By Marty Gordon
NRVsports@ourvalley.org
The Motor Mile Speedway, located near Radford, is changing its name.
During a press conference on Wednesday, local officials gathered to hear the new name “The Pulaski County Motorsports Park.”
The Rusty Wallace Racing Group took over the speedway three years ago. The track has been known over the years as the New River Valley Speedway and has changed its name four times since its opening over 20 years ago.
A five-year agreement was signed in 2020 by RWRG. The multi-year lease agreement allows the RWRE to take over venue operations, with the speedway becoming the home track for the RWRE and its companion companies.
At the time, former NASCAR driver Rusty Wallace called Motor Mile Speedway and Dragway, one of the finest grassroots motorsports facilities in the nation.
“We’re excited to confirm a full schedule of racing and could not have picked a better home track for The Rusty Wallace Racing Experience and Pure Speed Drag Racing Experience,” said Rusty Wallace. “The opportunity to call this amazing short track home for our more advanced programs has us primed for 2021 today. I can’t wait to get up there in the spring.”
Pulaski County leaders joined in this week’s announcement, saying it will help advance economic development for the growing tourism industry.
The track will be in the national spotlight on Thursday, July 27 when the Superstar Racing Experience Series (SRX) will be run and broadcast from the local track. County Administrator Jonathan Sweet expressed enthusiasm over the event.
“SRX could not have picked a better track in a better community to host the Superstars of Racing, as we are known for having one of the most entertaining short tracks in the country and some of the best race fans in the world,” said Sweet. “This new partnership marks our strong commitment to continue the long tradition of racing here in Pulaski County, and our desire to have our Motorsports Park become one of Virginia’s prime tourism destinations as well as a world-class outdoor sports and event venue.”
The race will include several superstars, including Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman, Bobby Labonte, Kyle Busch and Marco Andretti.
The President of Rusty Wallace Racing Group, Mark Ebert said he is excited to work closely with the county and SRX.
“The SRX Race will be amazing but that’s just the start, we are truly a motorsports park! We have go-karting, IHRA Drag Racing, a world-class racing experience, and more, the Pulaski County Motorsports Park and the NRV are truly a destination for race fans of all ages.”
The park is home to the Rusty Wallace Racing Experience and features a 1/8th mile IHRA-sanctioned drag strip, a .416 NASCAR-sanctioned paved oval track, and the recent addition of a go-kart track.
The name change takes effect immediately. Motor Mile, now Pulaski County Motorsports Park, is celebrating its 34th year anniversary this year.
