Jim Foose – Speedway Action Magazine
For nearly seven years, the historic Mansfield Speedway sat in silence, a ghost of Ohio’s storied racing past. But this spring, the engines will roar once again. Spearheaded by former NASCAR driver Matt Tifft, a massive reconstruction effort is breathing new life into the 180-acre facility, culminating in the highly anticipated “Comeback Classic” on May 2nd.
From the Dirt Million to Demolition
To understand the magnitude of Mansfield Speedway’s revival, you have to look back at how close the track came to disappearing entirely. The speedway last hosted a race in August 2019 with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series’ “Dirt Million.” After the checkered flag waved on that event, the gates were locked, and the facility entered a dark era.
Over the years of dormancy, the previous owner effectively dismantled the track. Vital infrastructure—including concrete walls, SAFER barriers, and large sections of the grandstands—were sold off and removed. What was left was essentially an abandoned lot, stripped of its identity and left for dead.
A Visionary Purchase and Massive Reconstruction
The trajectory of the historic speedway changed forever on June 1st, when Matt Tifft officially acquired the property. Rather than seeing a decaying, demolished site, Tifft saw an empty canvas with limitless potential.
Because the previous owner had dismantled so much of the speedway, the new ownership team had to launch a multi-million-dollar, ground-up revitalization project. The massive reconstruction effort has included:
- Rebuilding the Racing Surface: Bringing in fresh clay to restore the 0.44-mile oval as a premier dirt track.
- Replacing Missing Infrastructure: Installing new grandstands, fencing, and safety features that had been previously sold off.
- Modern Fan Amenities: Upgrading fan areas, revamping concessions, and installing a massive 70-by-40-foot Jumbotron.
Tifft’s goal wasn’t just to patch up an old track, but to transform the grounds into a regional destination for top-tier motorsports and family entertainment.
Assembling the Dream Team
Rebuilding a dismantled speedway from the ground up is not a solo endeavor. To ensure the facility’s long-term success both on and off the track, Tifft assembled a powerhouse management team composed of passionate motorsports professionals:
- Larry Boos, Race Director: Serving as the full-time Race Director, Boos will orchestrate the complex on-track action. Given his deep expertise and years of experience, his knowledge will certainly be utilized across other areas of facility management to ensure smooth operations.
- Caleb Burns, Marketing and Media Manager: Highlighting the facility’s revival, Burns manages the track’s marketing efforts while also capturing the high-octane media content needed to showcase the speedway’s diverse new offerings.
- Robbie Devore, Announcer: The new voice of Mansfield Speedway. Devore is tasked with bringing the energy back to the PA system, calling the action on the dirt, and keeping the grandstands engaged.
- Leon Feinstein, Social Media Guru: With the track dormant for years, its digital footprint had to be completely rebuilt. Feinstein leads the charge in reconnecting with the fan base, building hype for the reopening, and sharing the track’s incredible reconstruction journey online.
- Geoff Williams, Facilities Manager: Stepping into this crucial role, Williams oversees the physical grounds, logistics, and the monumental task of transitioning the track from an active construction zone back to a fully functioning race facility.
Schedule for May 2nd: The Comeback Classic
The monumental rebuilding effort will finally be unveiled to the public on Saturday, May 2nd, with the inaugural Comeback Classic. This event marks the official beginning of Mansfield Speedway’s next generation.
Event Details for May 2nd:
- Gates Open: 5:00 PM EDT
- Main Events: The night will be headlined by the American Late Model Iron-Man Series ($5K to win), FAST 410 Sprint Cars ($5K to win), and UMP Modifieds ($2K to win).
- Family-Friendly Focus: To make the track a true community asset, adult General Admission tickets are $22, and kids 10 and under get in for free.
The Comeback Classic is more than just a race; it’s a homecoming for the drivers and fans who thought they had lost their local track forever. With an elite team at the helm, top-tier competition returning to the dirt, and a passionate crowd ready to pack the newly built grandstands, Mansfield Speedway is officially back on the map.
The Speedway Action Images team will be at Mansfield Speedway on May 2nd for the Comeback Classic. Be sure to order your keepsake photos and much more at www.speedwayactionimages.com
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