Sharon Speedway
Encyclopedia
Sharon Speedway is a 3/8-mile dirt oval
race track located in Hartford Township
, near Hartford, Ohio
and named for the nearby city of Sharon, Pennsylvania
. It opened in 1929, making it one of the oldest continuously running dirt ovals in the United States. The track is currently part-owned and operated by the Blaney family, which includes NASCAR
driver Dave Blaney
. Blaney's father, and former driver, Lou Blaney originally assisted in the operation of the track. Lou Blaney died on January 25, 2009.
The track currently hosts several major touring series including the World of Outlaws Late Model Series
and even hosted a NASCAR Grand National race in 1954. It was a 200-lap event in which Lee Petty held off Buck Baker and Herb Thomas for the win. Rusty Wallace, Tom Sneva, Tony Stewart, Lee Petty and Dave Blaney are among divers who have competed at the racetrack.
Dirt track racing
Dirt track racing is a type of auto racing performed on oval tracks. It began in the United States before World War I and became widespread during the 1920s and 30s. Two different types of racecars predominated—open wheel racers in the Northeast and West and stock cars in the South...
race track located in Hartford Township
Hartford Township, Trumbull County, Ohio
Hartford Township is one of the twenty-four townships of Trumbull County, Ohio, United States. The 2000 census found 2,104 people in the township.-Geography:Located in the eastern part of the county, it borders the following townships:...
, near Hartford, Ohio
Hartford, Ohio
Hartford is a village in Licking County, Ohio, United States. The population at the 2000 census was 405.-Geography:Hartford is located at ....
and named for the nearby city of Sharon, Pennsylvania
Sharon, Pennsylvania
Sharon is a city in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, in the United States, northwest of Pittsburgh. It is part of the Youngstown–Warren–Boardman, OH-PA Metropolitan Statistical Area.- History :...
. It opened in 1929, making it one of the oldest continuously running dirt ovals in the United States. The track is currently part-owned and operated by the Blaney family, which includes NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
driver Dave Blaney
Dave Blaney
David Blaney is a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver. He currently drives the #36 Golden Corral/Big Red Chevrolet Impala for Tommy Baldwin Racing. Blaney was a successful sprint car driver before he started racing in NASCAR...
. Blaney's father, and former driver, Lou Blaney originally assisted in the operation of the track. Lou Blaney died on January 25, 2009.
The track currently hosts several major touring series including the World of Outlaws Late Model Series
World of Outlaws Late Model Series
The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is a racing championship series for dirt late model stock cars currently owned by World Racing Group. It competes on a national tour of the United States and Canada on dirt ovals...
and even hosted a NASCAR Grand National race in 1954. It was a 200-lap event in which Lee Petty held off Buck Baker and Herb Thomas for the win. Rusty Wallace, Tom Sneva, Tony Stewart, Lee Petty and Dave Blaney are among divers who have competed at the racetrack.