Boone Speedway is the name of a motorsport complex located in Boone, North Carolina, which has been around since the 1950s. It has become famous for its steep banked turns, which helped make it a hub for NASCAR racing in the early 2000s. Today, it continues to host races on the NASCAR circuit, as well as various forms of motorsport, including dirt biking and car displays.
The complex is owned by the community and operated by a volunteer organization called the Speedway Enterprises, LLC. They host various events, including a summer car show and an agricultural festival, for local residents. On the other hand, the races, which consist mainly of a single-track loop, take place during the spring and fall.
The schedule for the complex is fairly regular, as you will see below. However, there are times when the events are moved to accommodate certain tracks’ schedules or weather conditions. Keep reading to learn more.
The NASCAR Circuit
Boone Speedway has been the host of various NASCAR races over the years. However, it is more well-known for its roles as the host of the spring Talladega race, part of the ARCA REV Racing Series, and as a part of the NASCAR’s premier circuit, the Monster Energy Cup Series.
The complex has also been the scene of some of the more memorable moments in NASCAR history, such as the fiery crashes involving Ricky Bobby and Jeff Gordon, as well as the near-misses that lead to some pretty intense racing. It was also the location of the legendary Dale Earnhardt’s last race and the opening event of the 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Finals, which saw Bobby Labonte claim his first championship.
Nowadays, while Boone Speedway does still host its share of NASCAR events, they are less frequent. For one thing, NASCAR has spread its search for a new venue to a number of areas, including Las Vegas and Kansas City, in an effort to find a more suitable location for their flagship race. For another, the sport has evolved, moving away from its roots as a regional series and towards a global championship.
However, it still hosts some of the more prominent races on the circuit, such as the spring and fall Talladega races, the Summertime Classic, and the Aaron’s 312, which is one of the last races of the season, along with the All-Star Race, the last of which is always held in June. You can also see a list of current events at Boone Speedway here.
Dirt Biking And More
The other sports at Boone Speedway, aside from NASCAR, include dirt biking and car displays, all of which are open to the public. Some of the more unique aspects of the track, which can be enjoyed by anyone who visits or lives in the area, include the steep banked turns and the long straightaways. This makes it a favorite among auto enthusiasts and those who embrace the adrenaline rush that comes with racing.
The most prominent event to be held at the track is the Dirty Moors motorcycle rally. The two-day motorcycle ride features various classes, such as the superstock sidecar, the bobber, the café racer, and more, as well as a scenic, yet challenging, dirt road. The scenic part comes with an average elevation gain of 500 feet over the two days. Riders cover the distance of a marathon in the allotted time. However, they may or may not get stuck in the mud. The event, which is open to motorcyclists of all ages and abilities, started in the late 1990s as a way for motorcyclists to get a taste of what rural North Carolina, where the track is located, is really like. The organizers, Larry Moore and Robert Van Schewie, call it “a spiritual journey through the wilderness”. It draws participants from all over the country and around the world. In fact, the 2017 edition of the event, which is now in its 29th year, had over 200 registered riders from 17 countries. The U.S. is, however, the most represented country with 42% of the participants. The event website, dirtymoor.org, lists all of the classes, along with their corresponding trophies, and the dates and locations of the rallies, so that participants can follow the action.
Not all of the events at the complex are intended for motorcyclists, though. In the spring and summer, there is an agricultural festival, which brings in lots of farm equipment and offers demonstrations of farm skills, such as tractor pulling and bull riding. The Complex also hosts an annual Easter Egg Hunt for kids, which is always a lot of fun.
On the other hand, for fans of cars and automotive history, the annual car show that takes place at the complex in the summertime is a great way to learn about the history of the automobile and its various iterations, as well as the prominent individuals, companies, and organizations that have been involved with its development.
Regular Events
Like many other venues which have existed for a long time, Boone Speedway has its own calendar of events, which you can view here. The track hosts various races, as mentioned above, as well as various concerts and comedy shows through the year. In addition, it hosts a lumberjack show in the wintertime, which is an opportunity for local businesses and community organizations to get involved and raise funds for their causes. You can also find an event schedule for the entire state here.
Conclusion
Boone Speedway is located in the beautiful northern part of the U.S., in the State of North Carolina. The complex continues to host various racing and civic events, despite the fact that NASCAR has stopped calling it home. It still remains a hub for motorsports enthusiasts, as well as an excellent location for those who want to learn more about the rich history of the automobile.