411 Motor Speedway has seen its final race. As was reported here in November, the Seymour, Tennessee track is being sold to a car parts company with demolition starting soon. In a Facebook post made by Pierce McCarter, son of Mitch and Tanya McCarter, the facility has been sold. Other members of the McCarter family have made similar posts without mentioning the sale. They thanked the employees, drivers, and fans that have been supporters of the 3/8-mile track since their ownership started in 2010.
The final sale of the speedway was delayed over zoning issues. Residents near the track actually fought to keep the speedway intact over daily noise issues of a car parts facility versus noise a few times a month. Once those hurdles were cleared, plans moved forward for the sale.
News of the end of 411 has set off a wave of concern for dirt racing in East Tennessee. In early July, Jed Emert stepped down as manager of Smoky Mountain Speedway. The move brought about a lot of speculation about the future of the Maryville, Tennessee track.
There have been lingering questions about the future of Volunteer Speedway in Bulls Gap, Tennessee. Vic Hill has been managing the facility for the last several seasons. The Loven family have been actively trying to find a buyer for the track with Joe Loven in declining health. With a possible new development coming on the opposite side of the interstate, questions will continue as long as a new owner cannot be found.
While the closure of 411 Motor Speedway has many concerned, there is ample opportunity for those to get into the sport via track ownership to strengthen racing in the area. Until those people step forward, questions and doubts will remain. For those that still love racing, they are hopeful this is not the beginning of the end.
