Virginia Motorsports Park – March 26-27

Located just outside Petersburg in Dinwiddie County, Virginia Motorsports Park is a state-of-the-art dragstrip. Known as one of the top-ranked racing tracks in the US, Virginia Motorsports Park was inaugurated back in 1994 for all race lovers out there. The facility is owned by Tommy Franklin, one of the founders of the Professional Drag Racers Association (PDRA), and his wife Judy Franklin, who purchased the park in 2017.

 

This 500-acre facility includes a quarter-mile drag race strip, the Mud Bog, and a family All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) park, among various others. Boasting a seating capacity of over 23,000 spectators, the park is home to some of the hottest racing action such as drag racing, motocross, truck and tractor pull, autocross, the great bull run, BMX racing, and is host to the Dinwiddie County Fair which attracts around 10,000 people annually from various parts of the country.

History of the Park

The park has made its mark on the racing community and has been showcasing some of the most thrilling and action-packed motorsports events in history. For the past two decades, the park has witnessed an average of 250,000 people every year. Virginia Motorsports Park was established in 1994 as one of the ten most extensive facilities in the world and bagged the title of hosting the first National Drag Race in the state of Virginia. Speaking of historical events, here is a list of some of the most iconic events that occurred in the park:

• The recent Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series held in September 2020 attracted massive crowds.
• The track also hosted the PDRA Brian Olson Memorial World Finals back in the October of 2019.
• The NHRA Nationals returned to Virginia in June 2018 with completely sold-out events and remarkable performances.
• The first Great Bull Run, inspired by the Spanish San Fermin festival, was held on the 24^th of August 2013 at Virginia Motorsports Park.
• The Inaugural Dirtplex Nationals: Mud Bog was held on the 8^th of August 2020.
• In the April of 1997, two records were broken by the three-time series winner Warren Johnson. The records broken were about reaching 200 miles per hour and the entire quarter-mile drag in under 6.9 seconds. Johnson covered the track in 6.893 seconds and pulled off a spectacular run of 200.13 mph!
• VMP was given the Golden Trowel Award World Record in 2019 for the smoothest racing surface.
• VMP was also awarded the Drag Champ Track of the Year in January 2020 which was a voted award!
• The Brian Olson Memorial PDRA World Finals is held annually at VMP in October.

The Upcoming Action

The park is soon to witness some of the country’s hottest racing competitions. With the Street Outlaws No Prep Kings series being held this year, the first race is scheduled to take place at the Virginia Motorsports Park. The drag racing competition is the latest series in the Street Outlaws franchise, which has earned global recognition and has provided top-line action-heavy races to its mass following.

Virginia, the state with the most die-hard racing fans, is set to kick off the No Prep Kings series with style. It is a treat to all the drag enthusiasts to attend this event, which is bound to provide spectacular action, thrilling moments, and lasting memories.

 

The event will take place on the 26 and 27 of March 2021. Hurry up and book your tickets now!

Titles:

Virginia Motorsports Park (VMP) is a state-of-the-art multi-million dollar facility covering over 500 acres in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, just 30 minutes south of Richmond with easy access from I-85 off the I-95 corridor. As a long-time spectator at this track, I’ve witnessed firsthand how VMP has become one of the 10 largest facilities in the world, attracting over 250,000 visitors each year to its NHRA events, No Prep Kings races, and Street Outlaws competitions.

In this article, I’ll share my insights on the track’s history, important things to know, and what newcomers should be aware of when visiting this world-class motorsports facility. From its top-notch amenities to its thrilling events, Virginia Motorsports Park offers an unforgettable experience for racing enthusiasts of all kinds.

Facilities and Amenities

Virginia Motorsports Park boasts an impressive array of facilities and amenities that cater to both racers and spectators alike. Here are some of the key features that make this track stand out:

Diverse Racing Venues

VMP offers a wide range of racing venues to suit different motorsports disciplines:

1. 1/4 mile drag strip
2. Motocross facility
3. BMX facility
4. Mud pit for mud bogs and truck/tractor pulls
5. Autocross course
6. 4.1-mile road course with 19 turns and a 0.6-mile straightaway
7. 0.7-mile kart track
8. 0.5-mile motocross track

Ample Parking and Seating

The park has ample space for parking and seating, ensuring a comfortable experience for all visitors:

Parking/Seating Area	Details
Pit Parking	60 acres of level pit parking (35 acres asphalt, 25 acres packed stone)
Spectator Seating	Total of 23,000 seats along the quarter-mile drag strip
Motorhome/RV Spaces	130 spaces on the north side of the drag strip

VIP Hospitality Tower

The three-story VIP Hospitality Tower offers a luxurious viewing experience with modern amenities:

• 14 luxury suites with a panoramic view of the entire park
• State-of-the-art media facilities
• Media room equipped with wireless audio/video PA and telecommunication voice lines

Visitor Amenities

VMP provides a range of amenities to ensure a pleasant visit:

• Pro shop selling motorsports gear and accessories
• Concession stands serving hot food and cold drinks
• Restrooms and showers
• Picnic areas and playgrounds
• Campground with electric and water hookups, accommodating over 300 RVs and tents

Having experienced these facilities firsthand as a long-time spectator, I can attest to their quality and convenience. The park’s commitment to continuous upgrades and eco-friendly practices, such as low-flow toilets and LED lighting, further enhances the overall experience for visitors.

Visiting Virginia Motorsports Park

Virginia Motorsports Park is a must-visit destination for racing enthusiasts, offering a thrilling experience for both spectators and participants. Here’s what you need to know when planning your visit:

Location and Accessibility

The park is conveniently located in Dinwiddie County, just 30 minutes south of Richmond, with easy access from I-85 and I-95. The exact address is:

Virginia Motorsports Park
8018 Boydton Plank Road
North Dinwiddie, VA 23803

Ticket Information

1. General admission tickets for most events start at around $20.
2. Children under 12 years old get in free with a paying adult.
3. Discounts are available for military personnel, first responders, and seniors.
4. Tickets can be purchased at the gate on the day of the event.

Important Rules and Requirements

1. All visitors must sign a waiver before entering the park.
2. Helmets are mandatory for all riders on the motocross track.
3. The park has strict rules regarding alcohol and drug use.
4. You may exit and re-enter the park if you have a ticket, hand stamp, or armband.

Accommodation and Transportation

• There are 18 hotels within a 15-minute drive from the park.
• Public transportation options include taxis and rideshare services.

Contact Information

For any inquiries or further information, you can reach out to the park through the following channels:

Contact Method	Details
Phone	(804) 862-3174
Email	[email protected]
Website	Virginia Motorsports Park
Facebook	VMP Facebook Page

To stay updated on the latest events and news, check out the VMP News page and their upcoming events listings.

As a long-time spectator at this track, I can attest to the incredible experience that Virginia Motorsports Park offers. Whether you’re a die-hard racing fan or simply looking for an exciting day out, VMP is sure to deliver an unforgettable adventure.

History and Ownership

Virginia Motorsports Park has a rich history dating back to the 1950s. The park was originally built on a farm with a railroad line passing through it and was leased by Sports Car Enterprises in 1957. The first official event, an SCCA race, was won by the legendary Carroll Shelby. The challenging turns, high-speed straights, and elevation changes quickly made VMP a fixture on the SCCA circuit.

Key Milestones

1. 1959: Colonel Paul Rembold and the Civil Air Patrol take over the park
2. 1974: The park closes and is leased to various organizations
3. 1994: The current facility is built at 8018 Boydton Plank Road, North Dinwiddie, VA
4. 1998: Investors Connie Nyholm and Harvey Siegel resurrect the park
5. 2000: VMP reopens as a world-class road racing circuit and the first “Motorsport Resort” in America

Notable Events Hosted

Event	Year
First National Drag Race in Virginia	–
First Great Bull Run	–
NHRA Virginia Nationals	2018, 2019, 2022
PDRA Brian Olson Memorial World Finals	2019-present

Ownership History

Owner	Period
Sports Car Enterprises	1957
Civil Air Patrol	1959-1974
Various Organizations	1974-1998
Connie Nyholm & Harvey Siegel	1998-2013
Connie Nyholm (sole owner)	2013-2017
Franklin Family	2017-present

Under the current ownership of the Franklin family, VMP continues to thrive. The park has seen record-breaking car counts and performances at events like the PDRA World Finals. With the return of the NHRA Virginia Nationals in 2024 and the addition of the #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge, Virginia Motorsports Park is poised for an exciting future as it builds upon its storied past.

Conclusion

Virginia Motorsports Park has proven to be a world-class facility that continues to attract racing enthusiasts from all over the country. With its rich history, diverse racing venues, and top-notch amenities, VMP offers an unforgettable experience for both spectators and participants alike. As a long-time spectator at this track, I can attest to the incredible atmosphere and the thrilling events that take place here.

Whether you’re a die-hard racing fan or simply looking for an exciting day out, Virginia Motorsports Park is a must-visit destination. Don’t miss out on the upcoming Street Outlaws No Prep Kings event this weekend – get your tickets today and experience the adrenaline-pumping action firsthand. With its commitment to providing an unparalleled motorsports experience, VMP is sure to continue thriving as one of the premier racing facilities in the world.