Jim Foose – Speedway Action Magazine
Wayne County Speedway has long been a staple of Ohio’s vibrant dirt track racing scene, and the historic 3/8-mile oval in Orrville is showing no signs of hitting the brakes. Thanks to the relentless dedication of track owner and promoter Jason Flory, the facility continues to grow, constantly looking for ways to elevate both the driver and spectator experience. This season, fans and competitors alike will be greeted by a wave of significant improvements that make “The County” brighter, safer, and more welcoming than ever before.
One of the most noticeable changes to the speedway is its spectacular new illumination. Flory recently led the installation of state-of-the-art LED lighting along the backstretch. This major upgrade not only ensures that the high-speed, slide-job action is brilliantly visible under the Saturday night skies, but it also provides crucial clarity for drivers navigating the dirt oval at top speeds.
However, the improvements don’t stop at visibility. Wayne County Speedway has also made a massive leap forward in track safety with the installation of a complete system of Whelen caution lights. These professional-grade warning lights give race officials the ability to instantly alert drivers of on-track incidents, significantly reducing the risk of secondary collisions when the dust flies.
Interestingly, these high-tech safety lights carry a piece of Ohio motorsports history with them. They were recently acquired from the former Norton Raceway Park (previously Barberton Speedway), which permanently closed its doors and went to auction earlier this year. By bringing the Whelen lights to Orrville, Wayne County Speedway has not only secured a premier safety upgrade but has also preserved a vital piece of local racing infrastructure.
The connection to the former Norton facility didn’t end with the caution lights. To accommodate the track’s continuous growth, Flory also purchased sets of grandstands from the shuttered asphalt track. This strategic addition provides a much-needed boost to the speedway’s seating capacity, ensuring that the growing crowds have plenty of comfortable space to take in the weekly racing action.
The schedule for 2026 received a few upgrades over years past. The World of Outlaws Late Model Series returned to the 3/8 mile in late May, the All Star Circuit of Champions sought out Wayne County to host the finale to Ohio Sprint Speedweek after another venue couldn’t hold the event. The DirtCar Summer Nationals Hell Tour crowns it’s champion at the track and the Ohio Valley Sprint Car Association is set to host multiple races at the track.
With brighter backstretch lights, state-of-the-art caution systems, and expanded seating for the fans, Jason Flory is proving his commitment to the ongoing modernization of Wayne County Speedway. As the historic track evolves, it remains firmly cemented as a premier destination for dirt racing enthusiasts across the region.
Turn 2 Talk, the official track podcast episode features owner Jason Flory breaking down the season’s progress, track updates, and what fans can look forward to at Wayne County Speedway. Check it out on the Wayne County Speedway YouTube Channel
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