Dixie Speedway has remained a staple of Woodstock since the racetrack and facility first opened its doors in 1969. However, the roar of the engines traversing the three-eighths of a mile red clay dirt speedway has been noticeably absent on Saturday nights in recent years. But as Dixie Speedway returns for its first full season of events since 2019, it does so with the designation of winning the Best Place to Take a Tourist for 2024.
Dixie has featured on-track trials and tribulations as cars vied for the checkered flag for over five decades. Though, circumstances outside of the speedway shuttered its doors almost entirely since 2020 as the family behind its operation faced some of its most challenging times.
The COVID-19 pandemic shut down operations for the entire 2020 season. After a limited schedule in 2021, Dixie remained closed for two years. Underscoring its family operation, the 2022 season was put on hold after owner and track “matriarch” Martha Swims was diagnosed with cancer. Martha and husband and fellow co-owner of Dixie, Mickey, attended every event at the track since purchasing it in 1976.
The Swims family chose to pause its 2022 campaign to spend added time with Martha, who died in July of that year. Without its matriarch, the racing schedule remained paused throughout 2023.
“She was truly at its heart,” said Mia Green, vice president of Dixie Speedway and Martha’s daughter. “When her illness came about, we said we are going to close. It takes a whole family to do this, and we are going to spend this time with mom.”
However, the thunder of Dixie will soon rumble through Woodstock on Saturday nights again. Dixie recently announced it would be returning to a more traditional schedule this year.
Green said the business is honored to be voted as the prime place to take a tourist in the county, particularly given its effective re-opening.
“There are so many wonderful places for visitors to come and go,” Green said. “To be here so long, since 1969, and right here in 2024 to be nominated and voted best place to take a tourist, that’s an awesome award.”
Dixie’s 2024 schedule includes 17 racing nights, including notable events like Schaeffer’s Oil Super Late Models on May 4, USCS Sprint Cars on July 13 and Monster Truck Nationals Sept. 20-21.
“We are excited to come back,” she said. “It’s just not every day you get to see a demolition derby, reverse racing or other attractions. Not every city has that option. It’s almost like the fair is in town every time Dixie races.”
Racing isn’t the sole focus of the Dixie’s return, though.
Green said Dixie focused on racing in the past, but the business is now seeking to expand its horizons and become a leading multi-use venue. A recent showcase of this movement was its first Magic of Lights event during the 2023 holiday season featuring a drive-through holiday light display. Greene said the inaugural event received a “great response” from the community, and it is already scheduled to return this year with overall improvements.
“Stock car racing is the staple, but we also have concerts, the Magic of Lights, and we are looking at other events to host in the community,” she said. “Different organizations are reaching out to us to see if they can host events at the speedway. If we think it would be a good fit for the community, we welcome that discussion.”
Green said Dixie is now “more like a fairground” in offering various events and attractions to visit.
“We are now more like a special events venue, and that works well,” she said.
Some Dixie details may be missed by tourists, but returning fans could note several improvements made to the facility during its hiatus.
“Dixie needed a lot of repairs and upgrades,” Green said. “It is historic, but it is also an older venue. We have taken this time off, in the latter part of 2022 and 2023, and probably made over $250,000 worth of upgrades.”
Revamping measures include paving improvements to the parking lot and “completely refurbished” VIP suites, and all buildings sport new metal roofs, paint and LED lighting.
The speedway expects to complete additional improvements over the next three years. These include constructing new restrooms in the grandstands and tailgating area, and offering underground power in its three-year plan. The underground power will allow for RVs, which could benefit any future motocross events, which Green said can span several days.
To note, Dixie has also implemented a clear bag policy for 2024 which Green said is more in line with other large venues around the area.
What remains unchanged this year is the continued family ties of running the business. Three generations of the Swims family operate Dixie. Mickey Swims is Green’s father, and she works alongside her husband.
The third generation is represented by Green’s two daughters and nephew, though all have other jobs. For instance, Green’s daughters work in photography and social media for other companies, but each “give their talents and gifts to the family business,” she said.
“It’s a family business, but it’s almost a lifestyle,” Green said.
And it’s always been that way.
“When I was 12 years old, my parents put me in charge of souvenir sales because, honestly, they didn’t have anyone else to do it,” Green laughed. “But it goes that way. We’ve all grown up in the business. Even if it’s just a family event, we’re all talking about the business. It’s kind of strange and unique, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
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