interesting facts about Southside Speedway:

• The .333-mile short asphalt race track has hosted several events, such as NASCAR, Late Models, Modified, U-Cars, and street stock races.
• Legends like Richard Petty, Junior Johnson, and Michael Waltrip have also graced the venue.
• This is also where Joe Gibbs Racing star driver, Denny Hamlin, started his racing career in the mini-stock car division.
• Hamlin even hosted his own event at the racetrack named ‘Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown’ from 2008 to 2010.

Now after Dale Jr. posted the recent development on Southside Speedway, people were quick to share their thoughts.

Historic Southside Speedway’s return excites NASCAR fans!

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A fan was relieved about the fact that racing would return to the iconic short track and not be replaced by commercial hubs. “I’m happy to see a track return rather than become a Walmart or 100 townhomes”.

The Southside Speedway closed after the 2020 season- that’s more than 60 years of racing history that came to a halt. The racetrack has been a popular destination for CARS Tours and a fan was curious to know about the potential events at the venue after the revamp. “Would the cars tour make it to south side speedway?”

Drivers such as Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, Bobby Allison, and Richard Petty have competed there. In fact, Wendell Scott, the first Black driver to contend full-time at the top level, also competed there.

Another fan was happy to see the iconic racetrack on the recovery path after the recent slump. “It is awesome to see the resurgence of these racetracks! Especially ones with such historical NASCAR significance. That’s something to get excited about!”

Remember how North Wilkesboro Speedway was revived in 2022? It sat abandoned before Dale Earnhardt Jr. made efforts to clear it in 2019. Thus, the track successfully made its formal iRacing debut.

Appreciative of Dale Jr. sharing the news, a user also expressed how much effort it took by the local racing community to get the race track back under repair and renovation. “Thanks for recognizing Southside Speedway. A lot of fans and competitors have worked countless hours petitioning the county officials to get the track reopened.”

During meetings regarding the track, local residents could also write their feedback on Post-it Notes. They would write “Save the Speedway.” It was a part of their community. The track also once raised money for a children’s hospital and contributed to local businesses.

It looks like Dale Jr’s sentiments about short tracks making a comeback are also shared by racing fans. What do you think?

Read More: How Dale Earnhardt Jr Used Opportunity and Technology to Bring Attention to the Grassroots of NASCAR