By Jessica Dillon
More than a decade after it closed, Oak Level Raceway is once again drawing drivers and fans to its dirt track, offering a mix of competition, family entertainment, and opportunities for racers of all experience levels.
Track owner Bo Miller has worked to revive the raceway since purchasing the property and reopening it after years of inactivity. The track, which closed in 2013, now hosts races featuring several classes, including late models, Hornets, Pro4s, and the increasingly popular Crown Victoria division.
“One of the cool things that we have going on now is we’ve got these Crown Vics,” Miller said. “So it’s the best class. You could even go and buy yourself a Crown Vic.”
Miller said his family’s passion for racing helped inspire the effort to bring the track back.
“Me and my wife were big race fans back when we were in college, and we used to go and do a lot of super late model racing, watching. Then we had a little boy, and we got him into racing,” he said.
The raceway’s return followed a lengthy approval process and significant restoration work.
“About this time last year, a local guy by the name of Barry Young snuck in and took a bunch of pictures and videos of the track,” Miller said. “And I’m like, man, that’s still salvageable. You know what I’m saying? And so, I made an offer on it. He took it, and the rest is kind of history.”
Today, race nights attract competitors ranging from teenagers to veteran drivers. Miller said one racer is 86 years old.
The family-friendly atmosphere begins before the racing starts. Children are invited onto the track with bicycles and pedal-powered toys, creating a tradition that has become popular with families attending events.
For many drivers, racing is a family tradition.
Justin Pruitt, who competes in the Crown Victoria class, said his interest in racing began with his father.
“I just have a competitive nature. It’s my nature,” Pruitt said. “My dad raised me, and I just kind of fell in his footsteps.”
Pruitt said aspiring racers need more than driving ability if they hope to secure sponsorships.
“I think the biggest thing is, you have to be marketable,” he said. “People don’t care about your win record. The biggest thing is to show that you’re something different than the next cookie-cutter guy.”
Driver Shane Ball said he enjoys the close competition the track provides.
“It’s this good, short track. It’s a lot of competitive racing,” Ball said.
The car he currently races had been sitting unused for years before being restored.
“This car sat for 10 years, and we pulled it out of the side of the building,” he said. “Now, it’s up here at my parents’ house.”
Veteran racer Jay Foley returned to Oak Level Raceway this year after competing there decades ago.
“I raced here in the ‘80s and came back around in ‘96,” Foley said. “Ran one time here when French Grimes bought it. And this is my first trip back.”
Foley said he has spent much of his life behind the wheel.
“I’ve been doing it for 40 years,” he said.
The strong turnout has impressed many longtime racers and supporters.
“People were so worried, and the stands were full,” Foley said.
Racing will continue throughout the summer season. Information about upcoming events is available on the Oak Level Raceway Facebook page. The next race is scheduled for June 5, with gates opening at 5 p.m.
The track is located at 50 Raceway Drive in Bassett. Tickets are available through the raceway’s online ticketing system.
