More race tracks are a good thing… Right…?
Well, you would think so. It makes sense. Set the stage, however, and you find there are are other variables to consider. More tracks require more cars. More tracks require more fans. More tracks require more tires, fuel, crews… Money.
On the surface that comes across as possibly a negative view on a potentially very positive setting. The reality is what it is. Owning and racing a car is an expensive adventure. Operating a track for those that have race cars is also not an inexpensive adventure.
This equation of money and participation has been very visible lately. Here in Virginia we’ve seen tracks fade out, hang on, come back and cling to life. Franklin County and Natural Bridge are good examples of tracks that came close but have managed to pull back and even grow. Ararat and Oak Level were done (and very done) but are poised for 2026 seasons. Virginia Motor Speedway and Eastside are in limbo or in a “lights out” setting. There are some other tracks that are trying all they can to sustain racing and draw fans.
Pulaski County Motorsports Park (Motor Mile / New River Valley) is now also on the path to come back to speed. The track has been dark for 2 seasons and has been through some management and ownership changes leaving it in a state of ready, but with concerns to address. The 2026 season has been a rush of planning, work and promotion. Everything from paint to plumbing has had hands on. The effort, the weather and the hustle have been on since January with the management partnership of the IHRA (International Hot Rod Association) coming into play.
It’s also been a rush for the General Manager, NASCAR veteran Stacy Compton. He has racing ties to this track which mix with a passion for the sport overall. Compton is looking forward to the IHRA philosophy on late model racing that has a goal of moderating the costs for the racers while presenting a show for race fans. The series late model division and tour have two visits to Pulaski with the first coming up the 21st of March. The rush is on and Compton knows not all will be complete but the needs of the racing and the fans will be there. Setbacks with weather and some previously unattended circumstances have set a pace for the team but they have kept the progress in sight.
A week before the first race and track crews were still painting and working on infrastructure while drivers and teams were on site for hot lap testing. There were some drivers planning on the IHRA tour of five tracks over seven races. There were a few setting up for regular runs focused just on Pulaski. Rules for regular racing were being adopted from those in place for Lonesome Pine Raceway in Coeburn, near Norton and Wise. Coordinating schedules were being set for cooperative racing between the two tracks.
Ultimately, it’s the fans that may decide the whole thing. Pulaski has been diligent with promotion and information as it comes concerning the IHRA series and regular “weekly” racing. For the opener, there is some crossover of the schedule with the IHRA 225 grand opening at Pulaski with South Boston Speedway and the SMART / King Of The Modified track opener. Pulaski also hosts the SMART Tour in August. For the IHRA and the 21st, there are also fan activities planned around the racing lineup.
Compton and the IHRA are also looking at the drag strip and making prep on getting it back on. The work is being done so keep an ear out for the tree to be lit once again.
Racing fans are getting racing back at Pulaski. Support it. Keep it. Enjoy it. Go Racing!
PHOTOS from March 21s, 2026 as area race teams are practicing and Pulaski County Motorsports Park crews are working hard to be ready for the IHRA track opener on March 21st.
