Dixie Speedway
 Dixie Speedway in 2019 | |
| Location | 150 Dixie Dr Woodstock, Georgia, 30189 |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 34°05′23″N 84°33′36″W / 34.08972°N 84.56000°W |
| Capacity | 5,000 |
| Owner | Mickey & Martha Swims |
| Opened | 1968 |
| Major events | American Flat Track Atlanta Short Track Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Dixie Shootout |
| Website | www |
| D-shaped oval (1968–present) | |
| Surface | Red clay |
| Length | 0.375 miles (0.604 km) |
| Turns | 4 |
| Banking | Progressive |
Dixie Speedway is a 3/8 mile clay oval in Woodstock, Georgia. Located 30 miles north of downtown Atlanta, the track features over 5,000 permanent seats on a 150-acre property.
Opened in 1968, the venue has been owned by Mickey and Martha Swims since 1976.[1]
Touring series that visit the speedway include American Flat Track and the Late Model Dirt Series by Lucas Oil.[2] The track also holds a season-opening doubleheader, the Schaeffer's Oil Spring Nationals, in cooperation with nearby Rome Speedway.[3]
Dixie Speedway is noted to be the first track where NASCAR Legend Bill Elliot started racing,[4] and is also the site where he won his first race.[5] It is also notable that Dixie Speedway has a very family-friendly atmosphere, not allowing any alcohol sales and maintaining a 12 AM curfew.[6]
"Dixie speedway was built in Woodstock, Georgia long before it was known as a bustling and growing town like it is today. Historic Dixie Speedway was established in 1969 and for most of its existence has been owned by the Mickey Swims family. Laid out over 150 acres, the 3/8 mile red clay dirt track has entertained millions of fans over its 50-year+ history. More than a million square feet of event space and a permanent seating capacity of over 5,000, makes Dixie Speedway one of the most flexible event venues in the state of Georgia. Known for its family atmosphere, Dixie Speedway doesn't permit alcohol sales, adheres to a midnight curfew and at most events children eight and under are admitted free. The track's legacy has been recognized nationwide. Dixie Speedway was inducted into the National dirt racing Hall of Fame, voted North Georgia's premier dirt track and tourist destination by 'USA Today' along with many local and national awards. Because of its homegrown atmosphere and local southern aesthetic, the track is home to many film projects, including being the featured location for the 2017 dirt track racing movie Champion. Other film projects include the 1970s classic Kenny Rogers 'Six Pack', 'Thank You For Your Service' and Billy Lynn's 'Long Halftime Walk' as well as being named to Georgia's film selfie spot tour. Dixie Speedway is also host to more than 20 events every year such as weekly and national touring start car races, outlaw sprint cars, AMA flat track motorcycles, monster truck nationals, concerts, and more. Dixie Speedway has something happening all season long. Although Dixie Speedway enjoys national recognition, its true value is being a cherished part of Georgia's history. Generations of families have experienced first-class entertainment while making memories that last a lifetime."[7]
History
[edit]When Dixie Speedway first opened in Woodstock Georgia in 1969, there was nothing on Highway 92. First opened in 1969 as a dirt track, it was paved for a time and then converted back to dirt. Racing legend Bud Lunsford and Cherokee County businessman Max Simpson were among the early owners and operators, but for the greatest part of its existence Dixie has been operated by the Mickey Swim's family. Many legends got their start there. Bill Elliott for one, got his first racing win there and went on to bigger and better things. Many local people's families who race are nephews or cousins or uncles of people who raced in past year's race at Dixie.
May 23, 2009 was actually Dixie Speedway day for the state of Georgia. It was the 40th anniversary race. It allowed for a chance to see people who had been at the track had raced there in the past people who've been employed they're big fans that have come back to town to watch the races and just enjoy this great piece of Cherokee County culture Dixie Speedway.
Probably the most surprising fact that people learn about Dixie Speedway is that they are in fact family-owned. It has been owned by the Swim's family for the majority of its operation. They all worked together to make every Saturday night happen. Today that business has grown to include a son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and four grandchildren. Though the family is still struggling to deal with the loss of Mike Swims to cancer in September 2007, 2007 inductee into the national dirt late-model Hall of Fame Mike will always be remembered by the personal and spiritual commitment he made to his family, friends, and to God.[6]
In early 2020, Dixie speedway closed due to COVID. Since then, the track suffered the loss of Martha Swims due to cancer. The track officially reopened on Saturday, April 6, 2024 to a sell out crowd and featured a demolition derby.[8]
Races
[edit]- American Flat Track
- Yamaha Atlanta Short Track presented by Cycle Gear
- Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
- Lucas Oil Dixie Shootout
- USCS Outlaw Thunder Tour
Records
[edit]- Sprint car: Joe Gaerte, 0:12.190
- Super late model: David Payne, 0:13.579
Notable Drivers
[edit]- Bill Elliott[5]
- Chase Elliott[5]
- Dave Blaney[5]
- Richard Petty[9]
- Tony Stewart[5]
- Kasey Kahne[5]
- Ray Evernham[5]
- Ken Schrader[5]
- David Gilliland[5]
- Dale Earnhardt[6]
- Bud Lunsford[6]
- Bobby Allison[9]
- Scott Bloomquist[9]
- Charlie Mincey[9]
References
[edit]- ^ "Facts – Dixie Speedway". Retrieved 22 May 2019.
- ^ "2019 Tour Schedule - Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series". Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. Retrieved 23 May 2019.
- ^ "$4000 to win Schaffer's Oil Spring Nationals + Full Race Program". Dixie Speedway. Retrieved 23 May 2019.
- ^ "Taking a look back at Bill and Chase Elliotts' careers". www.dawsonnews.com. Retrieved 2023-07-12.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Bill Elliott 50 Red Dirt Dash – Elliott Racing Heritage". Retrieved 2023-07-12.
- ^ a b c d Dixie Speedway "A History of Champions", retrieved 2023-07-12
- ^ DIXIE 50th Anniversary Season/ Sponsorship Information VIDEO 3 4 mp4 FINAL, retrieved 2023-07-14
- ^ dixie (2017-05-15). "Home". Dixie Speedway. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
- ^ a b c d Bethany (2014-05-16). "Exhibit Highlights 45 Years of Racing at Dixie Speedway". Around Woodstock. Retrieved 2023-07-12.