Caraway Speedway for sale

The owners of Caraway Speedway have cut back their weekly racing program; Placed the famed short track up for sale

Caraway Speedway has cut back to just 6 events for the rest of their 2018 racing campaign. The car counts are down. The longtime family owners have elected to take a page out of the 1981 playbook and scale back events. This time though, they’ve also put the track up for sale.

The .455-mile asphalt oval first opened over 50 years ago in 1966. The track hosted their first NASCAR Busch Series event in 1982. A race that was won by Dale Earnhardt. The list of late model track champions include: Bobby Labonte; Dennis Setzer; Mike Skinner;

Darren and Renee Hackett are the current owners of the famed speedway. The detailed an explanation of their decision to place Caraway Speedway for sale, it’s multiple factors.

Russell Hackett recently passed away, father of Darren Hackett. The track was a family run business and Russell was formerly heavily involved in the promotion of the track. He stated that the passing of his father has played a large role in his decision to place the track up for sale.

“I think it’s time to hit the reset button and shutter weekly racing at the track,” said Darren Hackett to Speed 51.  “The estate has to be settled and the other members are wanting to sell the facility.  At this time, I can’t make the obligation to purchase it, so I’m searching for the right buyer.”

“I’m taking this from Dad’s playbook; it’s 1981 all over again. It was really bad back then and by the third week of May car counts had really declined to the point that he shuttered weekly racing.”

“He took some weeks off and finished the year with special events only. By the end of the season, the crowds and car count was really strong. I’m hoping the same will happen this time around.”

“I have a couple candidates, but I’m really looking for the right one,” Darren continued. “I’m looking for someone that can help it survive. I want someone that has a desire for Modified racing, because without Caraway, Modifieds will fall by the wayside.

The owners have considered a sale of the legendary speedway for the past several months. In fact, the track was almost sold back in August 2017.

“We started down that road last August. We got about time to sign the paperwork and our buyer backed out.”

“I don’t want it to be a North Wilkesboro or a Rockingham,” added Renee.

North Wilkesboro is a fan favorite. Unfortunately, that track current has a forrest growing out of the racing surface with no plans of revival. Rockingham Speedway came back from the dead a few years ago. However, the banks have recently taken the track back over and it currently sits with near nothing going on, once more.

“I’m hoping that I can find the right fit to ensure that racing can continue for a very long time in the future,” continued Darren.

Track address:
2518 Race Track Road Ext
Sophia, North Carolina 27350

Caraway Speedway - Modified
Caraway Speedway – Modified
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