Across the American landscape, local short-track racing has faced a grueling endurance test. Rising operational costs, aging infrastructure, and shifting entertainment trends have forced many legendary speedways to shutter their gates permanently. Yet, straddling the Michigan-Ohio border, a unique success story continues to unfold. Flat Rock Speedway and Toledo Speedway aren’t just surviving; they are operating in tandem to keep the spirit of short-track racing alive and thriving.
At the center of this two-track triumph is Brandon Hamby, who stepped up as the General Manager for both facilities in 2023, proving that with the right leadership, the decline of local racing is far from inevitable.
Enter the Architect
Taking the helm of one short track in the modern era is a daunting task; managing two is a monumental challenge. When Hamby transitioned into the role of General Manager for both speedways during the 2023 season, he brought with him a lifelong passion for the sport. Having been around the racing scene since the age of seven, Hamby understands the intricate ecosystem of a race day—from the drivers turning wrenches in the pits to the fans eager for a Friday or Saturday night thrill.
Where other promoters and track operators have burned out or failed to adapt, Hamby thrives. Working under the umbrella of track owner and ARCA Menards Series president Ron Drager, Hamby has been credited with doing an incredible job revitalizing operations, balancing the needs of the competitors with the financial realities of running a speedway.
The “Sister Track” Synergy
The secret to making Flat Rock and Toledo work lies in their symbiotic relationship. Though they sit in different states—Flat Rock in Michigan and Toledo in Ohio—they function as closely knit sister tracks.
Rather than competing against each other for fans and car counts, the tracks leverage their shared ownership to maximize efficiency. Flat Rock Speedway serves as a premier weekly racing venue from mid-April through October, hosting thrilling divisions like Outlaw Super Late Models, Figure 8s, and Street Stocks. Meanwhile, the half-mile high-banked Toledo Speedway is uniquely positioned to host massive marquee events, such as the prestigious ASA STARS National Tour Glass City 200 and the championship finale of the ARCA Menards Series.
By sharing personnel, resources, and a unified rulebook for local divisions (Factory Stocks in particular), Hamby ensures that both tracks operate as a cohesive unit. Drivers can seamlessly bounce between the two venues, and sponsors gain access to two distinct, yet overlapping, regional markets.
Building for the Next Generation
A track cannot survive on nostalgia alone. Recognizing the dire need to inject youth into the sport, Hamby and Drager have taken proactive steps to secure the future of local racing. Under Hamby’s watch, Flat Rock Speedway recently made headlines by becoming the first track in Michigan to join the High School Racing Association (HSRA) Series.
This initiative allows high school-aged students to get behind the wheel in a safe, sanctioned environment. It’s a visionary move that directly addresses the graying demographic of both drivers and fans. By partnering with the HSRA, Hamby isn’t just looking at the car count for next Friday night; he’s building a pipeline of talent and enthusiasm for the next twenty years.
Alongside youth initiatives, Hamby has prioritized steady, pragmatic upgrades to the tracks’ infrastructure, ensuring that the fan experience continues to modernize. It’s a delicate balancing act—maintaining the gritty, grassroots charm that purists love while offering the amenities and efficiency that modern families expect.
Beating the Odds
In an industry where failure is, unfortunately, common, Flat Rock and Toledo Speedways are defying the odds. It takes a village to run a race track, but a village needs a mayor. Brandon Hamby has stepped into that role with a calm, capable hand, proving that short-track racing can still be a viable, thrilling enterprise.
By leaning into the synergy of a two-track system, prioritizing youth involvement, and never forgetting the local racer, Hamby is laying down a blueprint for how to save America’s bullrings. Where others have thrown in the towel, Flat Rock and Toledo are just getting warmed up.
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