One of the most iconic brands in the sporting world, Speedway Motorsports Park (formerly known as ‘’Darrell Waltrip Motor Speedway’’) is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, and to mark the occasion, they’ve gone back in time and rebuilt the iconic track from the ground up. After a few months of construction, the new and improved speedway is finally ready to host its first race this coming spring – the Florida Speed Festival, on April 12th and 13th.
Located in central Florida, 20 minutes from downtown Orlando, the new speedway is the perfect location for any sports enthusiast. Boasting a brand new state-of-the-art building that houses the administration offices as well as corporate and race shops; a spacious grandstand that’s fully sponsored; and a nine-hole golf course, the park now boasts an indoor pool, a gym, and more. The list of amenities goes on.
A Classic Track
With its classic oval shape and unique layout, the 4/10 mile track at Speedway is still as popular as it was 70 years ago when it first opened its doors. The racetrack also uses a traditional concrete surface which is easy to clean and maintain.
There are 11 turns in total (including three esses), a short chute, and two straightaways – the front stretch and the backstretch. Both are banked, which provides good racing conditions for the drivers.
State-Of-The-Art Facility
The speedway‘s state-of-the-art building is located directly behind the paddock area and was designed to be both functional and stylish. The building’s glass walls provide excellent views of the track from every seat in the house, as well as let sunlight pour in from above.
The architects behind the project, HKS Inc., had to design the building so it would blend in with the natural landscape while also standing out as a unique structure.
The sleek design and use of sustainable materials, such as bamboo flooring and stone countertops, saves on both construction costs and the amount of waste generated during construction. Additionally, the speedway‘s new building is equipped with energy-saving appliances and mechanisms, such as double-pane windows and a water-efficient showerhead. The facility’s design also promotes ‘’green racing’’ and minimizes the impact that the motorsport has on the environment.
Golf And Tennis
Not only does the speedway offer a new state-of-the-art building, but it also has two other exciting additions. The first is a nine-hole golf course designed by the prestigious Olazabal Design Team. Located on the east side of the track, next to Brevard College, the golf course is open to the public and welcomes amateur golfers and tournament competitors.
The second is the William M. Spencer Tennis Center, which features eight lighted clay courts and a clubhouse with a pro-shop, changing rooms, and a restaurant. The courts are named after the famous tennis pro who won multiple Grand Slams at the end of the last century.
Traditional Racing And Family Fun
The 70th anniversary of Speedway is a cause for celebration, and the track is looking to continue the good times with a traditional race weekend and some family-friendly attractions.
The Friday night parade is a mainstay at the speedway, and it begins at 6:00 pm, when local high schools, marching bands, and others take the streets in celebration. After the parade, attendees can get their fill of traditional, fried chicken, potato salad, and barbecue at the picnic areas situated around the track.
Kids can also enjoy a wealth of attractions, from vintage racing cars and airplanes on display, to the sound of thundering engines and the feel of pounding tires as they drive on the quarter-mile oval. For those looking for a traditional motorsport experience, the speedway also hosts a demolition derby every Thursday night during the season, and the Florida Speed Festival, the final event of the season, is an all-out war where drivers battle it out for the season’s coveted championship trophy. It’s a great way to end the season and drive off into the night – the newly renovated Speedway awaits!