Sarasota, located on the west coast of Florida, is known for its stunning beaches, beautiful sunsets, and abundance of outdoor activities. But does Sarasota have a race track? The answer is yes, and it’s an exciting event that draws visitors from all over the country to experience the thrilling atmosphere of a professional race.
History of Racing in Sarasota
Racing has been a part of the Sarasota area for decades. The first race track in Sarasota was the Sarasota Speedway, which opened in 1937 and hosted events until the late 1950s. The track was home to a variety of racing disciplines, including midget, sprint, and stock car racing.
In the early 1960s, the track was purchased by a new owner and renamed the Florida International Speedway. It hosted NASCAR events from 1963 to 1969, and was the site of the first Daytona 500 qualifying race in 1969.
In the 1970s, the track was sold again and renamed the Sarasota-Bradenton International Speedway. The track hosted events in a variety of racing disciplines, including NASCAR, IROC, USAC, and ARCA. The track closed in the early 1980s and was converted into a shopping center.
Present Day Racing in Sarasota
Today, the only race track in the Sarasota area is the Sarasota-Bradenton Motorsports Park. Located in Myakka City, just north of Sarasota, the track opened in 2008 and features a 1/4 mile oval track, a 1/8 mile drag strip, and a road course. The track hosts a variety of events, including drag racing, stock car racing, kart racing, and drifting. The track also hosts special events, including car shows, drift shows, and auto cross events.
Upcoming Racing Events in Sarasota
There are several racing events scheduled at the Sarasota-Bradenton Motorsports Park in 2021. The track will host a variety of events, including:
- K&N Pro Series East: A professional stock car race featuring some of the best drivers in the sport.
- Drag Racing Series: A series of drag racing events featuring a variety of classes, including Pro, Super Pro, and Street.
- Kart Racing Series: A series of professional kart racing events featuring some of the best drivers in the sport.
- Drifting Series: A series of drifting events featuring some of the best drifters in the sport.
- Car Show: A car show featuring a variety of classic and modern cars.
- Auto Cross: An auto cross event featuring some of the best drivers in the sport.
Facilities at the Track
The Sarasota-Bradenton Motorsports Park features a variety of facilities for racers and spectators alike. The track features a 1/4 mile oval track, a 1/8 mile drag strip, and a road course. The track also features a paddock area for race teams, a grandstand for spectators, and a concession stand.
Ticket Prices and Schedule
Tickets for events at the Sarasota-Bradenton Motorsports Park vary in price depending on the event. General admission tickets start at $10 and VIP tickets start at $25. Race schedules can be found on the track’s website.
Accommodations Near the Track
The Sarasota-Bradenton Motorsports Park is located in Myakka City, just north of Sarasota. The track is conveniently located near a variety of hotels, restaurants, and other attractions.
Safety Measures at the Track
The Sarasota-Bradenton Motorsports Park takes safety very seriously. The track features a variety of safety measures, including safety walls, guard rails, and fire suppression systems. The track also features a medical staff on site for any medical emergencies.
Track Records
The Sarasota-Bradenton Motorsports Park features a variety of track records for different racing disciplines. The track records can be found on the track’s website.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the answer to the question “Does Sarasota have a race track?” is yes. The Sarasota-Bradenton Motorsports Park is the only race track in the area and hosts a variety of events, including drag racing, stock car racing, kart racing, and drifting. The track features a variety of facilities, including a paddock area, grandstand, and concession stand. Tickets for events at the track vary in price and schedules can be found on the track’s website. The track is conveniently located near a variety of hotels, restaurants, and other attractions. The track also features a variety of safety measures and has a variety of track records for different racing disciplines.