New Smyrna Speedway: Florida’s Short Track with a Need for Speed

New Smyrna Speedway: Florida’s Short Track with a Need for Speed

Tracks

Where Grassroots Racing Meets NASCAR’s Future Stars

Florida is home to some of the most famous racetracks in the world, but for true motorsports enthusiasts, few venues match the excitement, history, and grassroots racing culture of New Smyrna Speedway. Located just south of Daytona Beach in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, this ½-mile high-banked asphalt oval has been a staple of the local and national racing scene since 1964. With its deep ties to NASCAR, a variety of competitive race events, and a fiercely loyal fan base, New Smyrna Speedway continues to thrive as one of the country’s premier short tracks.

A Legacy of High-Speed Action

Built in 1964, New Smyrna Speedway quickly became a hub for stock car racing in Florida. Designed as a ½-mile oval with 23-degree banking in the corners, the track offers high speeds, intense side-by-side racing, and plenty of action-packed drama. Its proximity to Daytona Beach—home of the legendary Daytona International Speedway—has helped make New Smyrna a proving ground for young talent and seasoned drivers looking to sharpen their skills.

Over the years, the track has gained a reputation for producing thrilling races, developing future stars, and serving as a key part of Speedweeks, the annual racing festival leading up to the Daytona 500.

NASCAR’s Connection to New Smyrna Speedway

The venue has hosted numerous NASCAR-sanctioned events, including the Whelen Modified Tour and ARCA Menards Series East, both of which showcase emerging talent on a national stage.

One of the track’s most notable contributions to the sport is its role in NASCAR Speedweeks, an event held in February that features a variety of races in the lead-up to the Daytona 500. The World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing, held annually at New Smyrna, is one of the biggest short track racing events in the country, drawing top-tier drivers from across multiple divisions, including Super Late Models, Pro Late Models, and Tour-Type Modifieds.

Several NASCAR Cup Series stars have raced at New Smyrna early in their careers, including Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, Ryan Preece, and Harrison Burton. The track has built a reputation as a launchpad for young drivers who go on to compete at the highest levels of stock car racing.

Beyond NASCAR: A Variety of Thrilling Events

While NASCAR-connected series help bring attention to the track, New Smyrna Speedway offers much more than just stock car racing. Throughout the year, the track hosts a wide range of racing events, including:

  • Super Late Model Races – Featuring some of the fastest and most competitive short-track racers in the country.
  • Pro Late Models – A stepping stone for young talent before moving up to the Super Late Model ranks.
  • Tour-Type Modifieds – Open-wheel Modified racing is a huge part of the track’s identity, drawing top Modified drivers from around the U.S.
  • Florida Governor’s Cup 200 – One of the most prestigious short-track races in the state, bringing elite Late Model drivers to battle for victory.
  • Sportsman, Super Stocks, and Bombers – Local racing divisions that showcase the heart and soul of grassroots motorsports.
  • Truck Races – Various racing series have featured trucks at New Smyrna, providing another exciting form of competition.

The New Smyrna Speedway Experience

A night at New Smyrna Speedway is an unforgettable experience for spectators, racers, and motorsport fans alike. The roar of the engines, the smell of burning rubber, and the thrill of high-speed competition create an electric atmosphere that few venues can match. Whether you’re a die-hard short-track racing fan, a weekend warrior racer, or a family looking for an action-packed night out, the track delivers heart-pounding excitement with every lap. With its rich history, competitive fields, and up-close access to the action, New Smyrna Speedway isn’t just a racetrack—it’s a motorsports destination where legends are made, and the love of racing is celebrated. So grab a seat, feel the rumble in your chest, and get ready for some of the most thrilling wheel-to-wheel battles Florida has to offer!