Best Places for Motorsports Fans to Get Dirt-Track Action in Texas
Texas offers exceptional dirt track racing at venues like Texas Motor Speedway’s 0.4-mile clay oval, Kennedale Speedway Park’s quarter-mile track, and the high-banked 105 Speedway in Cleveland. You’ll also find thrilling action at Heart O’ Texas Speedway near Waco and RPM Speedway in Crandall.
Each track delivers unique racing experiences with multiple divisions, affordable tickets, and family-friendly environments. Discover why these venues have become weekend destinations for motorsports enthusiasts across the Lone Star State.
The Ultimate Guide to Texas Motor Speedway's Dirt Track Experience
While Texas boasts numerous racing venues, few match the high-octane excitement of Texas Motor Speedway’s Dirt Track. This 0.4-mile clay oval, built in 1999 for about $2.5 million, delivers premium dirt racing with its 12-degree banking and generous 70–80 foot width.
You’ll enjoy excellent visibility from the roughly 11,000-seat grandstand or one of 14 luxury suites overlooking the action. The dirt track facilities include dedicated parking, multiple concessions, and convenient access via several tunnels with separate vehicle and pedestrian lanes.
Since its 2000 inauguration with the Pennzoil World of Outlaws Southern Bleacher Classic, this venue has maintained top driver safety standards while hosting premier sprint car events. The groundbreaking ceremony for this impressive dirt track was held on August 11, 1999, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Texas motorsports. Located just outside Turn 2 of the main oval, it’s your perfect introduction to authentic dirt track racing.
Kennedale Speedway Park: Home of Championship Sprint Car Racing
When Texas Motor Speedway offers your first taste of dirt racing, Kennedale Speedway Park (KSP) invites you to experience championship-caliber competition on its quarter-mile oval. Located at 6737 Hudson Village Creek Road, this Kennedale bullring has built a loyal fanbase through its Saturday night showdowns featuring Modified, Stock Car, and Sprint Car divisions.
KSP made history in March 2024 by hosting its first World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series event as part of the LoneStar Sooner Stampede, joining an elite group of Texas tracks. You’ll feel the competitive atmosphere intensify as drivers battle on this fast, challenging surface.
The track’s recent inclusion in this prestigious tour has elevated its national profile while maintaining its accessible 7 PM start times. Under the management of promoter James Lopez, the speedway continues to attract top racing talent from across the region.
Don’t miss special events like the Mike Melton Memorial with its impressive $5,000 purse.
Why 105 Speedway in Cleveland Draws Crowds Every Weekend
What makes 105 Speedway a weekend destination for dirt-track enthusiasts? It’s the revitalized ¼-mile high-banked red clay oval that delivers exceptional racing action. Under refreshed ownership and management in recent seasons, you’ll notice the difference in track-surface maintenance, with dozens of loads of fresh dirt enhancing the racing experience.
You’ll enjoy diverse racing programs featuring multiple regular classes from Hobby Stocks to IMCA RaceSaver Sprint Cars, plus special events like the NOW600 National Micros series. The track’s high-banked design combined with its red clay surface provides optimal grip for drivers looking to push their limits. The wide straights and banked turns create multiple racing lines for thrilling overtaking maneuvers.
Located just off I-69 in Cleveland, the track is easily accessible from Houston. With affordable $15 adult admission and free entry for veterans and first responders with ID, it’s no wonder consistent crowds fill the bleachers every Saturday night.
Heart O' Texas Speedway: Family-Friendly Racing in Central Texas
Just a short drive north of Waco sits Heart O’ Texas Speedway, a beloved fixture in Central Texas’ motorsport community. Located in Elm Mott, this ¼-mile dirt track delivers thrilling Friday night races from March through October, with gates opening at 6 PM and engines firing around 8 PM.
You’ll find this racing tradition easily accessible off I-35 exits 343 or 345, where the clay surface and semi-banked turns create perfect conditions for wheel-to-wheel competition. The track’s community spirit shines through its affordable tickets, welcoming atmosphere, and full concession stands in both grandstand and pit areas.
Whether you’re watching local Central Texas drivers or special events like touring modified or sprint-car series, you’ll experience authentic dirt track racing in a family-friendly environment. Fans can contact the track at 784 N McLennan Dr or call their office for information about upcoming events.
RPM Speedway: Modern Facilities and Elite Racing Series
Racing enthusiasts seeking top-tier dirt action will find their paradise at RPM Speedway in Crandall, Texas. This ¼-mile dirt track delivers weekly Saturday night races from spring through fall, featuring various racing divisions that’ll satisfy your motorsports cravings.
You’ll experience exceptional fan engagement through affordable ticket prices—adults generally pay around $15 and up, while kids under five enter free. The track’s marketing initiatives include extensive social media coverage and MyRacePass integration, keeping you updated on schedules and results.
What sets RPM apart is its elite racing-series calendar, including visits from tours like the ASCS Elite Non-Wing Series and regional Modified and Factory Stock specials. Spectators can enjoy weekly racing classes such as Limited Modified, Modified, Stock Cars, Factory Stocks, and Sprint Cars throughout the season.
Located just east of Crandall along CR 4104, you’re guaranteed close-up racing action in a family-friendly environment that supports grassroots talent while attracting regional standouts.
Must-See Annual Dirt Track Events Across the Lone Star State
Texas hosts several unmissable annual dirt track spectacles that deliver heart-pounding action for motorsports enthusiasts across the state. The Texas World Dirt Track Championship at Texas Motor Speedway’s Dirt Track sits high on many fans’ bucket lists, with Modified, Limited Modified, and Factory Stock classes competing when the event appears on the schedule.
Don’t miss the annual Fall Classic at Heart O’ Texas Speedway, where championship-level racing culminates the regular season.
During the traditional off-season, special events like late-model championship weekends keep the dirt flying. The POWRi-sanctioned 410 Outlaw Sprints and Micro Mania for micro sprints generate significant economic impact, drawing national competitors and spectators to Texas venues throughout the year, with purses that can reach $10,000-to-win in headline events.
Complete your dirt track tour with 105 Speedway’s major holiday shows featuring family-friendly pricing and diverse racing classes.
Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Texas Dirt Tracks Worth the Drive
Beyond the major spectacles and championship events, Texas harbors a collection of lesser-known dirt tracks that offer authentic racing experiences without the crowds and commercialization.
Rocket Raceway Park in Honey Grove delivers high-speed action with its big special-event weekends, while Temple Speedway’s intimate quarter-mile setting creates close competition that puts you right in the action. For a truly grassroots fan experience, head to smaller regional ovals where the remote locations preserve racing culture away from urban influences.
Don’t overlook Devil’s Bowl Speedway in Mesquite, whose high-banked oval produced thrilling finishes for decades and remains a legend in Texas racing history even after its closure.
Even Texas Motor Speedway’s dirt track offers a unique blend of major-venue amenities with small-track authenticity, showing how Texas dirt racing balances tradition with accessibility. The track has even been featured in some popular simulation-racing titles, giving international fans a taste of Lone Star dirt action.
What to Bring: Preparing for Your First Texas Dirt Track Visit
When planning your first trip to a Texas dirt track, preparation can make the difference between an exhilarating day of motorsports and an uncomfortable ordeal. Pack closed-toe shoes, layered clothing, and sun protection for a comfortable viewing experience in Texas’s variable climate. Checking the forecast beforehand helps determine if you’ll need rain gear or extra sun protection.
Bring portable seating, binoculars, and ear protection to fully enjoy the high-octane action without discomfort. A small backpack with snacks, refillable water bottles, and a basic first-aid kit guarantees you’re ready for long race days. Don’t miss the excitement of seeing dirt-slinging action from series like the Kubota High Limit Racing sprint-car tour when it visits the Texas Motor Speedway Dirt Track.
Purchase tickets in advance and carry both cash and cards, as some vendors have limited payment options. Arriving early allows time to explore the venue and possibly meet drivers during autograph sessions.
Regional Breakdown: Finding the Closest Quality Dirt Track Near You
Finding your perfect dirt track destination becomes much simpler when you understand Texas’s regional racing landscape. North Texas offers premier venues like Kennedale Speedway Park and Texas Motor Speedway’s dirt track, both serving the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex with weekly sprint- and stock-car racing.
Central Texans can enjoy Cotton Bowl Speedway in Paige—a ⅜-mile dirt oval—or Heart O’ Texas Speedway near Waco, where competitive Modified and Factory Stock racing thrives. Tracks in this region typically feature ¼- to ⅜-mile ovals that provide excellent sightlines for spectators rather than long road-course circuits.
If you’re in South Texas, check out Shady Oaks Speedway in Goliad or I-37 Speedway near Pleasanton for stock-car and modified action.
West Texas and Panhandle residents have Abilene Speedway and tracks around Wichita Falls, while Houston-area fans can access several regional ovals, including 105 Speedway in Cleveland. Each track fosters its own dirt-racing community, giving you authentic motorsports experiences regardless of where you call home.
The Thrill of Saturday Night Lights: Texas's Weekend Racing Culture
Texas dirt track racing comes alive most vividly under the glow of Saturday night lights. Gates typically open an hour or two before the 6:30–8:00 PM start times, giving you plenty of time to settle in for 3–5 hours of multi-class action that can stretch until midnight.
You’ll find a family-friendly atmosphere with affordable tickets, discounts for children, and often special rates for veterans and first responders. Community engagement thrives as locals gather weekly, transforming these venues into social cornerstones where you can experience everything from IMCA RaceSaver Sprint Cars to Factory Stocks and Hobby Stocks.
The economic impact extends beyond the track, supporting local businesses while preserving Texas motorsport traditions. Whether you’re bringing stadium chairs or blankets, Saturday nights at the dirt track offer authentic Texas entertainment at its finest.
For example, at 105 Speedway, races typically start around 7 PM, with event times varying based on the number of competitors and classes on the card.
