The closure of grassroots racetracks is now becoming a concern for race fans nationwide, as American motorsport could lose one of its biggest breeding grounds for great stars. And the situation in Illinois has struck a personal nerve with Kenny Wallace.

The former driver reacted to news that Peoria Speedway was close to shutting down after its promoter had decided to step away. His frustration grew after nearby Spoon River Speedway canceled an event due to low attendance.

Speaking on his show, Wallace was not able to hide his frustration, as he was upset with people who constantly complain about tracks, schedules, or race programs on social media. Doing this hurts the people running these tracks and eventually leads them to give it all up.

He went on to defend the promoters, whom he believed were stalwarts of protecting America's racing culture despite constant criticism and complaints.

“Positive mental attitude, everybody. PMA. Quit talking s*** about your racetrack. And in return, it just makes the owner not want to do it. It's a thankless job.”

Opened in 1948, Peoria Speedway has been in the racing scene for 61 years after it settled on Farmington Road in West Peoria. The final event will be held on June 11.

Brandon Dean, the owner and developer, stated, "I have other businesses to concentrate on, and my family. It just got to the point where it's too much with everything that I have going on."

Mayor James Dillon said he wasn't surprised, citing how expensive racing can get due to the rising fuel and other prices.

Kenny Wallace also warned that fans often fail to appreciate a racetrack until it disappears.

“Doesn't it always seem to go, you don't know what you've got till it's gone. Oh yeah, tear that damn Peoria Speedway down, put in a parking lot, then you all will talk about how great it was.”

Wallace pointed to a simple but worrying issue. “Years ago, somebody said to me, Kenny Wallace, there are too many racetracks. And by God, he might be right.”

Even so, at this stage, the problem seems to be exponentially increasing. Multiple racetracks around America are facing issues, lawsuits, and complaints, and are close to shutting down. Let's take a look at these tracks now facing uncertainty.

Other tracks show Peoria's problem is part of a national trend

Peoria Speedway isn't the only American track facing severe uncertainty. Across America, several tracks are now facing issues of financial losses, legal suits, and even low attendance.

Take, for example, LaSalle Speedway, which suspended operations amid economic challenges. Or Ohio's Mansfield Motor Speedway, which was forced to shut down before later finding new ownership.

Even Missouri's Joplin 66 Speedway closed following years of neighborhood complaints. The examples rise in magnitude when legacy tracks face similar issues, such as Virginia's Old Dominion Speedway, which was forced to relocate due to residential development pressure, or Greenville-Pickens Speedway, which has remained dormant amid redevelopment concerns.

Combined with increasing racing costs and threats from local opposition, these tracks may not survive the next decade. Unless financial support or legislation such as "Right to Race" protections are granted nationwide, many fear that America's grassroots racing spirit could continue to fade.

You can read more on the Daytona Racing Digest!

Written by

Uday Jakhar

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason