Six years ago, Dillon Motor Speedway was covered with trees. Now, thanks to a former NASCAR driver, it’s a grown into a big attraction in the small town.
Ron Barfield purchased the track in 2005, back when you may not have even known a racetrack had ever existed there.
“You could barely see where the old racetrack was at,” Barfield recalled.
But Barfield built it back up, and in 2007 he brought racing back to Dillon for the first time in 32 years.
For him it was like a wish come true.
"It's no different than Disney Land,” he said. “To me it's Disney Land.”
Many fans feel the same. Races at Dillon Motor Speedway have drawn more than 1,000 fans. Some folks even like to watch drivers practice.
“I enjoy it out here,” said C.J. Locklear, a Latta resident who estimates he’s been to nearly every race since the track reopened. “As long as Ron’s got the gates open, I’ll be out here.”
But what’s exciting for fans is often challenging for drivers.
“You really don't come here and just go to winning races,” said Randy Hall, a two-time track champion who compares the track to Darlington Raceway.
“I think to come here and run you've got to be a really good racecar driver,” he said.
Barfield would like to see more fans come out and enjoy the action.
“I feel like if we can get them here one time, then they'll be back again,” he said.
Dillon Motor Speedway opens its 2011 season Saturday, with South Carolina Clash 150. The Pro All Stars Series race begins at 6 p.m.
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