Many people thought that NASCAR had seen its last significant growth spurt when the coronavirus pandemic caused the season to be called off. However, on April 24, the National Motorsports Association announced that the racing season would be revived and that many tracks, including the legendary Watkins Glen International, would host exhibition races. The NMLS would like to know if Nelson Speedway is on today’s radar?
Track History
Nelson was first mentioned in a newspaper article on August 14, 1913, when it was said that the town had built a new 2.5-mile oval. This track, which was originally named New York State Fairground, was later renamed to match the venue of the annual New York State Fair. The next week, the New York Times ran a short story about the newly opened track:
Speed has always been a popular theme at the New York State Fair, and it was no different after the track opened last week. The sport has been particularly popular among the ladies, and many who have raced there say that the competition is as tough as it is exciting. Mr. Hines, who was the first to race there, said ‘I like it, and I think the public will respond. People will come to see the horses and the cars go round and round.”
The following year’s edition of the New York State Fair was canceled due to the ongoing World War I. It wasn’t until 1919 that the New York State Fair was able to hold another track race. Since then, Nelson has slowly built up a reputation as a competitive motorsport venue. In fact, it was during this period that the New York State Fairgrounds changed their name to match the track and the town. Since then, the track has held a variety of race types including steeplechase races, figure-skating shows, harness car races, and exhibition races.
Present Day
While many tracks across the country have closed their doors due to the pandemic, Nelson has kept its doors open. The track has been approved by the NMLS to host car races, and on April 24, it was announced that the racing season would be revived. The following day, it was officially confirmed that the track would host exhibition races on April 30 and May 1. The return of NASCAR after the pandemic is indeed a cause for celebration, and Nelson is looking to make the most of the opportunity.
Location
Located in upstate New York, almost 300 miles from the nearest large metropolitan area, Nelson is a small town that prides itself on its beautiful, historic main street and its friendly locals. The town is easily accessible from the major metropolitan areas of New York City and Buffalo, which are both within a few hours’ drive. The NMLS wonders if tourists will visit and linger in this picturesque town after its return to action?
Facilities
While many tracks have invested heavily in new facilities in order to host the revived season, Nelson has chosen to renovate and upgrade its existing facilities. The 2.5-mile track currently features a wooden grandstand that was built in 1919 and a smaller, roofed grandstand that was added in 1927. There is also a long, low wooden building that is used for storing equipment and a workshop. This facility serves as the teams’ changing facilities and is located opposite the grandstands. Finally, there is a fanzone with picnic tables, a playground and a few food trucks. A part of the new facilities includes an outdoor shower for drivers and crew members to clean up after the long drive.
Attendance
While it is too early to tell, the turnout for the first two exhibition races was small but promising. On average, 5000 people show up each day to watch the professional race teams go round and round the track. An interesting fact about Nelson is that it is a one-horse town. There is only one shop, diner, and hotel in town. So, while the attendance figures are small, the town definitely comes alive during the weekly racing evenings.
Publicity
The news that NASCAR was revived drew plenty of attention from the mainstream media. Several national publications covered the story including the Associated Press, USA Today, and the New York Times. Local newspapers, such as the Seneca Tribune and the Ithaca Journal, covered the story as well. This publicity is very promising for Nelson and its new-found interest in motorsports. The town’s website has also been updated with news about the revival of the sport.
While many tracks across the country have closed their doors due to the pandemic, Nelson has kept its doors open. The track has been approved by the NMLS to host car races, and on April 24, it was announced that the racing season would be revived. The following day, it was officially confirmed that the track would host exhibition races on April 30 and May 1. The return of NASCAR after the pandemic is indeed a cause for celebration, and Nelson is looking to make the most of the opportunity.