West Georgia Speedway Set to Begin New Era This Weekend

(Whitesburg, GA – March 31, 2021) A new era in the rich Georgia motorsports history is about to unfold this weekend as award winning promoters Mayes Massey and Doug Stevens begin their first season at the helm of the 3/8ths mile red clay dirt track in Whitesburg, GA. West Georgia Speedway, which they have nicknamed ‘The Burg’, is set to open this Saturday, April 3rd with a full line-up of stock car racing action and excitement.

There has been lot of work done at West Georgia Speedway to prepare for this weekend's Season Opener. Doug Stevens has been reworking the track to create a better opportunity for action packed, side by side racing. He removed the inside barrier to make for more racing room and is putting the final touches on the new progressive banking in the turns.

"We have been working when we can," said promoter Mayes Massey. "There was a lot of work needed to make our vision of the track become a reality. That's not work that is done in a couple of months. This will be a work in progress, but we think the improvements fans and drivers see this weekend will show our commitment in providing a fair and fun place to race and enjoy motorsports."

A private practice held last week to gauge enter and exit points on the track revealed the tremendous speed drivers can carry around nearly the entire track.

"This track is so fast," said Stevens. "The red clay has so much grip. Some of the drivers practicing the other night were almost flat footing it."

Fans and drivers will also see that the infield pit area no longer exists. All teams will pit on the outside of turn one and two. The pits have been extended out from the parking area as you enter the facility. This will allow fans to watch teams working on their race cars before they compete.

"We wanted to provide a unique perspective for race fans," Massey said. "We have seen a few tracks that offer this and we wanted to add it to this track."

Sammy Duke and his family have owned the property on the northside of Whitesburg since the fifties. Against his wife’s wishes, he transformed his property into a race track back in the eighties.

“I only made two hundred dollars that first night,” Duke mentioned in conversation this week. “She wasn’t real happy about that. But, we have had some good times since then.”

Duke leased the track in January to Massey and Stevens and is finally excited about his race track property becoming a place where families and friends can gather to enjoy a sport he loves so greatly.

“I really like these guys,” Duke also said. “They are racing people. The drivers and fans like them. They know what they are doing. I am excited to see the place open again.”

Opening night will feature racing in the Crate Late Models, Summit Racing Equipment Late Model (602) Sportsman, Chargers (602 beginner), Sanders Logging Hobby Stock, Massey Towing Mini Stock, West Georgia Tire Bombers and the Hot Shots. There will be hot lap / qualifying sessions and features for all classes beginning at 7pm.

Increased seating is planned for the track, but is not in place yet. Fans are encouraged to bring seat cushions, lawn or sports chairs and blankets to find their spot to enjoy the racing action. There is also a limited number of trackside parking spaces that can be rented for the evening to watch from the comforts of your vehicle or to create a special seating area for your family and friends.

The concession stand will be open along with a couple of vendors to provide food and beverage options. Items will include hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, ham & cheese sandwiches, chips, nachos along with different beverage choices.

This Saturday, April 3rd “Season Opener” pit gate will open at 2pm while the spectator area will open at 5pm. The driver's meeting is set for 6:15pm and cars will hit the track for the first time in competition at 7pm.

Ticket prices are $15 with kids age twelve and under free. Pit passes are $30; kids age 6-12 are $20; five & under are free.

West Georgia Speedway is located at 1936 Sammy Duke Road in Whitesburg, GA. Access from GA Hwy 16. For additional information, visit the track website at wgsracing.com or call the speedway hotline at 404.234.6785.