Knox Raceway – Sportsman’s Speedway – Knox, Pennsylvania (Dirt Track) [USA]

Knox Raceway, formerly known as Sportsman’s Speedway, is a 0.333-mile (0.536-kilometer) dirt oval located in Knox, PA. Built by Sam Colwell and opened in 1973, it is adjacent to Colwell’s Campground on Huckleberry Ridge Road.

Early Years (1973-1982)

From its inception in 1973 until 1982, the circuit featured V8 modified coupes, late models, and various support categories. However, the track closed in 1978 and remained shuttered until 1982, when it reopened for Saturday night events. The new races included Big Block Modifieds, Semi-Late Models, Small Block Modifieds, Six Cylinder Modifieds, and Street Stocks.

Revival and Changes (1987-2002)

In 1987, the Colwell family resumed promoting the speedway, replacing late model racing with sprint cars. The track experienced several closures during this period, including a significant five-season hiatus. Attendance issues led to another closure in 2002.

Reopenings and Closures (2004-2015)

The speedway reopened in 2004 but saw another shutdown after only three races in 2005. It wasn’t until August 26, 2007, that weekly Sunday night racing resumed, featuring Sprint Cars, 358 Modifieds, and additional support categories. In 2008, 410 Sprint Cars were added to the lineup. Events continued until the end of the 2015 season, when low attendance prompted another closure.

Modern Era (2022-Present)

The track reopened seven years later under new ownership by Brian and Brianna Steinman. Racing resumed on June 17, 2022, with upgrades including a new clay surface, improved lighting, and a redesigned pit paddock. The events featured RUSH Sprint Cars, RUSH Wingless Sprint Cars, the BRP Modified Tour, Penn Ohio Pro Stocks, JR Sprints, and Mini Stocks. Additional events included Demolition Derbys and Truck and Tractor Pulls. The Sid Unverzagt Sr. Memorial Race also found a home here.

Recent Developments and Future Prospects

Despite the campground’s continuous operation, the speedway announced another closure on July 18, 2023, due to low attendance. The venue was listed for sale at $499,000 USD. During this period, the track hosted its first-ever Horse Race, a Harness Racing event, on October 7.

In 2024, CS Pulling Promotions organized a Truck and Tractor Pull on May 11, but it was canceled due to bad weather. However, a 100-lap endurance race, bus racing, and a demolition derby went ahead on May 18, with Andy Thompson winning the endurance race.

Knox Raceway remains in race-ready condition, with future events pending announcement.

Sources: 
Roaming The Raceways
Pennsylvania's Lost Raceways (Facebook)   
Dirt Track Digest   
Explore Jefferson   
Knox Raceway (Facebook)