Meet the Track
Red clay.
Short-track action.
Hartwell tradition.
Discover the layout, history and race-day character of Hartwell Speedway—a 3/8-mile clay oval serving dirt-track competitors and race fans in Northeast Georgia.
Track Specifications
Hartwell Speedway at a glance
Hartwell Speedway is a traditional four-turn dirt-track oval designed for close competition, changing track conditions and authentic grassroots racing.
3/8 Mile
Documented approximate track length around the racing oval.
Clay Oval
Dirt and clay racing surface shaped and prepared for short-track competition.
Slight Banking
Slightly banked turns contribute to close racing and multiple driving lines.
Since 1969
Hartwell Speedway has been part of Northeast Georgia racing history since opening in 1969.
The Racing Surface
Built for close dirt-track competition
The 3/8-mile configuration creates a compact racing environment where car control, setup, traffic management and consistent lap execution are important.
Because the racing surface is clay, its character can evolve throughout an event as moisture, temperature and repeated laps affect available grip and preferred racing lines.
Four-Turn Oval
A traditional oval layout with two straightaways and four connected corners.
Changing Conditions
Dirt-track grip and racing lines may change as the event progresses.
Short-Track Action
The compact configuration keeps drivers navigating traffic, corner entry and side-by-side competition.
Track Layout
A classic dirt oval
Hartwell Speedway’s compact oval places an emphasis on momentum, controlled corner entry and finding the best available line as the clay surface changes.
Front Straightaway
Main racing straight and traditional location for the start and finish of competition laps.
Turns One and Two
The first corner complex following the front straightaway.
Back Straightaway
Connects the two sets of turns and creates opportunities to build speed or position for corner entry.
Turns Three and Four
Final corner complex leading drivers back toward the finish line.
Track History
More than five decades of Northeast Georgia racing tradition.
Hartwell Speedway opened in 1969 and has served as a regional home for drivers, teams and dirt-track racing fans.
Over the years, the speedway has hosted local divisions, special events and drivers who went on to compete at prominent levels of American motorsports.
Hartwell Speedway Opens
The speedway begins its history as a clay oval in Hartwell, Georgia.
Grassroots Racing Tradition
The track develops a reputation as a regional venue for weekly divisions, local competitors and family race nights.
Notable Competitors
Historical reporting identifies Jonathan Davenport, Jeremy Mayfield, Ty Dillon, Austin Dillon and Shane Clanton among drivers who have raced at Hartwell.
Touring-Series Competition
Hartwell hosted a Southern All Star Dirt Racing Series Super Late Model event in April 2026.
Racing Categories
Divisions that compete at Hartwell
Racing divisions may vary by event. Always review the official race schedule and event announcement to confirm the classes competing on a particular night.
Limited Late Model
Purpose-built late-model race cars competing on the clay oval.
602 Late Model
Late-model competition centered around the 602 crate-engine platform.
Open Wheel Modified
Modified-style race cars with exposed wheels and distinctive bodywork.
Modified Street
Competitive full-bodied race cars prepared under the division’s technical rules.
Street Stock
Stock-appearing race cars built for close and competitive short-track racing.
Sharp Mini Late Model
Compact late-model-style cars combining smaller dimensions with dirt-track action.
4-Cylinder
Four-cylinder competitors offering accessible and energetic short-track racing.
Crown Vic
Full-size Ford Crown Victoria-based race cars prepared for oval competition.
Front Wheel Drive
Front-wheel-drive compact cars racing under class-specific preparation rules.
Young Gun 4 Cylinder
A development category intended to introduce younger competitors to organized racing.
Young Gun Front Wheel Drive
Entry-level front-wheel-drive racing for developing young drivers.
Speedway Facilities
Race-night spaces and services
Use this section to provide visitors and competitors with current information about the speedway’s spectator, parking, pit and support facilities.
Spectator Seating
Add current grandstand location, seating type, accessibility details and any seat-related policies.
Parking
Add parking entrance, opening time, parking fee and accessible parking information.
Concessions
Historical descriptions mention two concession stands. Confirm current operating locations, menu options and payment methods.
Restrooms
Add current restroom locations and accessibility information.
Pit Area
Add pit entrance, credential requirements, age restrictions and pit-pass procedures.
Technical Inspection
Historical facility descriptions mention a scale house and digital scales. Confirm current inspection procedures.
Race-Day Experience
What visitors should know
Dirt-track events are active outdoor experiences. Guests should review current event information, prepare for changing weather and arrive early enough for parking and admission.
Arrive Early
Allow adequate time for parking, admission, seating and pre-race activities.
Prepare for Dirt and Noise
Dirt-track racing can produce dust, flying clay and high sound levels. Eye and hearing protection may improve comfort.
Check the Weather
Clay-track conditions are weather-sensitive. Review official updates before traveling.
Review Event Policies
Confirm ticket prices, permitted items, cooler policies, payment methods and gate times for each event.
Location
Find Hartwell Speedway
Hartwell Speedway is located in Hartwell, Georgia, in the Northeast Georgia region near the Georgia–South Carolina border.
Check current event announcements before traveling for gate opening times, parking instructions and weather-related updates.
Ready to experience Hartwell Speedway?
Review the race schedule, check event details and join us for authentic dirt-track racing in Hartwell, Georgia.
