Hagerstown Speedway celebrates 70 years of racing in 2017
An auto racing tradition began in the fall of 1946 when Stanley Schetrompf constructed a half-mile clay oval located between the banks of the Conococheague Creek and U.S. Route 40 just a few miles west of Hagerstown, Maryland.
In the spring of 1947, what was then known as the Conococheague Speedway opened the gates to the sounds of roaring engines that powered the roadsters and jalopy racers of those days some 70 years ago.
Since 1981, Frank Plessinger has owned the Hagerstown Speedway, and transformed the track into a modern showplace that is on par with some of the finest dirt track facilities in the United States.
Now, it is 2017, and the Hagerstown Speedway continues the tradition of roaring engines in some technologically advanced and sophisticated machinery compared to the humble beginnings of auto racing.
The mainstay throughout the 70 years of speedway operations is that the Hub City oval thrills the fans with exciting motorsports action. Over the years, many famous drivers that are a who’s who in auto racing have graced their talents at the track known as “The Capitol of Dirt Track Racing”.
National racing legends such as Bobby Allison, Cale Yarborough, Ken Schrader, Steve Kinser, and Jeff Gordon have turned laps at the track alongside of local legends Denny Bonebrake, Tom Peck, Buddy Armel, the late Rodney Franklin, and Lance Dewease.
After leasing out promotional duties for three seasons, the Hagerstown Speedway returns to the promotional control of Lisa Plessinger along with a partnership with former longtime Winchester Speedway promoter and area businessman Doug Timmons.
The alliance of Plessinger and Timmons at the helm of the racing operations, along with the team of officials in place they assembled, ensures the future experience for the racers and the fans.
As what has become a Hagerstown Speedway tradition, the high-powered Super Late Model division will be the headlining marquee division. The equally exciting and very competitive Late Model Sportsman division returns, along with the popular Pure Stock division, and the Hobby Stocks will round out the featured undercard on most race nights.
Special shows will be featured throughout the season as well. The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, 410 Sprint Cars, and a 70th anniversary extravaganza are just a small part of what to expect at Hagerstown Speedway in 2017.
For information, e-mail the track at info@hagerstownspeedway.com, or call the office at 301-582-0640.