CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — After nearly five years of dormancy, the engines of Southside Speedway are revving up for a comeback. The iconic track, a staple of the local racing scene since its opening in 1959, will once again echo with the sound of roaring engines and the cheers of racing fans, following its closure in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chesterfield County officials recently announced plans to reopen the historic speedway, much to the excitement of both former racers and longtime fans. For former racer Eddie Johnson, the news evokes cherished memories of Friday nights at the track. “It was a Friday night rush,” Johnson recalled. “Every Friday, you’d get off work and race to the track. Now, it’s a great feeling to know they’re bringing it back.”
For local fans like Jack Boreinski, the return of racing is a moment to relive the vibrant community atmosphere that once filled the stands. “It was really amazing — the stands were full and everybody was racing,” Boreinski said. “It’s just such a good community spot for the family and kids.”
The historic track, which measures just a third of a mile, will remain the same size as it was before its closure. This aspect of the track’s charm is not lost on neighbors, like Eugene Harrington, who notes its long-standing significance in the area. “That’s what makes the track so historic,” Harrington said.
The county has secured a 20-year lease with the Economic Development Authority (EDA) to help revitalize Southside Speedway. The project will be spearheaded by Competitive Racing Investments (CRI), a group of investors led by Lin O’Neill and Jeff Oakley. Their plans for the track include substantial upgrades aimed at revitalizing the facility and bringing racing back to its former glory.
Beyond entertainment, the investors are also eager to highlight the broader impact the track has on the local economy. “This track has created jobs for local businesses — engine builders, car builders, decal shops, and more,” O’Neill noted. “It’s amazing what this little track is generating.”
While no official timeline has been set for the reopening, the announcement signals a promising future for Southside Speedway, both as a racing venue and a vital part of the community. The combination of nostalgia and new investment is expected to draw fans back to the track in the near future, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the beloved speedway.
