The 2016 season should be considered a successful racing season by many of the tracks in the east Tennessee area. Lots of fans turned out and lots of good car counts on most weeks.
Many of those tracks are putting some money into their facilities as the off-season has begun for most. Some of those have already started on their work while others are still underway.
Tazewell Speedway recently put down fresh clay on the 1/3-mile, ultra high-banked oval. The work actually started in early September, but was put on hold until their season was finished. With the 2016 season in the rear view mirror, work has resumed with the hopes of producing a racier surface.
“We have been wanting to do this for a few years, but it was tough to find the right dirt and enough of it,” said Gary Hall, owner of Tazewell Speedway. “I had talked to a number of excavating companies about letting me know if they found some we could get. It wasn’t until late August when we found the right type of dirt and enough of it to do the job.”
Fresh clay was added at Tazewell Speedway.
Volunteer Speedway in Bulls Gap is another track hauling in fresh clay for their racing surface. Many have speculated during the season the future of the track. Replenishing the racing surface has renewed hopes the track will remain open in 2017 and for years to come.
Wartburg Speedway will also see some changes under the new ownership of Raymond Sheppard. A part-time racer and former race director, Sheppard decided to get into the track ownership business when he bought the 1/4-mile bullring. His immediate objective is to make some improvements to get fans and races to come back.
Fresh clay, new lighting, and totally rebuilding the grandstands are part of the improvements under way at Wartburg Speedway.
One the biggest changes is taking place at Smoky Mountain Speedway in Maryville. Being a special events only track, the 4/10-mile track has drawn some huge crowds over the last couple of season. Some needed changes are coming to the concourse area behind the grandstands that includes a new grandstand concessions stand and a new control tower.
The fencing between the parking area and the grandstands have been removed.
“Our plan is to take out the fence behind the grandstand and move it back about 40 feet,” said Roger Sellers, one of the track’s co-owners. “When we have a Lucas race or a World of Outlaws race, we have some many fans it gets tight for people to walk around, especially around the concession stand. And there isn’t enough room for all the souvenir trailers that come to those events.”
Plans are to have all the work completed by their first race in March.
Workers prepare to demolish the grandstand concessions building.
