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Preserving NASCAR’s Heritage: The Struggle and Hope for Historic Short Tracks Amid Ownership Changes

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
March 8, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Can Ty Gibbs Salvage His 2025 NASCAR Season? Fans Question His Readiness Amid Troubling Start

Feb 16, 2025; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Ty Gibbs (54) wrecks during the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

The pulse of short track racing, with its thrilling close-quarters action and fender-to-fender battles on compact ovals, is under threat, with some pundits evoking a dire forecast for NASCAR’s future. However, NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon counters with optimism, stating: “The road courses are the new short track. We need more short tracks on the circuit.” A testament to this sentiment was the recent Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, which drew hordes of fans, their excitement palpable as they camped outside the venue, awaiting the heart-stopping spectacle of cars jostling for position on the quarter-mile track.

But the recent closure of the iconic Irwindale Speedway has cast a shadow over the sport, driving home the reality that the survival of these compact arenas – the heart and soul of NASCAR – is not guaranteed. These gritty tracks, brimming with non-stop action and boasting a rich NASCAR legacy, need preservation. A case in point is the Slinger Super Speedway, a 77-year-old track under new ownership, whose dreams of glory are hampered by lack of support.

Last year, the 45th ‘Annual Slinger Nationals’ unfurled at the Slinger Super Speedway, featuring a riveting 200-lap Super Late Model showdown. Andrew Morrissey clinched the victory but was subsequently disqualified for failing the front roof height inspection, handing the win to Brad Mueller. Other top performers included Derek Thorn, Derek Kraus, Steve Apel, and R.J. Braun. “The Slinger Nationals continues to be a premier short track event,” said Racing America, acknowledging the event’s significance and its impressive $15,000 prize.

Earlier this year, the track changed hands, with owners Todd and Elizabeth Thelen selling it to Travis and Kelsey Dassow on February 24. The Dassows, local racers with a deep-seated passion for the sport, are determined to keep the track’s legacy alive. “We believe change brings fresh perspectives and new opportunities,” said Kelsey Dassow. They have retained the 2025 schedule, including the Nationals and an ASA STARS race on June 15. However, their ambition to make the Nationals a nationally sanctioned race remains unfulfilled.

The 2020 NASCAR Truck series champion, Ty Majeski, set the fastest lap record at 11.384 seconds, with NASCAR stars like Ryan Preece, William Byron, and Erik Jones gracing the track at different times. These events, broadcast live on RacingAmerica.tv, attracted top Midwest talent to the venue, known for its high banks and intense rivalry. The track has nurtured compelling narratives, such as Mueller’s maiden Slinger Nationals win in 2024, and the controversy stirred by Morrissey’s disqualification.

Despite the challenges, the Dassows are unwavering in their resolve to propel the track forward. They are optimistic about their partnership with Ricky Brooks and his group, UARA, who were brought on board to oversee technical inspection for the prestigious Slinger Nationals. The Dassows’ dream of a sanctioned Nationals, however, remains a work in progress.

Meanwhile, NASCAR grapples with the declining popularity of short tracks. The debut of the 2022 Next Gen car shifted fan preferences towards the likes of Kansas or Charlotte, while short tracks like Bristol and Martinsville, once hailed as the best racing spots, lost their sheen. NASCAR’s VP of vehicle design, Brandon Thomas, acknowledged the issue and assured that efforts are underway to restore the allure of short tracks. One major change implemented in 2024 involved reducing the car’s undertray on short tracks and road courses to enhance competitiveness.

Despite the hurdles, NASCAR remains committed to keeping the legacy of short track racing alive. NASCAR’s chief racing development officer, John Probst, insisted, “We’ll try again” if needed, underlining the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines the sport. Short tracks may indeed be a tough puzzle, but their preservation is pivotal to keeping the heart of NASCAR beating.

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