Some places in West Virginia get quietly forgotten, left to weeds and rust until everyone assumes they are gone for good. That almost happened to a stretch of clay oval that once thundered with engines and packed hillsides full of cheering fans.
For years it sat silent, reclaimed by nature, and folks figured the roar was finished for good. Then a handful of stubborn believers decided the story was not over yet.
A Clay Oval Tucked Into the Hills of Mineral Wells
Tucked off a quiet road in Wood County, this dirt racing venue sits in the rolling countryside outside Parkersburg, where the hills fold around the track like a natural amphitheater. It is a car racing spot at heart, built for the growl of engines and the spray of flying clay.
Locals know it as the place where dirt track racing comes alive on warm nights. The setting feels tucked away, yet it draws crowds from across the region who come to watch machines slide through the corners.
What makes the location special is how the land itself shapes the experience. Grassy slopes give fans a raised view, and the open air carries the sound of racing across the valley.
Visitors say it is a genuine slice of small-town West Virginia entertainment, the kind of gathering spot where families spread out with chairs and settle in for the evening. The address, 788 Speedway Road in Mineral Wells, points you toward a track that has become a point of pride for the community that fought to keep it running.
The World’s Fastest Dirt Track and Its Boom Years
Back on May 19, 1985, the gates first swung open on a 5/8-mile clay oval that quickly earned a bold nickname: the “World’s Fastest Dirt Track.” That title stuck because of the sheer speed cars could reach on such a big, sweeping surface.
Through the 1990s, the place hit its stride. Crowds poured in for high-speed action, and the venue became a fixture for racing fans who loved watching drivers push their limits around the long oval.
Old-timers still talk fondly about those years, when the stands filled up and the dust hung in the air like a badge of honor. There was something electric about a track known far and wide for pure speed.
Longtime fans mention the nostalgia for that original big layout, and it is easy to see why. A track that large gave drivers room to run flat out, and the memory of those roaring nights became part of local identity.
That golden stretch is exactly what made the later silence feel so heavy for the community.
When the Engines Went Quiet
Hard times eventually caught up with the speedway. Dwindling attendance led to its closure after the 2011 racing season, and the once-packed hillsides grew still.
Attempts came in 2012 to bring it back by shortening the track to a smaller 3/8-mile or 4/10-mile setup, hoping a fresh configuration might revive interest. Those efforts were short-lived, and the track closed again in 2013.
For roughly eight years, the grounds sat silent. Nature slowly moved back in, and the surface grew rough.
One visitor recalled ground severely rutted from being closed, with cows even wandering across the terraces where race cars once flew.
Things got worse in 2015 when a culvert collapse shut down a main access road, making any reopening feel even more unlikely. To many, the place looked like a lost cause, a faded piece of local history destined to be swallowed by weeds.
Yet even in those quiet years, the memory of the racing lingered. People who grew up in the stands never fully let go of the hope that engines might one day fire again on that hillside.
The Cleanup That Refused to Quit
Resilience runs deep in West Virginia, and in 2020 that spirit showed up in the form of racing promoter Cody Watson. Driven by love for the sport, he spearheaded a massive revival effort to bring the sleeping facility back.
What started as a “warrior-like clean-up” grew into something far bigger. Crews tackled overgrowth, cleared the grounds, and set their sights on a full rebuild rather than a simple patch job.
Reports say hundreds of thousands of dollars went into that first phase alone. The track returned to its original 5/8-mile layout, and buildings across the property got extensive work, from the VIP and Race Control Tower to the concession areas.
Fans noticed the difference right away. Regulars mention that Watson did a great job with the racing surface, and drivers reportedly enjoyed running there again.
Many reviews credit the owners with bringing the place back to life.
The turnaround felt almost improbable to those who remembered the ruts and roaming cattle. Watching a written-off track shake off years of silence gave the community something to rally around and cheer for once more.
Modern Upgrades and a Grand Reopening
Bringing an old track into the present took more than fresh clay. The revival added modern touches that changed how fans and drivers experienced the place.
A new sound system went in, along with improved pit amenities, better camping and parking, LED track lights, new safety lighting, and an electronic scoring system. All of it came together for a grand reopening in 2021.
Fans who attended the reopening debut described it as an exciting night, with some drivers making emotional returns to dirt racing on the same evening. That energy signaled the track was truly back.
Not everything arrived perfectly polished, though. A few visitors noted the electronic scoreboard was still being worked out early on, making it tricky to follow announcements during a race.
The owners acknowledged the issue and said they were working on it.
Even with a few kinks, the updates gave the fan experience a real lift. Between the lighting, the scoring, and the refreshed buildings, the speedway felt less like a relic and more like a venue built to keep drawing crowds for years to come.
Grass Slopes, Bleachers, and the Best Seat in the House
Picking your spot here is half the fun, and a little planning goes a long way. The front side features amphitheater-style seating on grass, giving fans a raised, picturesque view of the whole oval.
Bring a chair if you settle on the hillside, since that grassy terrace seating is a favorite among regulars. Several visitors say the folding-chair experience is part of the charm, though they warn the walkways can be narrow and the incline steep.
Folks with balance concerns are advised to arrive early to find a comfortable spot. A few reviewers noted the hilltop can be tough for older guests or those with mobility issues, so choosing your location thoughtfully matters.
For those who prefer real seats, the venue also offers a full section of concrete bleachers available for both general and pit admission. There is even a VIP suite, which one guest described as a very nice, cool place to watch the action.
Whether you spread out on the grass or claim a bleacher, the views of the track are consistently praised. The trick is knowing your options before the engines fire up.
Concessions, Food Trucks, and Family Nights
Hungry fans have options here, and the food scene gets plenty of mentions. Concessions draw praise for being affordable by today’s standards, with one early visitor even calling out the fantastic snack bar prices.
A Texas-style food truck has rolled through as well, and while a few folks found it a touch pricey, they still complimented the great food and friendly service. Coolers are allowed, though glass bottles are a firm no.
Beyond the racing, the place leans hard into family fun. Guests describe it as kid friendly and great for family time well spent, the kind of evening where everyone finds something to enjoy.
The entertainment stretches past cars, too. Reviewers mention non-racing events like monster trucks and music festivals, calling it a great spot for the whole family to gather.
Staff earn warm words across the board, described as friendly and pleasant. One visitor even shared a nice local custom: when someone walks by collecting trash, drop yours in their bag and thank them.
That small-town courtesy sums up the welcoming vibe that keeps families coming back.
New Owners and a Bold Redesign
The next chapter opened in May 2025, when Mike and Becky Hurley of Goldvein, Virginia, purchased the historic speedway. They wasted no time launching a fresh phase of improvements.
Their boldest move was a redesign. The former 5/8-mile oval was replaced with a new 3/8-mile dirt track built within the existing infield, using the original front straight.
The goal was to boost competitiveness and pull fans closer to the action.
Not everyone loved letting go of the giant original layout. Some longtime fans miss the big track and its wide-open passing room, and the owners have openly acknowledged that nostalgia.
Their reasoning is practical, though. They point out that modern cars, tire packages, and setups perform best on slightly smaller, more balanced tracks, and that many drivers prefer the newer configuration for today’s racing.
The speedway was set to officially return with a “Short Track Debut” race in October 2025, with a bigger schedule anticipated for 2026. Change stirs debate, but the new owners have made clear they are building for how the sport races now, not just how it used to be.
Planning Your Trip to the Track
Ready to see the revival for yourself? A few pointers will make your night smoother.
Parking can feel hectic near event time, so slow down, give it a few minutes, and you will be fine.
Pack smart before you go. Bring a folding chair for the grassy hillside, add eye protection since the dirt surface can kick up dust, and remember that coolers are welcome but glass bottles are not.
Arriving early helps you claim comfortable seating.
Check ticket details ahead of time, too. General admission and pit access come at different prices, so knowing which you want avoids surprises at the gate.
To reach the track, aim for 788 Speedway Road, Mineral Wells, WV 26150. You can confirm event dates and schedules through the speedway’s website or by phone at 681-531-0074.
The “Grassroots Race Revival” event in April 2026 showcased the freshened-up track, with ongoing additions like expanded lighting and new grandstands. Improvements keep rolling in, so it is worth checking what is new before each visit.
A little preparation turns a good race night into a great one.
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