Volusia Speedway Park

Overview

The track was built by Benny Corbin and opened in 1968 as a 1/4 mile dirt oval, operating through 1969. It expanded to 3/8 mile (still dirt) in August 1969, operating through 1971. It was expanded again to 1/2 mile in February 1972. Dick Murphy bought the racetrack in 1982, and paved it in 1989. Murphy sold it in 1992, and re-purchased it in 1997, when it was converted back to dirt.

The 3/8 mile dirt oval opened behind turn four of the original oval, operating from 1993 until it was paved in 1998 for a NASCAR Southeast Series event, but in 1999 it was converted back into dirt. In late 2004 the paved surface was torn up and removed and the karting track that was located inside of the asphalt track was redesigned and took over all of the former track. The 1/5 mile dirt karting track complex is known as "Volusia Karting".

Murphy sold the facility in 2005 to DIRT Motorsports, later renamed the World Racing Group.

Various pit scenes from the 1990 film Days of Thunder were filmed at the speedway.

Events

The track currently hosts races from both the World of Outlaws Sprint Car and Late Model series, along with the DIRTcar UMP late model series, the Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modifieds and UMP Modifieds. In 2021, Daytona Beach Bike Week flat track events, sanctioned by American Flat Track, moved from Daytona to Volusia Speedway Park. In 2022, American Flat Track added a Biketoberfest race at Volusia.

Winternationals

Since 1972 Volusia Speedway Park’s showcase event has been the now branded DIRTcar Nationals. Originally a three-night event, it has grown to a three-week extravaganza of DIRTcar racing featuring the nation’s premier short-track racing divisions. Wayne Shugart claimed the first championship, and competition for the Gator Trophy has since marked the beginning of the short-track racing season.

NASCAR events

The NASCAR Southeast Series had run nine races in the complex between 1991 and 1998, the first eight events were on the 1/2 mile paved track. The last event, in 1998, was on the 3/8 mile recently paved oval but since it was converted back into dirt for 1999, the track was removed from the Southeast schedule.

From 1989 until 1992, the track hosted a NASCAR Busch Series race on the 1/2 mile layout.

References

References

1. [[Juliet Macur. Macur, Juliet]] (February 5, 1998}.[https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1998/02/05/tracks-altered-state/ Track's Altered State], ''[[Orlando Sentinel]]''. FL. Retrieved February 4, 2019.
2. Prieur, Matt. (January 25, 2018). "DIRTcar Late Models Set the Stage for the World Of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series at Volusia". DIRTcar Racing.
3. Goodwin, Kelly (October 4, 2016). [https://www.news-journalonline.com/sports/20161004/volusia-speedway-park-closes-but-will-return-for-dirtcar-nationals Volusia Speedway Park closes but will return for DIRTcar Nationals]. ''[[The Daytona Beach News-Journal]].'' Retrieved February 4, 2019.
4. Willis, Ken. (February 1, 2025). "DIRTcar Nationals kicking up dirt in Barberville. New Smyrna also ready to roll soon". [[The Daytona Beach News-Journal ]].
5. Dean, Zach. (March 11, 2021). "Shayna Texter-Bauman looks to put 'rough' AFT season behind her in Volusia Speedway opener". [[The Daytona Beach News-Journal]].
6. (November 24, 2021). "2022 Progressive American Flat Track Schedule Announced". [[Cycle News]].
7. "History - Volusia Winternationals".
8. "Volusia County Speedway". NASCAR Digital Media, LLC.