Racetracks Re-Opening Across the Country

2012 was a good year for race fans, at least when it comes to racetracks, and 2013 looks to be even better. While the opening of Circuit of the Americas in Austin, TX this past fall to host the Formula 1 race was certainly the biggest in news in racing, several other smaller tracks are undergoing remodels and re-openings–always a boon to those of us mourning the shrinking number of places to race and spectate.

San Antonio Speedway, a half-mile asphalt oval track, re-opened in December after hosting Octoberfast in the fall proved successful enough to give backers the encouragement to proceed. The schedule for 2013 still hasn’t been established, but this is a good sign.

And in California, the Irwindale Speedway (soon to be the Irwindale Event Center) with its half and third-mile circuits and 1/8^th mile drag strip, will re-open sometime this spring and the new half-mile oval Kern County Raceway Park in Bakersfield, CA will also be opening sometime in the spring. The two racetracks will likely alternate Saturday night stock car racing.

Irwindale will also resume its NASCAR Home Program again starting on April 6, 2013, after closing it early in 2012. In the face of all of the drag strip and track closures we see, this is excellent news and all we can say is Go Go Go!

Andreanna Ditton

Andreanna Ditton is the Editorial Director for the Internet Auto Communities and Auto Classifieds groups. She has worked as an editor, managing editor and moto-journalist for more than a decade, specifically focused on the enthusiast race and performance communities, and has a passion for Ford Broncos, Shelby Cobras and tiny British sportscars that she's far too tall for.