Ozarks International Raceway
Location
Gravois Mills, Missouri, USA
Current Local Time
Track Info
Ozarks International Raceway - Gravois Mills, Missouri, USA
Long, demanding road course shaped by the Ozark hills - known for blind crests, off-camber corners and dramatic elevation changes
When was the track built?
Racing driver and team owner J.R. Pesek developed the circuit on a former turkey and cattle farm near the Lake of the Ozarks. Construction began in 2020, with technical input from Multimatic Motorsports.
Rather than flattening the site, the route was designed around its natural hills and woodland. Former turkey barns were converted into a large garage building, while a modern control tower, media centre and paddock were constructed nearby.
When was its first race?
The first major race weekend took place from 22 to 24 April 2022. It featured Porsche Sprint Challenge North America and the opening races in USF Juniors history. Mac Clark won both completed USF Juniors races before poor weather cancelled Sunday's programme.
What's the circuit like?
- Constant elevation changes: The full lap rises and falls repeatedly, making some braking points and corner exits impossible to see in advance.
- Varied corner shapes: Banked turns provide extra grip, while off-camber corners slope away from the vehicle and reduce grip.
- Little time to relax: Corners are often linked, so drivers must prepare for the next bend before completing the current one.
- Several configurations: Alongside the full course, the venue offers a 2.5-mile outer circuit and a 1.4-mile inner course.
Ozarks rewards patience and accurate positioning. Learning the direction of the track is only the beginning; drivers must also remember where the road rises, falls or disappears beyond a crest.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Time Trial Unlimited: 2:08.639 - Jonathan Finstrom, Staudacher S12, 2025.
- Formula Atlantic race lap: 2:16.527 - Hans Peter, Swift 016.a, 2023.
- USF Juniors: 2:22.170 - Mac Clark, Ligier JS F4, 2022.
- Porsche GT4: 2:34.178 - Aidan Kenny, Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport, 2022.
Time-trial laps are set against the clock and are separate from official race records. Times from the shorter inner and outer layouts cannot be compared directly with full-course laps.
Why is it famous?
The circuit quickly gained a reputation as one of North America's most difficult modern tracks. Its blind crests, steep compressions and fast corner sequences have encouraged comparisons with classic European circuits, although its layout is completely original.
Ozarks hosted the NASA National Championships in 2025. Its wider calendar includes NASA regional racing, ChampCar endurance events, vintage competition, motorcycles, drifting, time trials and high-performance driver education.
Why go?
The hills make the circuit visually impressive, while the long lap offers many different types of driving in one place. Visitors can bring lawn chairs and use viewing areas around the course during eligible public events.
The venue offers camping and RV spaces, a large garage building and access to accommodation, restaurants and visitor attractions around the Lake of the Ozarks.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Turn 1: Watch competitors descend into a fast opening corner immediately after crossing the start and finish line.
- Turns 7-8: The Rollercoaster section highlights the circuit's steep crests, compressions and rapid elevation changes.
- Turn 11: A strong braking area where drivers arrive downhill and may challenge for position.
- Final section: The technical run from Turns 14 to 19 shows how one corner affects the next and leads back onto the main straight.
Viewing locations and paddock access vary between events. Remain behind the required safety fencing and check the organiser's spectator information before travelling.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Ozarks International Raceway (Missouri)
Ozarks International Raceway is in rural central Missouri, just north of the Lake of the Ozarks. Driving or hiring a car is the easiest way to reach the circuit, as there is no practical public transport directly to the venue.
Driving & parking (easiest way)
- Navigation: use 29211 MO-135, Gravois Mills, MO 65037. The circuit is directly off Missouri Route 135.
- From Kansas City: allow around 2.5 hours for the drive to the circuit, depending on traffic and your starting point.
- From St. Louis: allow around 3 hours. The final part of the journey uses smaller roads through central Missouri.
- When you arrive: follow the signs and instructions for your particular event, especially if different areas are being used for spectators, competitors or paddock vehicles.
Tip: Fill up before the final part of your journey and allow extra time. The circuit is in a rural area, so services are less frequent than around the major highways and cities.
Airports & transfers
- Columbia Regional Airport (COU): the circuit lists Columbia at around 1 hour 20 minutes away, making it the closest useful commercial airport.
- Kansas City International (MCI): approximately 2 hours 35 minutes from the circuit and a useful option for visitors coming from farther away.
- St. Louis Lambert International (STL): approximately 2 hours 50 minutes away and another practical major-airport choice.
- Rental car: strongly recommended whichever airport you choose. The circuit is not served by an airport shuttle or convenient public transport.
Train
There is no passenger railway station at Ozarks International Raceway. Amtrak's Missouri River Runner crosses central Missouri, but you will still need road transport for the final journey.
- Jefferson City: served by Amtrak's Missouri River Runner between St. Louis and Kansas City.
- After the train: arrange a rental car or other road transport before travelling to the circuit.
- For race weekends: flying or driving directly is normally much simpler than combining rail and road transport.
Taxis & rideshare
- Do not rely on a last-minute pickup: the circuit is well outside a major city, so transport should be arranged in advance if you are not driving.
- From your hotel: ask your accommodation about local taxi or private-transfer options before race day.
- Return journey: arrange your collection before the event begins, particularly if racing finishes in the evening.
Leaving after an event
- Heading south: the circuit's guidance directs traffic south on Highway 135.
- Heading north: routes can use Highway 135 towards Stover or J Highway towards Highway 5 and Versailles.
- Follow event staff: traffic plans may be used after busy meetings, so follow temporary signs even if your navigation app suggests another route.
Leaving a few minutes later can sometimes make the journey easier when a large number of vehicles are exiting at once.
Where to stay
- Lake of the Ozarks: the circuit recommends the surrounding lake area, where there are numerous resorts and visitor facilities.
- Osage Beach: a useful base if you want a larger choice of hotels, restaurants and shops during a multi-day visit.
- Race weekends: reserve accommodation early, particularly when your visit coincides with a major event or a busy summer weekend at the lake.
Accessibility
- Driving is the simplest option: it avoids relying on long-distance transfers and gives you more control over your arrival time.
- Before travelling: contact the circuit or your event organiser to confirm accessible parking, entrances and spectator arrangements.
- Drop-off: if someone in your group has limited mobility, ask which entrance or parking area provides the shortest route to your destination.
Quick guide
- Driving? Navigate to 29211 MO-135, Gravois Mills and follow event signs when you arrive.
- Flying? Columbia Regional is the closest commercial option; Kansas City and St. Louis are the main alternatives.
- Staying several days? Consider accommodation around Lake of the Ozarks or Osage Beach and use a rental car for the circuit journey.
Check Ozarks International Raceway and your event organiser shortly before travelling, as entrances, parking arrangements and traffic procedures can change between events.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Ozarks International Raceway (Gravois Mills, Missouri)
Whether you’re here for racing, a car or motorcycle track day, drifting or driver training, Ozarks International Raceway sits in the wooded hills north of Lake of the Ozarks - giving you caves, lake activities, hiking and family attractions when you’re away from the circuit.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Jacob's Cave: Explore a large show cave on a level, paved walkway with no steps, making it unusually easy for younger children, strollers and visitors with limited mobility.
- Lake of the Ozarks State Park: Missouri's largest state park offers swimming, fishing, boating, picnic areas and plenty of space for a quieter family day.
- Bagnell Dam Strip: A classic lake-area stop with restaurants, shops and family entertainment beside the dam that created Lake of the Ozarks.
- Bridal Cave: Take a guided underground tour through impressive rock formations beside the lake. The cave operates year-round.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- Willmore Lodge: This historic lodge near Bagnell Dam contains a free museum explaining how the dam and Lake of the Ozarks were developed.
- Jacob's Cave: Underground temperatures make the cave a useful choice during very hot weather as well as rainy days.
- Bridal Cave: Another weather-friendly option if you want an attraction that does not depend on spending hours outdoors.
Eat & drink after the racing
- Gravois Mills: The closest town to the circuit and the simplest choice when you want food without adding a long drive to your evening.
- Lake Ozark: Head towards Bagnell Dam for a larger collection of restaurants and casual evening entertainment.
- Osage Beach: One of the main visitor centres around the lake, with plenty of restaurants, shopping and familiar options for groups.
Lakefront restaurants are a big part of the Lake of the Ozarks experience during warmer months, with many reached by both road and boat.
Active outdoors away from the track
- Ha Ha Tonka State Park: Walk between castle ruins, bluffs, caves, a natural bridge and one of Missouri's largest springs, with several routes suitable for shorter visits.
- Lake of the Ozarks State Park: Choose hiking, mountain biking, swimming, boating or fishing depending on how energetic you feel after the circuit.
Easy day trips if you’re extending your stay
- Ha Ha Tonka & Camdenton: Make a day of the castle ruins and walking trails, then continue into Camdenton for food or another lake attraction.
- Bridal Cave: Combine a cave tour with time around the lake for an easy family-focused outing.
- Lake Ozark & Bagnell Dam: Visit the historic dam, Willmore Lodge and the Strip, then stay for dinner beside the water.
Good to know when visiting Ozarks International Raceway
- Expect plenty of elevation: The full lap rises and falls repeatedly, and the surrounding venue is hilly too, so comfortable footwear is useful for spectators.
- Spectators are welcome: Events listed on the circuit calendar are open to spectators, with admission varying by event.
- Camping is available: The circuit offers RV and camping spaces, which can be useful for early starts and multi-day events.
- A car is essential: The raceway is in a rural area and attractions around Lake of the Ozarks are widely spread out.
Circuit access, event schedules, camping, cave tours and seasonal lake activities can change - check live calendars and booking information before travelling.