The nostalgic hum of engines on a Friday night at a local speedway has long been the heartbeat of American motorsports. This tradition, however, has lost its prominence as NASCAR has evolved, favoring Spec cars and road course racing. Sadly, short tracks, the very crucibles in which many a NASCAR champion was forged, are struggling to retain their dates in the racing calendar. Richmond Raceway, for instance, has lost its slot in the 2025 schedule, a casualty of the introduction of international races in Mexico and a street race in Chicago.
But it’s not all doom and gloom for short track lovers. Amid the uncertainty, a beacon of hope has emerged in the form of the Southside Speedway. Known as the Toughest Track of the South, this revered oval is set for a revival, thanks to the tireless efforts of Chesterfield locals and former racers who yearn to see the track regain its former glory.
The Southside Speedway, a 0.33-mile circuit established in 1959, has been a stepping stone for many successful NASCAR talents, including team-owner and driver, Denny Hamlin. It was here that Hamlin honed his skills in the Mini stock division before earning track records and numerous victories. His talent caught the attention of Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), and the rest, as they say, is history.
However, the track has weathered some challenging times in recent years, particularly during the 2019 COVID pandemic when it was forced to cease racing operations. The future of the Speedway seemed bleak, reminiscent of the fate of AutoClub Speedway, whose 41-acre plot was bought by the county in June 2021 for commercial development. Despite Hamlin’s expressed interest in reviving the track, it was investor group CRI, led by Lin O’Neil and Jeff Oakley, who committed to restoring auto racing to the area.
The Chesterfield Economic Development Authority, along with the Board of Supervisors, has finalized a 20-year lease-to-purchase agreement for the Southside Speedway. O’Neil, himself a regular at the track in its heyday, stated, “Yesterday Jeff and I were rivals and today we are business partners who want to see our hometown racetrack thrive for years to come.”
It was assumed that Denny Hamlin, given his close ties to the track, might play a role in its resurrection. However, when queried about his involvement, Hamlin clarified that he had merely had some discussions about it and had left the matter to the state and county officials.
The CRI-led revival plan, which does not yet have a definitive timeline, includes track resurfacing, grandstand improvements, and rehabilitation of existing structures within the first year. The track is expected to be sanctioned by NASCAR, and O’Neil suggested that this process could extend into 2026-27.
Southside Speedway’s revival could potentially lure Dale Jr.’s CARS Tour, adding another layer of excitement to the endeavor. While it may be a stretch to envision NASCAR returning to Southside Speedway, there is a possibility of Denny Hamlin organizing a significant event similar to the one he held in 2007.
Hamlin’s 2007 event at the Southside Speedway is etched in the annals of the track’s history. After ascending to the NASCAR Cup Series, Hamlin returned to his home track, drawing the largest crowd the venue had seen in years. The following year, he even brought his teammate Kyle Busch for a special 175-lap Late Model event, benefiting the newly founded Denny Hamlin Foundation. This event catapulted Southside Speedway back into the limelight, turning it into the talk of the town.
With the impending restoration of Southside Speedway, there is a tantalizing possibility of seeing Hamlin and Dale Jr. compete in a CARS Tour race. This could potentially shatter attendance records at the track, marking a triumphant return for the Toughest Track of the South.