With the racing world paused amid the COVID-19 outbreak, SPEED SPORT is highlighting race tracks around the United States. This is part of that ongoing series.
Track of the Day: Volusia Speedway Park
Address: 1500 East State Road 40, DeLeon Springs, FL 32130
Website: www.volusiaspeedwaypark.com
History: Volusia Speedway Park came into existence in 1968 when Benny Corbin, a Korean war veteran, purchased a plot of land that featured a sandy quarter-mile oval in Barberville, Fla.
During Corbin’s tenure as owner, the track underwent a number of modifications. Originally known as Barberville Raceway, it was expanded to a half-mile oval in 1972. It remained a dirt track until 1989, when the track was paved.
Volusia Speedway Park remained a dirt track through 1997 when it returned to its dirt roots, which is how it remains to this day.
Corbin, meanwhile, sold Volusia Speedway Park in 1982 and through the years the track has changed hands a few times. It is currently owned by the World Racing Group, parent company of the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series.
While the track annually hosts weekly racing during the summer months, the biggest event of the season is theDIRTcar Nationals. Taking place every February during the lead up to the Daytona 500 at nearby Daytona Int’l Speedway, the DIRTcar Nationals always draws the best dirt racers from across the United States.
The DIRTcar Nationals always features a number of stacked divisions, including super late models, 410 sprint cars, big-block modifieds and UMP-style modifieds.