The weather…? It looked a bit sketchy but the indications in the forecast was a clearing by the afternoon. The situation had been set with a holding pattern for possibilities. A non-immediate social media message mentioned making time to visit but, of course, that was read as “come visit today!!”.
The gentleman and his team that currently have their hands on Ararat had been, for 5 or 6 years previous, running Franklin County Raceway (Speedway) under the “Moonshine Capital Promotions” moniker. The decision was made at some point to take on Ararat, which had been dormant since the 2021 season closed.
With that, and a desire to check off a box for a track in Virginia not yet visited, the open invitation to make the run turned into a plan. However, “plan” and “OK I’ll go” with an all too common “how hard can it be” mentality mixed together with, “while I’m going that way…” turned into a mish-mash of racing and road-trip coincidence.
Elk Creek Dragway is in SW Virginia. Ararat is as well. It seemed perfectly natural to go check out both! The racing at Elk Creek had been slightly on hold from a morning bit of rain but was getting under way as I got in. Granted, Bristol to the west by not so far was hosting NHRA so, perhaps, the presence was a little on the light side. The weather threat may have contributed. However, none of that took away from the facility, the colors, the fresh season look and a cheeseburger as good as any.
The staff, crew and racers were all working together to move things along and the mountain surroundings made for pleasant views around the green light speed of the competitors. As the primary trip was to Ararat, time was compressed but there was enough to see to mark it as a “Come back when can” destination.
So – With that and a drive on by twisty, country roads, the hillside of racing at the Ararat Bullring came into view a bit later. The anthem and practice came through. The schedule got under way for a “fan appreciation” night. This was a grateful return from the track back at the fans and racers for coming back out for this season after a few years of being dark.
Shortcomings…? Yes… Of course. Concessions were stressed a bit and there were some communications errors but, all in all, the evening went by smooth enough unless one was looking hard for something to really be off about.
For racing…? The “Bullring” handle is not applied lightly. Tight racing, close challenges, four and five wide coming out of the turns…! A dirt track brought back from the brink that caries 3/10 of a mile around an oval with slight banking pushes the drivers into a challenge on and against each other on every lap. The center infield is open with a designated path for caution and exits but, beyond that, the track is all racing from green to checkered.
The short…? It can be a bit of a trek to get to with roads and hills in the deep country between Mt Airy and Galax or Stuart but plan a bit and check it out. The daytime drive through the scenery is quite spectacular and the racing at the “Bullring” does not disappoint. The lights are on. The overhead sound works. The folks are working hard to make the show and the show is fast. Check the scheduled to find an opportunity to check it out.
Photos from Ararat Bullring – June 7, 2025
