Central Missouri Speedway raced to a close on Sept. 13 at 6:30 p.m. The track has been a hidden gem in the Warrensburg area for the last 31 years. Located north of Warrensburg off Highway 13, this dirt track has been considered a beloved weekend tradition for many of the families living in the area.
“…Racing is definitely a family event in the stands and the pits. It is a great way to spend time together,” says racing fan Becky Stadler. “CMS is important to our community because it provides a place for friends and families to go and have a great time.”
The track features conditions ideal for specialized race cars, specifically built for dirt track racing. At three-eighths of a mile and composed of clay, this is not the average race track as seen in NASCAR. Drivers have to factor in drift when it comes to the oval banks.
“Pavement is extremely different from dirt all around. Not only are the cars, tracks and skill set needed to race different, but the atmosphere around the two forms of racing as well,” said Waylon Phillips, a Sprint Car Driver. “Asphalt consists of smoother driving styles that focus on consistency and patience, while dirt racing’s primary focus is a more aggressive, ‘get in where you fit in’ attitude.”
Race season typically runs from April to Labor Day, giving spectators about 19 races to watch, depending on the weather. In addition to seating in the stands, the track also has a livestream available through its Facebook page for those unable to attend in person.
The future of the track remains uncertain, however, as it is currently listed for sale. At the time of press, it is still on the market for $1 million. This price tag includes the land and all equipment pertaining to it, as well as Pub 13, the restaurant on the property. The current owners wish to spend more time with their family and running a race track is hard work.
“The track was run by the best team in the business, a cohesive group of people who knew how to do their jobs, work together, and keep the show moving,” says Sam Stoecklin, Media Relations and Race Official for CMS. “The track featured the best payouts, the best rules that were followed, there was no favoritism and no b.s., and the track had the honor of hosting the best drivers and fans … with the loss of CMS as we know it, there will be a big hole in the racing industry in our area.”
