WHITE CITY, Ore. – After a lengthy period of dormancy since the fall of 2019, Southern Oregon Speedway is set to roar to life once more.
In March of this year, Travis Hoppes and local racing legend Dane Smith were chosen as the new promoters at the Jackson County racing facility. Hoppes is an avid supporter and sponsor of several race teams and events in the Western United States.
“I got several phone calls and messages asking what Hoppes Motorsports can do to save the track,” said Hoppes. “I thought about it for a little bit and started to talk with some people. Then one thing led to another, and I put together a board of people that could help me with this massive endeavor.”
Members of this newly established board include Dane Smith, who will fill the role of president. Jon DeBenedetti, another longtime driver, will be a board member along with R. Charles Snyder’s son, Travis Snyder, a local business owner of Precision Electric and Snyder Creek Development. Brian Bowman, owner of Gage It Construction and a local late model driver, Albert Gill and James Anderson will also be part of the board.
“The goal of putting the board together was to fill it with people that really wanted to help the track and not shut it down,” Hoppes said. “But also, I was seeking business owners or very business smart people to help. I wanted a board of members of likeminded individuals who knew what it takes to make a successful race facility for both drivers and fans.”
A number of changes have been made, including a new track logo, a resized track and a new configuration for the pit area. In addition, a new electronic scoring system has been installed to allow fans to follow along on MyRacePass. Races from the track will also be streamed live thanks to SPEED SPORT TV affiliate IMCA.TV.
“I’m so excited for this new season and brand-new chapter in the history of Southern Oregon Speedway,” said Hoppes. “We want to be a welcoming face to people that have been here for years and the new fans that have never been here before.”
The track is scheduled to host a test and tune session on May 26, with the track’s first race of the season slated for May 29. IMCA modifieds, IMCA Northern sportmods, late models and hornets will be in action on opening day.