Denny Hamlin’s childhood track gets a new life, bringing fresh hope to a place rich with racing history. Southside Speedway, once home to fierce competition, faced an uncertain future after closing in 2019. Now, a 20-year lease agreement promises major upgrades, including resurfacing and structural improvements. Investors are working to secure NASCAR sanctioning, and the return of major racing events is on the horizon. Could this revival restore the track’s former glory and reshape short-track racing’s future?
Key Highlights
- Southside Speedway, where Denny Hamlin started racing, is set for revitalization after a 20-year lease agreement was secured.
- Planned upgrades for the track include resurfacing, grandstand improvements, and structural rehabilitations to enhance safety and amenities.
- The revival project aims to secure NASCAR sanctioning and attract Dale Jr.’s CARS Tour for increased visibility.
- Denny Hamlin’s past events at Southside Speedway have helped maintain interest in the track’s legacy and future.
- Marketing efforts will focus on drawing new fans and reconnecting with former supporters to ensure the track’s success.
The Heart of Short-Track Racing and Its Decline
Although the roar of engines and the thrill of speed once defined the essence of Friday nights across America, the heart of short-track racing has experienced a gradual decline. For generations, these tracks were the cradle of American motorsports, where families gathered, and young drivers honed their skills.
However, as NASCAR evolved, prioritizing spec cars and road course racing, short tracks found themselves overshadowed. This shift led to fewer dates on the NASCAR schedule, with tracks like Richmond Raceway losing prominence. The rise of international races and urban settings further contributed to this shift, pushing local tracks to the margins.
Yet, despite these challenges, the passion for short-track racing endures among dedicated communities. The local speedways remain symbolic, representing a simpler era of motorsport where competition was personal, and the community was intimately involved in every race, shaping the dreams of aspiring drivers and fans similarly.
Southside Speedway’s Legacy and Its Struggles
Southside Speedway stands as a symbol of the vibrant history of short-track racing, its legacy etched into the careers of many prominent NASCAR drivers. Established in 1959, the 0.33-mile circuit became a proving ground for talents like Denny Hamlin, who honed his skills in the Mini Stock division before capturing track records. His expertise caught the attention of Joe Gibbs Racing, paving the way for his NASCAR career.
However, the speedway faced considerable challenges, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to its closure in 2019. Uncertainty loomed as the county acquired the 41-acre site in June 2021, considering its conversion into a commercial hub.
https://t.co/zZuVBOdDPD pic.twitter.com/JsivB90jCZ
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) March 11, 2025
Despite these struggles, Hamlin expressed interest in reviving the track. The commitment of investors Lin O’Neil and Jeff Oakley to restore racing to the area offered a glimmer of hope for preserving the track’s storied legacy.
Southside Speedway’s Revival and Future Plans
The story of Southside Speedway is one of resilience and nostalgia, as the cherished track that once witnessed the rise of racing legends now gears up for a promising revival.
The Board of Supervisors and the Chesterfield Economic Development Authority have secured a 20-year ground lease-to-purchase agreement, ensuring the track’s future.
“As one of the many people who grew up on Friday nights at Southside Speedway, the track holds a special place in my heart. Yesterday Jeff and I were rivals and today we are business partners who want to see our hometown racetrack thrive for years to come.” – Lin O’Neil
The revived speedway aims to capture its former glory with planned upgrades, including track resurfacing, grandstand improvements, and structural rehabilitations within the initial year.
While Denny Hamlin, a name synonymous with Southside, has not played a formal role in this revival, his past associations echo in the grandstands.
“I’m not, no. I just had some talks with it, but I kind of just left it up to the state in the county to, you know, let me know what their next steps [are]. You know how they would like me involved in the next steps, and I haven’t heard back.” – denny hamlin
NASCAR’s potential sanctioning and the possible attraction of Dale Jr.’s CARS Tour highlight the track’s promising prospects.
O’Neil, once a rival on the track, now stands as a partner dedicated to seeing the speedway thrive, emphasizing a shared vision for its flourishing future.
Denny Hamlin’s Past at Southside Speedway and Its Impact
How did a humble short track in Virginia become a vital chapter in Denny Hamlin‘s racing expedition? Southside Speedway was more than just asphalt and stands; it was a proving ground that helped shape Hamlin’s career.
Racing at Southside and Langley Speedway laid the foundation that would propel him to the prestigious NASCAR Cup Series with Joe Gibbs Racing. In 2007, Hamlin revisited his roots, organizing an event that rekindled the track’s glory days, drawing unprecedented crowds.
The following year, the track witnessed another milestone, as Hamlin hosted a special 175-lap Late Model event. This race, featuring NASCAR luminary Kyle Busch, not only garnered attention but also highlighted Southside Speedway on national media platforms, such as Speed and FOX during the Richmond Raceway weekend.
Hamlin’s efforts emphasized the significance of short tracks in motorsport, reaffirming Southside’s place in racing history and igniting a renewed interest in its legacy.
The Future of Southside Speedway and Its Potential Comeback
As the echoes of engines and the cheers of fans linger in the memories of those who once filled its stands, Southside Speedway is poised for a revival that could reignite the passion for short track racing.
The track, which played a crucial role in shaping Denny Hamlin’s career, is set to receive a much-needed facelift. Enthusiasts of the sport are enthusiastic for the potential return of iconic races that forged the legends of NASCAR.
The possibility of Hamlin and Dale Jr. competing in a CARS Tour race could draw unprecedented attendance, setting new records for the storied venue.
Potential elements of the speedway’s comeback include:
- Improvements to the track facilities, guaranteeing safety and modern amenities.
- Tactical marketing campaigns to attract new fans and reconnect with past supporters.
- Hosting special events featuring racing legends to elevate community engagement.
- Collaborations with racing organizations to guarantee a steady calendar of events.
News in Brief: Denny Hamlin’s Childhood Track Gets a New Life
Southside Speedway, once a vibrant cradle of short-track racing, holds a cherished place in motorsport history, especially for legends like Denny Hamlin. Its decline mirrored the fading of local racing traditions, but its resurgence promises a revival of community spirit and racing passion.
With plans for revitalization underway, Southside Speedway stands poised to reclaim its legacy, offering a nostalgic yet hopeful insight into the future, where past victories inspire new generations of racers and fans similarly.
ALSO READ: Denny Hamlin Dismisses Christopher Bell’s Hot Streak as Pure Luck in Blunt Podcast Rant
