South Boston Speedway
Location
South Boston, Virginia, USA
Current Local Time
Track Info
South Boston Speedway - South Boston, Virginia, USA
Historic NASCAR short track known as “SoBo” - a compact oval famous for close Late Model racing, quick laps and a traditional family atmosphere
When was the track built?
E.B. “Buck” Wilkins, Dave Blount and Louis Spencer purchased part of a former farm near South Boston and built a quarter-mile dirt oval in 1957. The track was hidden inside a natural bowl and initially had seating for around 1,000 spectators.
After five seasons, the circuit was enlarged to 0.357 miles, given greater banking and paved. Another major renovation expanded it to the current 0.4-mile length in 1994. A $1 million project completed in 2017 added new asphalt, improved drainage, updated lighting and renovated grandstands.
When was its first race?
The opening meeting took place on 10 August 1957. Jimmy Holland won the first Sportsman race, while Dick Hawthorne won the Amateur event.
South Boston joined NASCAR in 1960. Johnny Roberts won its first NASCAR-sanctioned Modified race, and Junior Johnson won the first Grand National event later that year.
What's the circuit like?
- Short and intense: Laps happen quickly, so leaders soon catch slower traffic.
- Close racing: The 45 ft width allows competitors to use different lines and race side by side.
- Momentum matters: Braking too much or exiting a corner poorly can cost several positions.
- Tyre management: Drivers must remain fast without using all their grip early in a long race.
For new spectators, the circuit is easy to follow because almost the entire race can be seen from one grandstand seat.
Lap records and benchmarks
- NASCAR Whelen Modified: 0:13.849 - Tommy Catalano, 2019.
- Late Model Stock: 0:14.676 - Peyton Sellers, 2019.
- ARCA East: 0:14.711 - Chase Cabre, 2017.
- Limited Sportsman: 0:15.125 - Colin Garrett, 2017.
- Pure Stock: 0:17.648 - Zach Reaves, 2025.
Most short-track records are set during qualifying. Race laps are normally slower because drivers must deal with traffic, tyre wear and changing track conditions.
Why is it famous?
South Boston hosted NASCAR's top division between 1960 and 1971. Richard Petty won five times, while Benny Parsons earned his first Cup-level victory in the final Grand National race held here.
The track also helped develop drivers including Jeff Burton, Ward Burton, Elliott Sadler and Peyton Sellers. Wendell Scott competed regularly in Modified races before becoming the first Black driver to win at NASCAR's highest level.
What events are held here?
The modern calendar centres on NASCAR-sanctioned Late Model Stock, Limited Sportsman, Pure Stock and Hornet racing. Touring events include the SMART Modified Tour and the CARS Tour.
The headline meeting is the Thunder Road Harley-Davidson 200, a 200-lap Late Model race forming the opening round of the Virginia Triple Crown.
Why go?
South Boston offers affordable, approachable short-track racing. Children aged 12 and under enter most events free with a paying adult, and selected meetings offer pit passes, trackside parking and free dry camping.
The speedway is also famous for its grilled bologna burger, served with onions, peppers, mustard and mayonnaise.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Upper main grandstand: The clearest overall view of the oval, traffic and pit area.
- Turns 1-2: Watch competitors challenge for position immediately after the front straight.
- Turns 3-4: A good view of side-by-side racing and acceleration towards the finish line.
- Trackside parking: When available, spectators can watch from reserved spaces beside Turns 3 and 4.
Ticket types, pit access, camping and trackside parking vary between events. Check the organiser's current information before travelling.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to South Boston Speedway (Virginia)
South Boston Speedway is a short-track racing venue just east of South Boston, Virginia. Driving is the easiest way to arrive, with straightforward road access from Raleigh-Durham, Greensboro, Richmond and other cities across Virginia and North Carolina.
Driving & parking (easiest way)
- From Raleigh-Durham: take US-501 north into South Boston, turn onto US-58 East and then US-360 East. Continue for about 2.5 miles to the speedway entrance.
- From Greensboro: take US-29 north to Danville, then US-58 east towards South Boston. Join US-360 East and continue to the circuit.
- From Richmond: follow US-360 west towards South Boston. The entrance is on your left shortly before reaching the main town.
- Parking: the venue has large on-site parking areas. Follow staff directions when you arrive because different areas may be used for spectators, competitors and trackside parking.
Tip: Use the speedway's official address rather than simply searching for South Boston-the track is outside the centre of town.
Train & public transport
There is no passenger railway station or regular public bus service directly at South Boston Speedway.
- Danville Station: this is the most useful nearby Amtrak stop for visitors arriving by rail.
- Danville → speedway: arrange a rental car, taxi or private pickup before travelling.
- Race-day travel: do not rely on finding a last-minute rideshare after an evening event, as the speedway is outside a major metropolitan area.
For most visitors, driving the complete journey is considerably simpler than combining rail and local transport.
Airports & transfers
- Lynchburg Regional Airport (LYH): a useful regional airport with scheduled airline connections through major hubs.
- Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU): a practical larger-airport option south of the speedway and particularly convenient when approaching via US-501.
- Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO): another useful choice near Greensboro, with a straightforward drive through Danville towards South Boston.
- Rental car: strongly recommended whichever airport you choose.
Race-day tips
- Seating: grandstands are available along the frontstretch and in Turns 1 and 4, with lawn-chair areas around other parts of the circuit.
- Coolers: small coolers are permitted in general spectator areas, but glass is prohibited.
- Food: several concession stands operate during race meetings.
- Trackside parking: reserved spaces let spectators watch from their vehicles, but the 2026 season allocation is currently sold out.
A small number of unused trackside spaces may be released shortly before the green flag, but do not rely on this when planning your visit.
Camping
- Dry camping: South Boston Speedway allows free non-hookup camping during event weekends.
- Location: campers are normally directed to the backstretch side of the property near the Halifax County Fairgrounds.
- Hookups: the adjoining Fairgrounds has a limited number of paid hookup sites, operated separately from the speedway.
- Special events: camping arrangements can change for larger meetings, so check the individual event page before arriving.
Accessibility
- Accessible seating: a designated ADA spectator area is located in Turn 4.
- Accessible parking: two paved accessible parking areas are located beside the main ticket office.
- Before travelling: check the facility map or contact the speedway if you need the shortest route between parking and seating.
Quick guide
- Driving? Navigate to 1188 James D. Hagood Hwy and approach the speedway from US-360.
- Coming by train? Use Danville Amtrak Station and arrange the final road journey in advance.
- Flying? Lynchburg is a useful regional airport; Raleigh-Durham and Greensboro offer larger alternatives.
Check South Boston Speedway shortly before travelling, as gate times, tickets, parking and camping arrangements can vary between race meetings.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around South Boston Speedway (South Boston, Virginia)
Whether you’re here for late models, NASCAR local racing or a major short-track event, South Boston Speedway puts you in southern Virginia - with local history, rivers, lakes, family attractions and easy outdoor escapes close by.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Danville Science Center: Hands-on exhibits explore movement, water, engineering and other science topics, with a Dome theatre adding immersive films and astronomy shows.
- Staunton River State Park: Spend a quieter day beside the Dan and Staunton rivers with trails, fishing, paddling and family nature programs.
- South Boston-Halifax County Museum: A manageable local museum covering regional art and history - useful if younger visitors need a break from an all-day attraction.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- South Boston-Halifax County Museum: Learn about Halifax County through historic objects, local art and exhibitions without travelling far from the speedway.
- Danville Science Center: One of the best indoor family choices in the region, with interactive exhibits designed to work even for visitors who know little about science.
- Staunton River Battlefield State Park: Discover the Civil War history of the strategically important Staunton River bridge through trails and interpretation around the battlefield.
Eat & drink after the racing
- Downtown South Boston: The easiest place to start for cafés and casual restaurants after a race night without adding a long drive.
- Southern comfort food: Look for barbecue, fried chicken, biscuits and traditional sides if you want a straightforward taste of the region.
- Halifax County countryside: Local farms, vineyards and seasonal markets provide a slower alternative if you have extra time away from the speedway.
Active outdoors away from the track
- Tobacco Heritage Trail: Walk or cycle the local rail trail through woodland and countryside while learning about the tobacco-growing history that shaped southern Virginia.
- Staunton River State Park: Hike, fish, paddle or stay after dark - the park is also recognised for its exceptionally dark night skies.
Easy day trips if you’re extending your stay
- Danville: Combine the Science Center with the historic River District and a walk beside the Dan River for an easy family day.
- Staunton River State Park: Make a full day of hiking, boating and fishing around the rivers and Buggs Island Lake, then stay into the evening for stargazing.
- Clarksville & Buggs Island Lake: Head east for waterfront scenery, boating and small-town restaurants beside one of Virginia's largest lakes.
Good to know when visiting South Boston Speedway
- The track is active: South Boston has a full 2026 schedule including NASCAR local racing, the CARS Tour Championship and late-season special events.
- Family pricing can be useful: Many regular race nights admit children aged 12 and under free with a paying adult, although individual events can have different rules.
- Trackside viewing is available: Some events offer designated spaces where fans can watch from beside their vehicle, in addition to traditional grandstand seating.
- Prepare for summer weather: Southern Virginia can be hot and humid with sudden thunderstorms, so bring water, sunscreen and lightweight rain protection.
Race schedules, admission, trackside parking, museum hours and park facilities can change - check live event and attraction information before travelling.