Track Info |
Directions |
Weather |
Type: Oval Track
Surface: Dirt
Length: 1/2 Mile
Race Days:
Gate: varies by event (call ahead)
Divisions: Dirt Modified, Late Model Dirt, Midget, Sprint
Series: IMCA
Fan Capacity: 24,172
Seating: Both Bench & Chair Style Seating
Parking: On Site Parking is Free
Carry-In Policy: No Coolers Allowed
Alcohol Policy: Available On Site
Smoking Policy: Designated Areas Only
Chair Policy: No Outside Chairs Allowed
Camping: Available Nearby
Security: Private Security On Site
Adult Tickets: $15.00 (may vary by event)
Kid Tickets: $8.00 (13-19), Free (12 & under). May vary by event.
Senior Discount: Yes
Military Discount: Yes
Payment Options: Cash & Credit Cards
ATM On Site: No
Contact Us for updates/corrections to this track info.
The Knoxville Raceway, located on the Marion County Fairgrounds, began as a track for horse racing. The first automobile race was held in 1901. Johnny Gerber and “Speed” Adams were among the drivers featured between 1927 and 1936 during racing’s growth in popularity. Racing came to a halt in the early 1940s due to the war, and returned late in the decade with hot rod racing. Soon after, midget and stock car racing became common. In 1954, weekly racing began at the Knoxville Raceway. By this time, lighting was added to the track, along with new fencing. Stock car racing was the primary attraction, which were passenger cars stripped of glass, innards and extra metal. Roll cages were often constructed inside the car as a safety precaution.
Events at the Knoxville Raceway were promoted by the Southern Iowa Stock Car Racing Association until 1956, when Marion Robinson took over as promoter. During Robinson’s tenure, “modifieds”, (a stock car with modifications made to the engine), and “supermodifieds” (modifieds with the car bodies cut away to eliminate weight), were the rage. Eventually, tubing replaced the car frames, giving way to the sprint car as we know it today. Under Robinson’s leadership, the Knoxville Nationals were born.
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