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The air at Pulaski County Motorsports Park hummed with anticipation long before the engines roared to life. Some 3,700 fans filled the stands to cheer on the inaugural event for 2026 on March 21. Conversations buzzed with predictions and admiration for drivers who would soon push both man and machine to their limits. There was a unique electricity in the atmosphere — an unspoken understanding that something thrilling was about to unfold.
As the cars rolled onto the track, every detail seemed amplified — the polished curves of the bodies, bold colors, the low, aggressive stance of machines built for speed. When engines ignited, the calm was shattered. A thunderous wave of sound crashed over the crowd, vibrating through the stands. It’s not just noise — it’s power, precision and passion unleashed all at once.
Not exactly rising from the ashes, but rising with new management, new plans and renewed excitement, the Pulaski County Motorsports Park is hosting an impressive schedule of stock car and dragway races. Tim Miller is spearheading the newly created Pulaski County Sports and Entertainment Authority, charged with the advancement of the sports and entertainment events and venues. This includes the new Sportsplex, Calfee Park and other places, but hey, the speedway makes the most noise [pun intended].
Miller hails from Richmond (Va.), graduated from Roanoke College and brings 25 years’ experience in event development and sports marketing to the New River Valley. “I caught wind of this job, tossed my hat in the ring, and when I came for an interview, I was blown away with the vision and opportunity,” he relates. “This is something I want to be a part of, something challenging to step into with great satisfaction as things are coming together, especially at the motorsports park.”
When a race begins, tires screech, engines scream, and cars surge forward. Each driver fights for position, navigating tight corners and straightaways with razor-sharp focus. A late brake, a daring overtake or a slight miscalculation can change everything in an instant. Weather conditions shift, mechanical issues arise, and competitors make bold, unexpected maneuvers. This constant tension keeps fans on the edge of their seats, eyes and heads in constant motion.
The park has recently been leased to the International Hot Rod Association [IHRA] which will be overseeing the operations of the facility. Although it is primarily a racing venue, food service is a key ingredient to success. As with baseball, hot dogs are widely considered the most popular race day food, though gourmet burgers, artisanal pizza, handmade pork barbecue and some of the best chicken tenders you have ever had will make an appearance.
As laps wind down, the intensity grows. The leaders push harder, chasing victory with unwavering determination. Every turn feels sharper, every straight faster. When the checkered flag finally waves, it marks not only the end of a race, but also the culmination of skill, endurance and relentless ambition.
Car racing is a world where courage meets engineering, and where the pursuit of victory drives everything forward. The thrill is unforgettable for spectators, drivers, pit crews and everyone else. Reviving the Pulaski County Motorsports Park is but one facet in a multi-prong approach to positioning Pulaski County as an attractive, viable, enticing sports and entertainment destination, stimulating economic growth and local and regional pride.
Text by Joanne M. Anderson
Photos courtesy of Pulaski County
Photos courtesy of Pulaski County
Pulaski County Motorsports Park
www.pulaskicountymp.com
info@pulaskicountymp.com
Route 11, Fairlawn
152 acres
Opened in 1952
0.416 mile paved oval racetrack
1.8-mile paved drag strip
10,300 spectator seats
