Oswego Speedway
Location
Oswego, New York, USA
Current Local Time
Track Info
Oswego Speedway - Oswego, New York, USA
Historic five-eighths-mile oval known as “The Steel Palace” - home of exceptionally fast Supermodified racing and the International Classic
When was the track built?
Brothers Harry, George and William Caruso converted a former horse-racing track into a three-eighths-mile dirt oval in 1951. The surface was paved in 1952, giving local competitors a permanent home for weekly racing.
The circuit was enlarged to its present five-eighths-mile size in 1961. Later owners modernised the entrances, grandstands, scoring equipment and hospitality areas while preserving the original short-track character.
When was its first race?
Weekly competition began when Oswego opened in August 1951, although surviving public records do not clearly identify one inaugural winner.
The International Classic followed in 1957. Jack Murphy won the first edition of the race, which later became one of the most prestigious events in Supermodified competition.
What's the circuit like?
- Extremely fast: The quickest cars complete a lap in less than 15 seconds and average almost 154 mph.
- Four separate corners: Drivers must adjust their line several times rather than following one continuous arc.
- Close traffic: The leaders quickly catch slower cars during longer races, making judgement and patience essential.
- Purpose-built machinery: Supermodifieds use powerful engines, offset components and large wings to maximise speed around the oval.
A fast qualifying car is not automatically a good race car. Drivers must remain stable in traffic and protect their tyres while running only inches from other competitors.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Winged Big Block Supermodified: 0:14.611 - Mike Ordway Jr., 2022.
- Oswego Rear-Wing Supermodified: 0:15.627 - Dave Shullick Jr., 2022.
- Traditional Tail-Section Supermodified: 0:15.802 - Joey Payne, 2014.
- 350 Winged Supermodified: 0:16.561 - Jeffrey Battle, 2021.
- NASCAR Whelen Modified: 0:17.550 - Rob Summers, 2019.
- Small Block Supermodified: 0:18.431 - Russ Brown, 2018.
Most short-track records are qualifying laps completed without traffic. Race laps are normally slower because drivers must manage tyres and other cars.
Why is it famous?
Oswego is closely associated with Supermodified racing and is nicknamed both The Steel Palace and The Big O. Its International Classic has attracted drivers with experience in Indy cars, NASCAR and other major championships.
The venue has also hosted the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, USAC and ASA. Each October, asphalt is temporarily covered with clay for Super DIRT Week, turning the Steel Palace into a major dirt-racing venue.
What events are held here?
The regular programme includes Big Block Supermodifieds, Small Block Supermodifieds and 350 Supermodifieds. Touring divisions such as ISMA/MSS and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour also visit.
Oswego celebrates its 75th season in 2026, with the 70th International Classic scheduled for 6 September and Super DIRT Week running from 5 to 10 October.
Why go?
Oswego offers some of the fastest short-track racing anywhere in North America. The compact oval allows spectators to follow almost the entire race from one seat, while the unusual Supermodifieds look and sound different from conventional stock cars.
Covered and uncovered grandstand sections are available during major events. Hearing protection is strongly recommended, especially for children.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Upper frontstretch grandstand: The best overall view of the complete oval, traffic and race strategy.
- Turns 1-2: Watch competitors enter the corner closely grouped after starts and restarts.
- Turns 3-4: See drivers fight for grip before accelerating towards the finish line.
- Backstretch grandstand: A close view of the cars at maximum speed, although much of this seating is uncovered.
Tickets, camping, parking and grandstand access vary between weekly races, Classic Weekend and Super DIRT Week. Check the organiser's latest information before travelling.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Oswego Speedway (Oswego, New York)
Oswego Speedway is in the city of Oswego on the shore of Lake Ontario, around 35 miles northwest of Syracuse. Driving is the easiest way to arrive, but direct Centro buses from Syracuse make this one of the more practical US speedways to visit without a car.
Driving & parking (easiest way)
- From Syracuse: head north towards Oswego using I-81 and NY-481. Continue into Oswego and follow navigation to 300 East Albany Street.
- From Rochester: travel east towards Oswego using the NY-104 corridor before following local signs to the speedway.
- Navigation: enter 300 East Albany Street, Oswego, NY 13126.
- Parking: follow speedway signs and staff directions when you arrive. Major meetings such as Classic Weekend can use different parking and camping areas from a normal race night.
Tip: Oswego Speedway is inside the city, so shops, restaurants and fuel are much closer than at many rural race tracks.
Bus from Syracuse
- OSW46: Centro operates a direct Oswego-Syracuse service connecting downtown Oswego with Syracuse.
- Syracuse connections: the route serves the William F. Walsh Regional Transportation Center, where you can connect with Amtrak, Greyhound, FlixBus and other services.
- In Oswego: the main Centro transfer point is at East 3rd Street and East Cayuga Street. Local Oswego routes continue around the city.
- For the speedway: check Centro's current map for the closest useful stop and allow time for a short walk or taxi for the final section.
Check the return timetable before an evening race so you know whether you can get back to Syracuse the same night.
Train
- Syracuse Regional Transportation Center: this is the nearest useful intercity rail hub and is served by Amtrak.
- Syracuse → Oswego: transfer to Centro's OSW46 bus for the journey north to Oswego.
- No train to the speedway: Oswego does not have a regular passenger railway service, so the final part of a rail journey is by bus or road.
Syracuse Airport transfers
- Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR): the closest major airport, approximately 35 miles from Oswego Speedway.
- Rental car: the simplest option for most visitors. Several rental-car companies operate at the airport.
- Taxi or rideshare: Uber and Lyft operate at Syracuse Airport and can also be useful for reaching a bus or rail connection in Syracuse.
- Without a car: travel from the airport into Syracuse and connect with Centro OSW46 towards Oswego.
Walking & local travel
Because the speedway is within the city of Oswego, staying locally can make race-day travel much easier. Depending on where your accommodation is located, a short taxi, rideshare or local bus journey may be all you need.
Walking can also be practical from some parts of the city, but remember that traffic around East Albany Street will be much busier when a large event finishes.
Camping
- Black Lot Campground: full-hookup camping is available beside the speedway during the regular racing season.
- Hookups: Black Lot sites include electricity, water and sewer.
- Reserve ahead: campsites must be booked and can be in particularly high demand around Budweiser Classic Weekend.
- Major weekends: check the current event information carefully, as camping periods, arrival times and pricing can differ from a normal race meeting.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair seating: Oswego Speedway provides wheelchair-compatible seating in Grandstand Section H.
- Public transport: Centro buses are equipped with mobility lifts or ramps for passengers using mobility devices.
- Before travelling: contact the speedway if you need specific parking, drop-off or seating assistance for your event.
Quick guide
- Driving? Take NY-481 north from the Syracuse area and navigate to 300 East Albany Street.
- Coming without a car? Centro OSW46 provides a direct connection between Syracuse and Oswego.
- Flying? Syracuse Hancock International Airport is the nearest major airport; hiring a car is the simplest onward option.
Check Oswego Speedway and Centro shortly before travelling, especially for Classic Weekend, as ticketing, camping, bus times and event access arrangements can change.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Oswego Speedway (Oswego, New York)
Whether you’re here for Supermodifieds, Modifieds or the famous Classic Weekend, Oswego Speedway puts you beside Lake Ontario - with waterfront parks, military history, museums, fishing and sandy beaches close enough to fill the rest of your trip.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Breitbeck Park: Relax beside Lake Ontario with walking paths, a children's playground, splash pad, mini golf and wide-open sunset views.
- Children's Museum of Oswego: A hands-on indoor attraction designed around play, discovery and learning - particularly useful for families with younger children.
- Fair Haven Beach State Park: Head west for a proper beach day with 1,500 feet of sand, seasonal swimming, paddling, hiking and picnic areas.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- Fort Ontario State Historic Site: Explore the star-shaped fort overlooking Lake Ontario and discover a military history stretching back to the 18th century.
- Safe Haven Museum: Learn the remarkable story of 982 refugees from war-torn Europe who were sheltered at Fort Ontario during the Second World War.
- H. Lee White Maritime Museum: Discover Oswego's connection with the Great Lakes, shipping, lighthouses and the canal system from its waterfront location.
Eat & drink after the racing
- Downtown Oswego: The compact centre has restaurants, cafés and bars close to the Oswego River and waterfront.
- Waterfront dining: Look around the harbour and river for an evening meal followed by a walk beside Lake Ontario.
- Central New York favourites: Pizza, wings and casual American comfort food are easy choices after a long night in the grandstands.
Active outdoors away from the track
- Lake Ontario fishing: Oswego is a major sport-fishing port, with charter trips targeting salmon, trout and steelhead on the lake and nearby waterways.
- Selkirk Shores State Park: Follow hiking and biking trails through woodland and meadows, watch migrating birds or enjoy the Lake Ontario shoreline.
Easy day trips if you’re extending your stay
- Fair Haven Beach: Spend a summer day swimming, kayaking or walking the shoreline before staying for a Lake Ontario sunset.
- Salmon River & Pulaski: Head north for fishing, riverside scenery and access to Selkirk Shores State Park.
- Syracuse: Around an hour south, the city adds larger museums, shopping and restaurants if you want a change from the quieter Lake Ontario coast.
Good to know when visiting Oswego Speedway
- Classic Weekend is the big event: The 70th Budweiser Classic Weekend takes place over Labor Day weekend in 2026 and includes major Supermodified and Modified races.
- Book early for headline weekends: Classic Weekend brings considerably more visitors than a regular Saturday programme, so accommodation and preferred seating are worth arranging ahead.
- Bring hearing protection: Supermodifieds are extremely loud and fast, making ear protection particularly sensible for children and first-time visitors.
- Pack for lake weather: Summer can be warm and humid, but Lake Ontario can also bring cooler wind and sudden rain. Sunscreen and a light waterproof layer are useful.
Race schedules, museum hours, swimming, fishing conditions and park facilities can change - check live event and attraction information before travelling.