To better serve our guests with facts and information about our facility, the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page has been revamped and organized into the A, B, Cs of Summit Motorsports Park.
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ADA PARKING – We have a limited number of ADA spots, first come first serve, in Wilson’s Lot. At select events, there will be a shuttle service to the ticket plaza (Legends Gate). You must have a state issued ADA credential in order to park in this area.
If a wheelchair bound individual or someone who has difficulty walking needs to be dropped off, you may enter the Summit Gate driveway (just off State Route 18). Just let the SMP team-member at the end of the driveway know and they will let you in. The person driving then will go park in the respective lot and meet up with their party at Legends Gate.
ALCOHOL - The State of Ohio classifies Summit Motorsports Park in the same category as Cleveland Brown Stadium or Progressive Field; therefore, making it unlawful to bring alcohol onto our property. For your convenience, the local Lion’s Club sells beer near the concession stands on both sides of the race track.
ANTHEM SINGERS - To submit your request to perform the National Anthem at Summit Motorsports Park, please send CD or DVD of you/your group performing the National Anthem to: Summit Motorsports Park, Attn: Bobbie Bader, 1300 State Route 18, Norwalk OH 44857.
ATM - Cash machines are located on boths sides of the track in our Guest Services locations.
AUTOMOBILE ASSISTANCE – If your car breaks down or you locked your keys in your car, please contact either a parking or gate supervisor for assistance.
AUXILIARY VEHICLES - (pertaining to the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals only) – Handicap guests can bring in medical scooters, golf carts, bicycles etc. providing they follow these instructions for the bigger events. Operators must be 16 years of age or older and have a valid driver’s license. On arrival, we ask that you stop at WILL CALL, located at the Legends Gate entrance (west side of the track) and apply for a permit. Proof of disability must be presented. Acceptable proof is a state authorized ADA credential.
Guests staying in Scotty’s Campground or Northfield can bring a golf cart up to the Legends Gate, but are not permitted to take the vehicles through the gate. They must also comply with the Motorhome rules on the amount of vehicles they can have on their space. A golf car counts the same as a car. Guests issued a permit will be provided with a letter and a copy of the guidelines for operating an auxiliary vehicle.
New for 2024!
Because hundreds of you have called to our attention a need to curb nuisance and even reckless use of golf carts, ATV's, side-by-sides etc., we are instituting the rules below:
Anyone, whether driver or passenger or owner of the motorized vehicle, found to be in violation of the aforementioned rules will be immediately suspended from Summit Motorsports Park for the remainder of the season. Upon a second violation, suspension will be permanent. In the event of bodily injury or property damage, Summit Motorsports Park will seek prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.
We take no pleasure in creating and employing a rule such as the one above. Speeding and reckless operation of the vehicles mentioned has become enough of an issue that we even considered outlawing all but those being used as support or tow vehicles for race cars, but then we'd be punishing everyone for the actions of a few. Nothing about our fundamental goals has changed. We want ALL our guests to enjoy themselves while at our park. We also want ALL our guests to be safe.
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CAMPING – Racers are permitted to stay in their pit areas for no additional fee. At select events, spectators are permitted to camp in one of the following areas, Trackside Electric, Trackside Non-electric, Family Camping, Wilson's Fence Line, Scotty’s Campground, Northfield, and/or Piston Park. Overnight Camping IS NOT permitted in any of our parking lots. For more information regarding camping, click here.
CREDIT CARDS – Summit Motorsports Park accepts VISA, Master Card, Discover, and Amex at the gate entrances, Summit Motorsports Park concession stands (Throttle Town Grill, The Norwalk Junction, Summit Motorsports Park souvenir locations including the Quarter Mile Clothing Store, the Junction and Summit Motorsports Park souvenir tent(s).
CONCESSION STANDS – We offer a wide variety of food and beverages all day long. We serve burgers using only the highest quality Black Angus Beef, and are proud of our signature items such as homemade stromboli, pizza and specialty burgers.
Throttle Town Grill is open at all events and is located on the Ohio CAT (east side) of the track. When we are operating on both sides of the track, the Junction will be open and additional food wagons will also be available.
COOLERS – Coolers 14” or smaller are permitted. Coolers, backpack, bags, etc. will be checked prior to admittance.
CROSSTALK – Crosstalk is used in our Edelbrock Super Pro (Box) and Wiseco/Cycle Tech Super Bike (Box) classes. We will also utilize crosstalk at any Summit Motorsports Park produced event where delay boxes are permitted.
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UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE/DRONE POLICY - To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all our guests, Summit Motorsports Park strictly prohibits the operation of or use of any unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as “Drones,” on, from, or above the Summit Motorsports Park properties. This includes all UAVs regardless of size, weight, or purpose. Raceway personnel may remove anyone using a UAV on Raceway property and/or confiscate the UAV; unless specific written permission from Summit Motorsports Park has been obtained.
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ELECTRICAL OUTLETS & ELECTRICAL CORDS (OHIO CAT SIDE PIT AREA) – There are electrical boxes throughout the park for you, our guest, to use at no additional charge. We ask that you DO NOT stretch cords across roads or overhead to plug into these outlets. Tampering with an electric box will result into a $250 fine.
ELECTRICAL OUTLETS (SUMMIT SIDE TRACK SIDE MOTORHOME) - These sites are available for rent at all major events, with the exception of the Halloween Classic. These sites have been upgraded to 50 amp power service. Please plan accordingly as we only have a limited supply of adapters for sale.
EJECTION – Summit Motorsports Park reserves the right to eject a guest whose behavior is disruptive, unruly, or illegal or not incompliance with our Code of Conduct (insert link). The ticket will be revoked without refund, the individual will be escorted off Summit Motorsports Park property and the renewal rights will be forfeited.
ELIMINATIONS – We will always publish two times for each race – when time trials begin and when eliminations begin. We strive very hard to start eliminations at the scheduled time. Although sometimes things happen that push back the start, we maintain our schedule very closely. When Eliminations begin, it is the responsibility of the driver to listen for class calls from the announcer. We do not follow patterns! Eventually, we will announce “round robin” mode, which means as long as you continue to win, come right back to the staging lanes. “Cool and fuel” in the lanes as the announcer states!
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FIRES - Campfires are permitted only in the grass areas (west side of the race track) and we encourage you to contain them with fire rings. Be prepared to provide your own fire ring! We do permit ‘chimney fire stands’ on the east side, but you are responsible for removing your ashes.
FIREWOOD – At select events, typically the events where camping is offered to our guests, individuals will come in at specific hours to sell firewood. See gate staff or guest services for times.
FOLDING CHAIRS –Folding chairs are not permitted in the grandstands or anywhere in the seating bowl.
FOOD – Guests may bring food into the gates in a cooler 14” or smaller. In addition, water and soda in plastic bottles or aluminum cans are also permitted. Glass is not permitted. Outside alcohol may not be brought into the Park: see "Alcohol." Coolers are subject to inspection.
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GATE TIMES – Gate times for the various events are specified on the event page, which is located on the left side of the home page.
GENERAL ADMISSION PARKING – For our larger events, general admission parking is located off State Route 18. If traveling west bound, you will enter Wilson’s Lot (north side of State Route 18). If traveling east bound, you may be directed to enter into Linder’s Lot (south side of State Route 18) and will cross State Route 18 at the designated location. The path will take you to the Ticket Plaza Entrance (Legends Gate). General admission parking is FREE! If you paid to park and you are not inside the park, you are not on Summit Motorsports Park property!
GENERATORS – Generators are permitted in the racer pit areas, Trackside Non-Electric, Wilson's Fence Row, Northfield Campground, Scotty’s Campground, and Piston Park. Generators are not permitted in Family Camping or Trackside Electric.
GLASS CONTAINERS – Glass containers of any kind are not permitted on Summit Motorsports Park grounds. Broken glass does a terrible number on rubber tires!
GRANDSTAND GUIDELINES
GROUP SALES – Tickets for groups of 50 or more are available. Contact Bobbie Bader at 419-668-5555 x 111 for details.
ICE – Guests can purchase ice at the Throttle Town Grill (east side), Junction Concession stand (west side) and at Scotty’s Campground from the campground managers (during select events.)
ICE CREAM – Years ago, after seeing how happy his children, Bill Bader Jr. and Bobbie Bader, were while eating ice cream on a family vacation, Bill Bader Sr. came up with a promotion to sell a pound of Velvet ice cream per $1 at Summit Motorsports Park. That promotion, which was started in 1985, was incredibly popular for 38 years, but because of rising costs and thousands of dollars lost annually, it became necessary to end that promotion in 2023, and develop another promotion that offers a pint of Velvet ice cream for $3. It is available in several delicious flavors, including Original Vanilla, Butter Pecan & Cashew, Dutch Chocolate, Buckeye Classic, Cookies 'N Cream, Moose Tracks and Raspberry Fudge Cordial. Summit Motorsports Park hopes racers and race fans will embrace this promotion like the previous promotion, and make it a tradition to enjoy some at each and every event.
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LED BULBS – NHRA-Sanctioned LED bulbs are used on our ‘Christmas Tree’ and have been since the start of our 2005 racing season.
LINDER’S LOT – Linder’s Lot is a holding area where we line up rigs who arrive early for special events, such as Cavalcade of Stars, The NHRA National Event, World of Mopar, Pontiac Nationals, Night Under Fire, NMCA, NMRA, PDRA, and the Halloween Classic (note that there are specifically assigned move-in times for the Classic, please call the office for more details.) Please refer to the event schedule for opening times for Linder's Lot. To ensure participants are handled quickly, efficiently, and with as little difficulty as possible, we employ a system where each rig in line is given a ticket with a number. When our gates are scheduled to be open, those tickets are taken in number order when credentialing, and the lot is released in that same order- giving everyone the equal opportunity that if you arrived first, you will have your first choice at a spot.
LOST AND FOUND – Lost and found is located at Guest Services on either side of the track during events as well as the Corporate Office. Post event, all items are turned into the Corporate Office. If you are missing an item, please stop in or call the office at (419) 668-5555. We can add your name and phone number to the log if we have not yet found your item, and will reach out if it is turned in. All items are disgarded at the end of the year.
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MEDIA CREDENTIALS – Any news/magazine media outlet requesting photo and media center access must contact Mary Lendzion (Media and Public Relations) at 313-686-0776 for credentials prior to the event.
MISSED CLASS CALLS – Make-up runs are not permitted. This is the main reason it is imperative that you listen closely to the PA announcer. If you miss your call during eliminations, you will not be permitted another run. We have turned a few disgruntled drivers away – but are sure they never missed another one! Our PA is broadcast on FM 88.5 for your convenience.
MOTORCYCLE PARKING – We have an area in Wilson’s Lot for motorcycle parking. A parking attendant will direct you to the location. Planking is provided for more stability.
MOTORHOME DAY PARKING – For day parking only, we have an area separate from general parking, that will accommodate buses, vehicles pulling small trailers and motorhomes. These may not go into handicapped lots. Our parking lots are all grass lots. If we have a weather situation we will make adjustment to the parking areas. We do not have the ability to park tractor-trailers.
MOTORHOME PUMP STATION – Our sanitation service, Kurtzman Sanitation, is on the property on most days of the larger events to accommodate pumping needs. Check event page for scheduled times. Click here for list of area pumping stations.
MULTI-DAY EVENTS – If your intentions are only to race one day (for example) the Edelbrock Super Series, but there is another event being held the next day, you will need to leave when the competition is completed on that day. Following competition, before the next event, we conduct a sweep of the pit area, inviting those who only have a one-day ticket to purchase the next day. If they do not wish to stay, they will be asked to leave.
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NITRO ALLY – (NHRA National Event only) is located on the East (Ohio Cat) side of the race track, behind the Quarter Mile Clothing Store. This is a collection of interactive displays, Nitro Mall, vendor booths, and the professional pit areas of drivers such as John Force, Tim Wilkerson, Tony Schumacher, etc. are located.
O
OFFICE HOURS – Regular business hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Event day hours are extended during Friday Test n Tunes until 7 p.m. Hours vary by event. Holiday hours vary.
OVERNIGHT PARKING IN GENERAL ADMISSION PARKING LOTS – You may leave your vehicle in the lot overnight if necessary, however overnight camping in our lots is prohibited. Please check with the ticket trailer or call prior to arrival to check availability of camping in one of our camping locations.
P
PAYOUT – Payout takes place on the east side of the race track in Ohio Cat Guest Services, which is located on the north end of the Quarter Mile Clothing Store. Please note some event promoters handle their own payout, which typically takes place at their trailer. You may contact the office or ask Guest Services for direction. We require some form of photo ID when you come to collect your winnings!
PREMIUM SEATING – The Top Eliminator Club (Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals) or the John Force Winner’s Circle (Cornwell Tools Night Under Fire) is our premier race fan hospitality package. Patrons will sit in first-class starting line seats; have access to a private hospitality chalet which includes complimentary snacks, drinks (water, soda and two adult beverages), sit down meals, access to a private patio viewing area and private restrooms. Each ticket also includes a special collector goodie bag containing premium event souvenirs and access into the pit areas to witness all the “behind the scene” activities! For more details, visit the event pages for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals and Cornwell Tools Night Under Fire.
PETS – For the safety of your pet, please keep them on a leash and away from high traffic areas. Please clean up after them. Animals are not permitted in the grandstands with the exception of Service Animals- see Service Animals.
PIT ACCESS – Every ticket will allow a guest to visit both sides of the race track, including the racer pit areas. This is the only motorsports venue that allows a guest to enter the racers “locker room” to see the teams working on their race vehicles. However, one can only sit in the seat in which they purchased.
New for 2024!
Pit Vehicles – Because hundreds of you have called to our attention a need to curb nuisance and even reckless use of golf carts, ATV's, side-by-sides etc., we are instituting the rules below:
Anyone, whether driver or passenger or owner of the motorized vehicle, found to be in violation of the aforementioned rules will be immediately suspended from Summit Motorsports Park for the remainder of the season. Upon a second violation, suspension will be permanent. In the event of bodily injury or property damage, Summit Motorsports Park will seek prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.
We take no pleasure in creating and employing a rule such as the one above. Speeding and reckless operation of the vehicles mentioned has become enough of an issue that we even considered outlawing all but those being used as support or tow vehicles for race cars, but then we'd be punishing eveyone for the actions of a few. Nothing about our fundamental goals has changed. We want ALL our guests to enjoy themselves while at our park. We also want ALL of our guests to be safe.
PLAYGROUND – We pride ourselves in being family friendly, and therefore kid-friendly as well. Summit Motorsports Park has a creative playground adjacent to the staging lanes on the East side of the race track, under the Motz Grandstands.
POLKA MUSIC – Do you really play Polka Music? Why of course, it’s a Summit Motorsports Park Tradition! (But not all day long!)
PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM – Summit Motorsports Park public address system is utilized to entertain and inform. Birthday and wedding anniversaries wishes are welcome and will be announced when appropriate. Such requests can be made at either guest service locations, which will then be forwarded to Race Control. Requests to page a party member will only be honored when a situation has been confirmed to be of an extreme medical emergency or if a minor has been lost or found. (We recommend all parents take advantage of our ‘Tag-A-Child’ program.)
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QUARTER-MILE CLOTHING STORE – Our premier souvenir shop is located on the Ohio Cat (East) side of the track on the north side of the Ice Cream Saloon. Event and track merchandise, including clothing, glassware, home decor, diecasts, and unique racing gifts can be purchased.
QUIET TIME - The Family Campground is reserved for families with children and everyone is required to behave accordingly. Quiet hours will be strictly enforced between 11pm and 7am.
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RACER ENTRANCE – When Linder’s lot is not being utilized, the racer entrance is located off State Route 601 (Ohio Cat Gate) on the East side of the track.
RACING FUEL – We sell Sunoco Standard 110 and Sunoco Supreme 112. We also sell methanol (straight alcohol). Prices can change without notice, please contact the track for updated pricing.
RACER REGISTRATION – When we do not utilize Linder’s Lot, racers will proceed to the Ohio CAT Gate (off State Route 601) and stop where the Officials are set-up to sell racer credentials.
RADIO STATION – We broadcast on 88.5 FM
RAIN POLICY – Drag Racing is a sport that relies on a dry racing surface for competition. To combat precipitation on the drag strip, Summit Motorsports Park uses a combination of at least five machines, including a state of the art Jet Engine to dry the track. President Bill Bader, Jr., is persistent at track drying, and will make every effort possible to dry the surface following a rain delay. Sometimes, though, Mother Nature prevents a race from completing. If an event is cancelled due to inclement weather, the promoter of the race, i.e., Summit Motorsports Park, NHRA, Tri-Power Pontiac or NMCA, etc. will make the call regarding rain checks- and only at the time of cancellation. We will not speculate or predict what will happen if a race is cancelled. We are optimists!! Every race will be run to completion!
RED KEY/GOLD KEY - (NHRA National Event only) is located off State Route 601 and a permit to park in this lot is required. Red Key/Gold Key passes are issued only by NHRA.
RE-ENTRY – Guests needing to exit and re-enter Summit Motorsports Park must take their credentials with them and have their hands stamped before exiting the park. When re-entering guest(s) must show ticket and their hand stamp to re-enter.
RE-SALE OF TICKETS/SCALPING – The resale of tickets at any price is prohibited in or around Summit Motorsports Park. Violators are subject to removal from the park, loss of renewal rights and prosecution.
RESERVE SEAT vs GENERAL ADMISSION SEAT – Reserved seats differ from General Admission seating (GA) or Standing Room Only (SRO) in that one MUST have a ticket designating a specific seat to sit in the reserved stands. Reserved seat ticket means that seat is ‘yours’ for the entire day.
Reserved seats are sold for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals and the Cornwell Tools Night Under Fire. Guests that have purchased a general admission ticket for the NHRA Nationals do not have a specific seat and are welcome to:
Guests who have purchased an SRO ticket for the Night Under Fire do not have a seat, and are welcome to:
Wheelchair seating is available on both sides of the track. Wheelchair bound guests and companions can reserve a wheelchair space and a seat (subject to availability). It is highly recommended to purchase these spaces/seats in advance, by contacting the office (Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
Family - No Alcohol Section Ohio CAT Side (east) is located in Garlits 2C; Summit Side (west) is located in Section 3D.
RESTRICTED AREAS – Only track staff, racers and crew members with proper credentials will be admitted into the restricted areas around the drag strip. Individuals having the proper credentials must be alert at all times and stand in the appropriate areas.
Individuals not having the proper credentials must watch the racing from either in the grandstands or behind the fenced areas, at ground level, in front of the grandstands.
RESTROOMS/PORT-A-JOHNS – Full service restroom and showers are located on the East side of the track, and are staffed as long as we are open and competition is underway. Shower tickets can only be purchased at the Throttle Town Grill Concession stand. Port-a-johns are located at certain points throughout out the property for your more “immediate” needs.
We have permanent restrooms on the Ohio CAT (East) side, which are wheelchair accessible. On the Summit (west) side, wheelchair accessible port-a-johns are located under the Summit grandstands.
RUN ORDER FOR EDELBROCK SUPER SERIES SATURDAY POINTS MEET - Run order is subject to change due to track conditions, weather, delays, etc. The day begins with our junior dragster program and the run order is Advanced, Intermediate and Novice. The adult program begins at noon with the following run order: Pro, Super Pro, Super Bike, Sportsman, Stock and NHRA Jr Street.
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SEAT NUMBERING SYSTEM – When standing at the bottom of your section, looking up, seats are numbered lowest to highest (starting line to finish line). From the top of the grandstand working down, start either with A or C, depending on the section.
SERVICE ANIMALS - Trained service animals or service animals-in-training assisting guests with disabilities are permitted in the seating bowl. Under Title III of the ADA, all service animals must remain on a leash or in a harness at all times. However, if a disability prevents the person from using a harness, leash or other tether or if a harness, leash or other tether would interfere with the service animal's safe, effective performance of work or tasks, then the animal's handler must maintain control of the service animal through other effective means, such as voice control or signals. A place of public accommodation is not responsible for the care or supervision of a service animal.
SHIPPING PARTS – Racers on occasion need to have parts shipped to our track. You may do so, but also include your name in the shipping to address, so we know whom the package will belong to. It is also recommended that you let us know in advance (419-668-5555) so we can be on the look out for the package. The address to ship the parts to is 3724 State Route 601, Norwalk OH 44857.
SHOWERS – Permanent showers and restroom facilities located on the Ohio Cat (East) side of the race track. You may purchase shower tickets at the Throttle Town Grill concession stand. Guests may also pay the attendants cash directly at these two facilities.
SMOKING – Smoking is permitted in the open areas of the campus. Smoking (including e-cigarettes and vapor cigarettes) is not permitted in our restrooms, permanent buildings or in the seating bowl.
SPECTATOR ENTRANCE – For our large events, where guests have parked outside the park, this is our Legend's Gate off of Wilson’s parking lot. Gate closes one hour after racing has been completed.
STADIUM SEATS - To ensure the comfort of each and every guest sitting in the grandstands, the maximum allowable width for stadium seats brought in by guests is 18 inches. The size limitation follows concerns brought to our attention by a number of our guests.
STAGING BEFORE GATES OPEN - In the interest of highway safety (per the Ohio State Highway Patrol), teams are not permitted to park on parking lot entrance aprons. We also do not recommend anyone sitting along the highway waiting for our gates to open. The Highway Patrol has issued Summit Motorsports Park several warnings that if they encounter rigs lined up along the highway, they will issue tickets. They installed signs all Route 18 and Route 601 proclaiming the area as a “no parking” zone. They will (and have!) issued tickets to rigs waiting to get in. Our suggestion is to arrive only at the scheduled time to open.
STAKING POLICY – In 2007, we completed a $7 million dollar expansion project, which included paving approximately 25 acres of pit parking. We thank you in advance for NOT staking in our asphalt. This will help preserve the life of our asphalt area, so that you may continue to enjoy the grounds for years to come. Use water or concrete barrels when necessary. A $500 fine per stake will be issued to any offender. We also request that you put blocks under all jacks and leveling feet.
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TAG-A-CHILD – Tag-a-Child is a service provided by Guest Services on either side of the track. Children can be issued a wristband with their seat/section number and emergency phone number on it to be used in the event the child becomes separated from his/her parent.
TAILGATING – Guests can tailgate in their parking space in the general admission parking areas. If their row is full, they can put up a 10’ x 10’ canopy to provide shade while eating; however, it cannot block the aisle. The canopy must be taken down when guest(s) return to the park. Guess are expected to pick up all of their trash and make sure not to dump hot ashes onto the ground.
TECHNICAL INSPECTION – Each vehicle that races at Summit Motorsports Park must go through a technical inspection. After review, they will receive a tech sticker good for six months. Our inspections are thorough and complete, and we maintain safety is our number one priority.
TICKETS – Tickets can be purchased in advance either via phone at 419-668-5555 during business hours (M-F 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or online. IF purchasing online, select the event page on the main page, and look for the ticket icon just below the event banner.
TIME TRIALS – Time trials are subject to change depending on the number of participants. Our suggestion is to be here on time so you can get as many as possible! If you arrive late, it is possible you may not get a time trial before eliminations.
TRACK ELEVATION – 853’
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WIFI – we do not offer WIFI at our facility
WILL CALL – Will Call is located at the entrance to Legends Gate, which is the spectator entrance located on the west side of the track, off Wilson’s parking lot. It is open during scheduled gate hours.