Memphis Motorsports Park, a historic track with ties to NASCAR, is making a comeback through new ownership.
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According to a press release, the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has acquired the .75-mile oval located in Millington, Tennessee. The IHRA will soon begin working on facility improvements and operational preparations with an eye toward hosting future events.
The IHRA will provide information about schedules and programming in the future through its social media channels.
"This acquisition represents more than reopening a racetrack," said Leah Martin, president of IHRA, in a press release. "It is about restoring opportunity for racers, families, and the community.
"This facility aligns with IHRA's racer-first vision and our commitment to grassroots motorsports, while also allowing the property to support diverse uses that strengthen its year-round impact."
22 years ago today, Finish to the 2001 Sam's Town 250 @ Memphis Motorsports Park.pic.twitter.com/CdOB4v3w0Q
— Andrew (@Basso488) October 14, 2023
Originally opened in the 1980s, Memphis Motorsports Park has hosted numerous motorsports events over the decades. This includes the NASCAR Southeast Series, the ARCA Menards Series East, ARCA Menards Series, Craftsman Truck Series, and NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series. The facility has also hosted IHRA-sanctioned drag racing events.
Some of NASCAR's biggest names, in particular, have raced at the short track. Jimmie Johnson, Ty Gibbs, Brad Keselowski, Harrison Burton, Ron Hornaday Jr., Greg Biffle, Clint Bowyer, Ted Musgrave, Kevin Harvick, Martin Truex Jr., Carl Edwards, and Jeff Green are only some of the drivers who have celebrated wins at Memphis Motorsports Park in a variety of series.
The final O'Reilly Series — then Nationwide Series — race at Memphis Motorsports Park featured two rivals battling for the win. Keselowski led 34 laps, including the final 16, after passing Michael Annett for the lead. He had to hold off Kyle Busch in the closing laps to secure the win for JR Motorsports.
"Memphis Motorsports Park holds a special place in our hearts," said Daniel Horton, Assistant Director of the IHRA Stock Car Series. "Bobby Hamilton won the 2004 Craftsman Truck Series race here in a truck built by Tim and with Danny as the crew chief.
"With the facility now under the IHRA umbrella, we can give grassroots racers a chance to compete where legendary drivers such as Kevin Harvick, Randy LaJoie, and the late Greg Biffle have won. We are extremely excited to bring stock car racing back to Memphis and continue the legacy of this iconic track."
