It appears the owners of I-30 Speedway – the beloved short dirt track that’s been around for 40 or so years – are selling the property, or have already sold. The Speedway, along with the City of Little Rock and another company, are working toward a new and different business on that property, according to City meeting records. The location is just over the Saline County line, inside Pulaski County, at 12297 Interstate 30 South.
A document from the City of Little Rock shows the Planning Commission voted July 16, 2022 to approve a request to change zoning to C-4. It had been R-2 and C-3. The two parties requesting this change were the owner – Clay Family, LLC, with their agent Vernon Williams; and the developer – CoPart, Inc. represented by Steve Powers of GarNat Engineering. The deal includes the restaurant at the northeast corner of the land.
2016 photo of I-30 Speedway – by Pulaski County Assessor’s Office.
2016 photo of restaurant on I-30 Speedway property – by Pulaski County Assessor’s Office.
While representatives from I-30 Speedway did not reply to confirm the dealings, the document from the City of Little Rock Planning Commission states “rezoning is proposed to allow the sales and storage of vehicles, machinery and equipment.” See the full document embedded at the end of this article.
Aerial view of I-30 Speedway, from Google Maps. Click image to visit map.
On their website, CoPart describes their operation as “a global leader in 100% online car auctions featuring used, wholesale and salvage vehicles.” CoPart is a large business of 200+ locations in several countries all over the world. In Arkansas, there are currently locations in Prairie Grove and Conway.
(Above) Pulaski County Assessor records for I-30 Speedway
The Pulaski County Assessor records still list Clay Family as the owner of the property, so we can’t assume the deal is done, but it certainly appears to be in the process. Meanwhile, the race track is still announcing upcoming events and has no mention of a sale on their social media. Watch for more as we find out.
If you read this far, comment your memories of this race track, and include photos if you have them!
Little Rock Planning Commission
Find the above document as part of the meeting minutes at THIS LINK, on pages 38-46.
Sad to see it go. Don’t attend like I did when I was younger but I always know it was there when I wanted to.
You may not go see the eyesore this final weekend of racing but you will hear it……….no mufflers this weekend so it’s gonna be LOUD!!!
So sad to see this Wonder Family Venue go if it is true! We had a lot of childhood memories there eating popcorn and betting on which car would come in first with our allowance. At least it isn’t McLarty with his miserable friend George Soros buying it and destroying another place in the USA with his Money! It will be so sad to see it go. You need something fun in that town to look forward too.
I agree we need a Sams! That would be a great spot for one. But I am surprised to hear they are selling. But understand sometimes people want to start a new chapter in their lives.
We don’t need another car lot we have enough as it is…… leave the speedway!!!!!!! Leave something original in this town for gosh sakes. Now where are we gonna go to watch races????? Screw that Car lot and it’s owner
Great memories from just a teen. I I would still love to attend but can’t like I did when I was younger.
I understand the reasons, but hate to see it go.
Thanks to the Clay’s 🥰
She will get the last cash grab at the short track nationals!!!
She don’t car bout no one but her self imagine the restrauant found out same way
The Clay’s have been a mainstay in racing around Little Rock forever. Thanks for memories. Still holding out hope it won’t be sold.
I-30 has been there since the mid fifty’s. Hate to see it go but understand the clay family’s decision, most would do the same. Lost a good friend in turn three at that track (8c) Leon cloninger and I’ll never forget the Prprofessionallizim of the staff while trying to save him. Hats off to you Tracy clay an the clay family. Thanks for the ride.
Good riddance to an eyesore of the community.
We want a Sams or a Costco..
Such a sad way to find out my favorite place to be on most EVERY Saturday night is disappearing. I understand selling – but having us fans find out like this is just heartbreaking… like we never mattered all those years….
I39 speedway is way more than 40 years old. It was there in the 50s. It is over 70 years old.