Southside Speedway was a local racing institution located just south of Richmond, Virginia. This 1/3-mile asphalt oval offered a classic short track experience, with grandstands providing a close-up view of the action. While it sadly closed its doors in 2022, for many years it was the place to go for grassroots racing in the region. Expect a no-frills atmosphere focused on pure racing excitement. If you were a race fan in the Richmond area, Southside Speedway was a place where you could see local talent hone their skills. The track hosted a variety of racing series, making it appealing to a broad range of fans. The compact layout meant tight racing and plenty of opportunities for bumping and grinding. Concessions were available, but the focus was always on the track itself.
Know Before You Go
- Race nights
- Most short tracks run Friday or Saturday night events from April through October. Always check the season calendar — many venues take rain dates or holiday breaks.
- Ticket pricing
- General admission is typically $15-40 for adults, pit passes $50-100. Children are often free or half-price. Bigger sanctioned events (touring series) cost more.
- What's racing
- Local oval classes commonly include late models, modifieds, sprint cars, hobby stock, and street stock. Bigger ovals also host NASCAR Weekly Series feature races.
- Bring earplugs
- Open-exhaust race cars push 130-145 dB at the fence — well above the threshold for hearing damage. Bring foam plugs or over-ear protection for kids.
- Schedule rhythm
- Race nights follow a consistent flow: hot laps and qualifying, heat races, then feature events. Plan for a 4-5 hour evening from gates open to checkered flag.