West Virginia Motor Speedway, located in the heart of West Virginia near Unknown, is a classic dirt oval that offers a raw and exciting racing experience. Situated in a region known for its passionate motorsports fans, this track provides grandstand seating for a great view of the action, along with concessions to keep you fueled throughout the event. Camping options are typically available, allowing fans to make a weekend out of the races and enjoy the community atmosphere. What sets West Virginia Motor Speedway apart is likely its size and the nature of the dirt surface, which, typical of the area, can get pretty challenging and test the skill of even seasoned drivers. Expect tight, high-banked corners and plenty of wheel-to-wheel action. This track is probably best suited for fans who appreciate grassroots racing, enjoy the smell of dirt and burning rubber, and don't mind getting a little dusty. It's a place where you can see local and regional talent pushing their cars to the limit.
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.