SOUTH BOSTON, Va. (January 24, 2017) – With opening day just two months away, venerable South Boston Speedway is primed and ready for its 60th season, capping off over a year of capital improvements and upgrades.
“A year ago, we were talking about great things that were going to happen at South Boston Speedway in the coming year,” said track General Manager Cathy Rice. “Fans got to watch some of the progress during the season last year, but when the gates open on March 25 they are going to see pretty much the finished product. We think they are going to be pleased.”
Last March fans were greeted by new grandstands along the front stretch, the first step in the $1 million, three-year capital improvement project announced by Nick Igdalsky, senior vice president of South Boston Speedway and chief operating officer of Pocono Raceway, which owns South Boston Speedway.
When fans arrive for the Danville Toyota NASCAR Whelen Twin 100s on March 25 they will see the total project is just about complete a year ahead of schedule.
“The major work has been done,” said Igdalsky. “We gave this plan three years and we’re finishing in two. The board (the Pocono Raceway Board of Directors) was generous in allowing me to accelerate the renovations and get everything done. They are fully on-board with doing every bit of this.”
The most visible of the improvements has been the repaving of the track. It has created excitement among fans and competitors alike, both groups expecting faster lap times and increased excitement. The new pavement should be tested for the first time in a few weeks.
Two improvements that will be very visible to fans is the upgraded track light system and a new LED scoreboard. Work on the lighting system is complete. The scoreboard has arrived and will be installed as soon as weather permits.
Other completed projects include an upgrade to the track’s public address system, upgraded HVAC in suites, improved drainage, and additional picnic tables.
Work on a new kids’ playground area will be finished once the season begins.
“We are very proud of all the work that we’ve been able to do,” said Rice. “It’s all going to make racing at South Boston Speedway much more enjoyable for everyone.”
South Boston Speedway’s 60th season opens on March 25 with the Danville Toyota NASCAR Whelen Late Model Twin 100s, featuring two 100-lap races for the Late Model Stock Division, a 50-lap Limited Sportsman Division race, a 30-lap Budweiser Pure Stock race and a 15-lap Budweiser Hornets race.
The full 2017 schedule can be found at southbostonspeedway.com.
