Like much of the south, racing is a popular pastime and spectator sport in Halifax County. With two tracks of our own, South Boston Speedway and Virginia International Raceway, racing has been a celebrated and important role in the history of Halifax County. Following the inaugural races of both tracks in 1957, the local racing scene launched the careers of renowned racers, seen the triumphs of NASCAR legends, and been included in popular video games and racing simulators. Today, Halifax stands at the center of the modern motorsports scene and is ready for many more years of racing action.
South Boston Speedway
South Boston Speedway originally opened as a dirt track in 1957. In the 1960 season, the track began to hold NASCAR-sanctioned races, with legends such as Richard Petty, Buck Baker, Rex White, Joe Weatherly, and Wendell Scott frequently competing in races. Even after the track stopped hosting the top series NASCAR races in 1971, the nation’s premier drivers continued to compete at South Boston Speedway in special events. South Boston natives Jeff and Ward Burton had their start at the speedway and have become hometown heroes and NASCAR legends in their own right. Over the years, several other stars have competed at South Boston Speedway, including Dale Earnhardt Sr., Dale Earnhardt Jr., Terry Labonte, Tony Stewart, and Darrell Waltrip, adding to the rich history of the track.
Today, South Boston Speedway is a state-of-the-art racing complex, serving as a local destination and NASCAR-sanction track. Called America’s Hometown Track, fans can still see NASCAR action in the Whelen Modified Tour which holds a race at the speedway. The track is home to fan-friendly amenities, including a playground and hospitality area. Crowds of locals and visitors attend races, many of whom tailgate, enjoying the community atmosphere before and during the race. The roar of car engines, smell of burning rubber, and the excitement of cheering your favorite driver on with a drink in one hand and a bologna burger in the other serves as a summer tradition for many local and visiting fans alike.
1188 James D. Hagood Highway, South Boston | 434-572-4947 | southbostonspeedway.com
VIRginia International Raceway
VIRginia International Raceway also held its first race in 1957. Unlike South Boston Speedway, which is a short track, the full course at VIR is 3.27 miles long. The first incarnation of VIR saw many NASCAR legends race on its track too, including Richard Petty, Wendell Scott, and David Pearson. The track closed in 1974, later changing ownership and reopening in 2000. The second incarnation of VIR follows the original track, the only modifications include widening some turns for safety. Currently, VIR offers six track configurations, of which two can run concurrently.
Over the past two decades, VIR has evolved to meet customer needs. The resort now features a kart-track, upscale restaurant, bar, hotel, pool, shooting range, and several venues. The track has proven to be a favorite among fans and racers and was named one of Car and Driver Magazine’s top-six road courses in the country. Events and races hosted throughout the year draw international talent and often a few celebrities. Spectators can sit in stands or set up chairs by the track, or even park and tailgate on certain stretches. Events often feature a schedule packed with races throughout the day, but visitors can take a break and visit the paddock to watch drift competitions or rub elbows with some of the racers. America’s first true “motorsport resort,” VIR is an entire vacation destination with a number of onsite hotel and lodging options.
1245 Pine Tree Rd, Alton, | (434) 822-7700 | virnow.com
