10 Dirt Tracks Missing from National Sprint Car Schedules

With Donny Schatz earning win number 500 behind the wheel of a sprint car, it got me taking a trip down memory lane to some dirt tracks that we do not get to see much of anymore. Over the years, the only opportunity for some of these tracks to get showcased was with the World of Outlaws schedule. Now, with High Limit becoming a national series, I hope we get to see more schedule diversity in the future.

There are various reasons why some tracks are no longer on the schedule. It could be due to new safety regulations, lack of local cars in the area, or lack of fan interest. Either way, after looking back at all of the tracks that Schatz has won at, these are some of the facilities that I would like to see one of the national series’ return to in the future.

Big Sky Speedway, Montana

The World of Outlaws used to host the “Big Sky Brawl” at Big Sky Speedway in Montana. This is a track that should be on any sprint car or dirt racing fan’s bucket list. It is in one of the most beautful parts of the country and it produces great racing. The speedway still hosts ASCS Frontier Region 360 races, including the $12,012 to win Ostermiller Memorial. That race will take place on 8/23-8/24 this year.

Black Hills Speedway, South Dakota

Black Hills Speedway is a big half-mile track in South Dakota. With all of the renovations and big races being held at Huset’s, Black Hills Speedway has been quickly forgotten. Half-miles do not always produce the best racing, but this is a great looking facility that last held a World of Outlaws race in 2021.

New Egypt Speedway, New Jersey

One of the more uniquely shaped dirt tracks you will find, New Egypt is known for weekly modified action. The track has held its fair share of sprint car races in the past, but nothing recently. It is a track that might not seem like it will produce a good race, as heat races are usually one lane around the bottom. That changes come feature time, with drivers having to get creative with their line to get the best drive off of the corner.

Willamette Speedway, Oregon

One of the things I was looking at when making this list was how the crowds looked during these events. Willamette was one that you could hear the fans cheer over the sound of the engines. That tells me that there is plenty of interest in the area. I did notice that Willamette might have some safety issues, with a few openings in the track that could be dangerous for sprint cars. That did not stop the Outlaws from putting on a great show back in 2018.

Fulton Speedway, New York

The New York tracks get some hate when the 410 sprint cars come to town due to their slick surfaces. High Limit will be making trips to Outlaw, Utica-Rome and Fonda in 2024, while the Outlaws will be returning to Weedsport. Fulton Speedway, a track with tight, wide turns, is one that should be on the schedule. It’s shape makes for some good race craft and the potential for some great racing.

Central Arizona Speedway, Arizona

This is where my bias comes into play. Living in Arizona, we are deprived of 410 sprint car racing. I understand why, as it is essentially impossible to hold a dirt race during any time between June-September due to the extremely hot temperatures. But Arizona has been through enough with a bunch of tracks closing and the ASCS National Series removing the state from their schedule (this was the tracks decision due to ASCS not making the race a mandatory points race for their full-timers). Either way, racing in Arizona in February, March, April and October is all very possible. One thing is for sure, the car counts might not be the best, but I can guarantee the fans will show up in masses.

Millstream Speedway, Ohio

This year, we got the good news that Millstream Speedway would be operational again in 2024. They are on the Ohio Sprint Speedweek schedule and have been posting recent updates about the progress they are making at the track. I am excited to see the FAST Series and Ohio Speedweek at Millstream, but I can’t help but want a national series to add the track to their schedule.

Oshweken Speedway, Ontario, Canada

It has been a while since the Outlaws made a trip over the border to Canada. In the few years that they did, Donny Schatz dominated races at Oshweken and Rad Torque. Oshweken has done a great job with their facility and they hold plenty of major 360 sprint car races throughout the season. While traveling over the border has become more difficult with each year that goes by, I can’t help but want to see another 410 race at Oshweken.

Granite City Motor Park, Minnesota

Last time the World of Outlaws visited Granite City, they only got 19 cars to show. However, the race was one of the best of the season and the car count did not reflect on fan attendance. It is not exactly in a hotbed of sprint cars, but that doesn’t mean the track can’t put on some great racing.

Rolling Wheels, New York (Permanently Closed)

I am adding Rolling Wheels just so I can post the video of Paul McMahan absolutely flying during World of Outlaws qualifying. It’s a shame that Rolling Wheels was forced to shut down, as the facility was not in bad shape. I think some of the issue was the size of the track and how hard it could be on motors during a time when the cost to go dirt racing was on the rise. Someone get the funds together and re-open this joint!