AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • WRC
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • WRC
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

Revival of Denny Hamlin’s Hometown Track: The Future of Southside Speedway Explained

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
March 12, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Denny Hamlin’s Mixed Emotions: Saluting Team’s Success Despite Personal Frustrations in Phoenix Raceway Nail-Biter

Mar 9, 2025; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) during the Shriners Children’s 500 at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

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.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Denny Hamlin’s Ultimatum: Stay Home for Baby’s Birth or Race in Mexico City
NASCAR

Denny Hamlin’s Ultimatum: Stay Home for Baby’s Birth or Race in Mexico City

Denny Hamlin answers questions from reporters during Media Day at Daytona International Speedway, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025.

by Carl Smith
June 10, 2025
Arvid Lindblad’s Meteoric Rise: Red Bull Prodigy Fast-Tracked to Formula 1 Glory
Motorsports

Arvid Lindblad’s Meteoric Rise: Red Bull Prodigy Fast-Tracked to Formula 1 Glory

Dutch Photo Agency / Red Bull Content Pool

by Miguel Cunha
June 10, 2025
Daniel Ricciardo Reignites F1 Dreams Amidst Legendary Reunion
Motorsports

Daniel Ricciardo Reignites F1 Dreams Amidst Legendary Reunion

Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

by Arthur Ling
June 10, 2025
Arvid Lindblad granted Super Licence exemption, expands Red Bull’s Formula 1 options
Motorsports

Arvid Lindblad granted Super Licence exemption, expands Red Bull’s Formula 1 options

Leo Francis / Red Bull Content Pool

by Redação
June 10, 2025

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent News

Denny Hamlin’s Ultimatum: Stay Home for Baby’s Birth or Race in Mexico City

Denny Hamlin’s Ultimatum: Stay Home for Baby’s Birth or Race in Mexico City

June 10, 2025
Arvid Lindblad’s Meteoric Rise: Red Bull Prodigy Fast-Tracked to Formula 1 Glory

Arvid Lindblad’s Meteoric Rise: Red Bull Prodigy Fast-Tracked to Formula 1 Glory

June 10, 2025
Daniel Ricciardo Reignites F1 Dreams Amidst Legendary Reunion

Daniel Ricciardo Reignites F1 Dreams Amidst Legendary Reunion

June 10, 2025
Arvid Lindblad granted Super Licence exemption, expands Red Bull’s Formula 1 options

Arvid Lindblad granted Super Licence exemption, expands Red Bull’s Formula 1 options

June 10, 2025

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • WRC
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

Enable Notifications OK No thanks