Ryan Blaney partners with family to own Sharon Speedway, forming a new chapter for the renowned racing venue in Hartford, Ohio. The alliance not only preserves the Blaney family’s deep-rooted relationship with the track but also aims to strengthen the legacy of one of dirt racing’s most historic sites.
Blaney Family Deepens Roots at Sharon Speedway
Ryan Blaney, known for his respect for the sport’s traditions, has officially become a partner with his father, Dave Blaney, in overseeing Sharon Speedway. The 3/8-mile clay track, which straddles the Ohio-Pennsylvania border, has been an iconic location in both the dirt track and sprint car scenes since its opening in 1929.
Dave Blaney has been involved in the track’s ownership since 2002, sharing the role with two longtime friends from the region who also had close ties to the family. Their decision to step away provided Ryan Blaney with the chance to join as a co-owner, creating a meaningful partnership that blends legacy and enthusiasm.
“Yeah, we’re really excited that we finally got it done and put it out there,”
—Ryan Blaney, Partner/Driver
This historic racetrack has hosted major events such as the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars and Late Models, the All Star Circuit of Champions, Super DIRTcar Series, and the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series across more than twenty seasons.
Blaney’s connection to Sharon Speedway isn’t limited to management. Years earlier, he celebrated his 40th and final career win in a dirt sprint car at the same track, underlining how Sharon has shaped both his personal memories and career highlights.
A Family Legacy and New Vision
For the Blaneys, Sharon Speedway is more than an enterprise; it’s woven into their family history. Growing up just five miles from the venue, generations of Blaneys—including Ryan’s grandparents, his father Dave, and uncle—have created and cherished memories at the oval.
“I grew up around that place, my dad and uncle, and grandparents grew up five miles down the road from Sharon. It just means a lot.”
—Ryan Blaney, Partner/Driver
Not only did Ryan spend much of his childhood at the track, but he also learned the business firsthand by taking on various jobs. He contributed everywhere he could, from selling programs to handling ticket sales, an experience that gave him practical insights into running a local speedway.
“I remember I used to sell programs and would answer phones for ticket sales, even though I didn’t know what I was doing,”
—Ryan Blaney, Partner/Driver
Ambitious Plans and Renewed Energy
As Ryan Blaney steps into his new managerial role alongside his father and family friend Will Thomas, he’s focused on honoring tradition while also taking Sharon Speedway into the future. Efforts to improve both fan experience and racing quality are at the forefront of their vision, with goals like possibly increasing prize purses and introducing new activities around the track for spectators.
“It was just an opportunity that I couldn’t let pass up. It’s really neat to be partners with Dad and another great guy who’s in it too, Will Thomas, who Dad grew up with in the area.”
—Ryan Blaney, Partner/Driver
There is clear excitement about the chance to put new ideas in place while still cherishing what the track means to the local community, drivers, and long-time fans.
“So it’s fun, it’s cool. I would never own any other speedway than (Sharon) just because Sharon has a close place in my heart and it’s going to be a fun adventure with my dad,”
—Ryan Blaney, Partner/Driver
Ensuring Sharon Speedway’s Place in Racing History
By welcoming Ryan Blaney as a partner, the team at Sharon Speedway is making a passionate commitment to long-term success. The infusion of family history, professional racing experience, and energetic leadership sets the stage for Sharon to remain a significant venue in the realm of dirt track and sprint car racing.
As the next generation of the Blaney family shapes this iconic track, the partnership promises to keep racing tradition alive and create new stories for the sport’s fans and future stars. Sharon Speedway, under the guidance of Ryan and his family, enters its next era determined to embrace both its storied past and ambitious future.
