Southern Delaware may be known for its charming beach towns, but there are other hidden gems and unique places waiting to be explored. Georgetown Speedway is one of them. Built in 1949 just off of Route 113, the speedway is now a celebrated historic landmark. Since it was built by local businessman and racing pioneer Melvin Joseph Sr, the speedway has welcomed generations of racers and fans, becoming one of the most recognizable dirt tracks in the Mid-Atlantic. This four-tenths-mile oval delivers adrenaline and high speeds for a great night of thrilling race action. The facility has evolved over time and was recently purchased by Melvin Joseph’s grandson, Ken Adams, who has invested in modernizing the property and elevating the experience for visitors and attendees alike. Take a moment to learn more about this exciting facility.
1. How has the Speedway become a part of Delaware's culture and community?
For generations, Georgetown Speedway has served as a gathering place where families, friends, and visitors come together to enjoy affordable entertainment. Many of today's fans are second, third, fourth, and even fifth-generation attendees who grew up spending race nights at the track. The speedway has become woven into the fabric of Sussex County by providing exciting events, supporting local businesses, welcoming visitors from across the country, and creating traditions that families continue year after year.
2. What are some memorable milestones in the Speedway's history?
The speedway has hosted many of the biggest names in dirt racing throughout its history while becoming home to numerous prestigious events. One of the most significant recent milestones has been attracting nationally recognized touring series, such as the World of Outlaws Late Model Series and the Super DIRTcar Series, bringing thousands of fans to Delaware from across the United States and Canada. Another major milestone has been the ongoing transformation of the facility through extensive capital improvements, positioning Georgetown Speedway as one of the region's premier dirt racing venues.
3. How has Delaware Tourism Office’s Capital Investment Fund helped enhance the visitor experience and support the continued development of Georgetown Speedway as a destination?
The Delaware Sports Tourism Capital Investment Fund has been instrumental in elevating the overall visitor experience. Funding has supported major infrastructure improvements, including new LED lighting, premium hospitality suites, enhanced accessibility, improved pit facilities, upgraded safety features, and fan-focused amenities. These investments not only improve race day for our guests but also allow Georgetown Speedway to attract larger regional and national events that generate tourism, support local businesses, and showcase Sussex County to visitors from throughout the country.
4. What makes race day at Georgetown Speedway such an exciting experience for families and visitors?
Race day is much more than watching cars compete on the track; it's an experience. Guests enjoy the sights, sounds, and excitement of dirt racing while also taking advantage of family-friendly activities, great food, and close-up access to the competitors. At Georgetown Speedway, every patron can purchase a ticket that includes pit access, allowing fans to meet drivers, see the race cars up close, collect autographs, and experience motorsports in a unique, interactive way. Whether you're a lifelong racing fan or attending for the first time, there's something exciting for everyone.
5. How has the support of fans and the community helped shape the Speedway over the years?
Our fans and community have been the foundation of Georgetown Speedway's success. Their continued support has allowed the speedway to grow, invest in improvements, and bring larger events to Delaware. Local businesses, sponsors, volunteers, and loyal race fans all play an important role in making each event successful. Their enthusiasm inspires us to continue improving the facility and creating memorable experiences for every visitor.
6. Are there any local drivers or success stories that stand out to you?
Delaware has produced many talented racers who have built impressive careers at both the regional and national levels, and Georgetown Speedway has played an important role in many of those stories. One of the most recent and meaningful accomplishments was the induction of Bobby Wilkins into the Northeast Dirt Modified Hall of Fame. Bobby joins an elite group of Delaware racing legends that includes driver Harold Bunting, car owner Eugene Mills, and longtime promoters Charlie and Joyce Cathell, all of whom have been recognized for their lasting contributions to the sport. Their accomplishments reflect the deep motorsports heritage that exists in Delaware and serve as an inspiration for today's competitors. Georgetown Speedway continues to provide a stage for the next generation of racers while honoring the legends who helped build the sport throughout our state.
7. Are there any community events or charitable initiatives hosted by the Speedway?
Giving back to the community is one of our core values. Georgetown Speedway proudly hosts and supports numerous charitable and community-focused events throughout the season. One of our signature annual events is the Camp Barnes Benefit Stock Car Race, one of Delaware's longest-running charitable motorsports traditions. For decades, this special event has raised funds to support Camp Barnes, a summer camp operated by the Delaware State Police that provides Delaware children with the opportunity to enjoy a safe, fun, and educational camping experience at little to no cost to their families. The event has generated hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years, helping ensure that generations of young people can attend Camp Barnes and create lifelong memories.
We are also proud to host the Old-Fashioned Sussex County 4th of July Celebration, which raises funds to benefit the Georgetown Fire Company Station 77 and Georgetown EMS Station 93. Beyond these signature events, Georgetown Speedway regularly partners with local organizations, businesses, and nonprofits to support fundraising efforts, strengthen community connections, and give back to the region that has supported the speedway for generations.
8. What do you hope visitors remember most after spending an evening at the Speedway?
We hope visitors leave with lasting memories of an exciting, welcoming, and uniquely Delaware experience. Whether it's the thrill of side-by-side racing, meeting drivers in the pits, enjoying great food, or spending quality time with family and friends, we want every guest to feel like they've been part of something special. Our goal is for first-time visitors to become lifelong fans and for every guest to leave looking forward to their next trip to Georgetown Speedway.
