You’re driving down US 42 in Walton, Kentucky. The sun is dipping low, painting the sky in those bruised purples and oranges you only see in the Midwest. Suddenly, there it is. A massive, high-banked clay oval carved right into the rolling hills.
Florence Speedway isn't just another local track. Not even close. If you talk to anyone around Boone County, they’ll tell you it’s a cathedral of speed. But for the uninitiated? It’s often misunderstood as just a place where loud cars go in circles.
Honestly, that’s like saying the Kentucky Derby is just a pony ride.
The King Family Legacy
Let’s get the history straight. The track was built in the 1950s, but the modern era—the one that actually matters—started in 1984. That’s when Jerry King and his wife Mona took over. Jerry wasn't just an owner; he was a promoter with a vision that was, frankly, a bit obsessed. He wanted to turn this half-mile clay oval into a national powerhouse.
He did.
Jerry passed away recently, in late 2025, leaving the reins to his son Josh. It’s a family business in the truest sense. You’ll see the Kings everywhere on race night. They aren't sitting in some air-conditioned corporate suite. They’re in the dirt.
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What Makes the Clay Different?
People think dirt is just dirt. Wrong.
The surface at Florence Speedway is legendary. It’s a specific type of heavy clay that, when "prepped" right, develops a "cushion" right up against the wall. Imagine a shelf of dirt that drivers can lean their right rear tire against to catapult themselves off the corner. It’s high-stakes stuff. If you hit it right, you’re a hero. If you miss? You’re heading into the catch fence.
Why the North/South 100 is a Monster
If you only visit once, it has to be in August for the Sunoco North/South 100.
This race is one of the "Crown Jewels" of Dirt Late Model racing. We’re talking about a $75,000-to-win payout in 2025. That kind of money brings out the big dogs: Bobby Pierce, Jonathan Davenport, and Ricky Thornton Jr. In August 2025, Bobby Pierce did something people said was basically impossible. He won his fourth North/South 100. Even crazier? It was his third in a row. The crowd was losing their minds because the battle between him and Davenport involved more than a little "paint swapping."
Davenport’s car was so mangled he could barely steer it, yet he still clawed his way to third. That’s the kind of grit this track demands.
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The 2026 Season: What’s New?
Things are changing a bit for the 2026 schedule. If you’re a regular, you need to know this: the Hornet division is out. It’s a bummer for some, but the car counts just weren't there.
In their place, the track is bringing in the Hidden Gem Motorsports Legend division. These are basically 5/8-scale versions of 1930s coupes. They’ve got motorcycle engines and they are incredibly twitchy. Watching 20 of those things swarm the half-mile is going to be chaotic in the best way possible.
- Spring 50: March 21st (The 50th Anniversary!)
- Ralph Latham Memorial: May 2nd
- North/South 100: August 6th–8th
Survival Tips for Your First Visit
You’ve got to be prepared. This isn't a sanitized NASCAR experience.
1. The "Florence Dust" is real. You will leave with a fine coating of Kentucky clay in your hair, your ears, and your beer. Embrace it. Don’t wear your favorite white sneakers. Just don't.
2. Cooler Rules are Strict. You can bring a cooler, but it has to be small (14"x14"x14" max). And listen: no glass. They will check. Also, Kentucky law is weird about carrying alcohol in or out, so they sell beer on both the front and back stretches. The "Dollar Beer" nights are legendary for a reason.
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3. Choose Your Side Wisely. The frontstretch is where the "official" vibe is. But the backstretch? That’s where the real party happens. It’s more laid back, and for 2026, they’re adding even more reserved seating back there because the demand has been through the roof.
4. Hearing Protection isn't Optional. These Late Models are powered by 800-plus horsepower engines. When 24 of them take the green flag together, the vibration literally rattles your ribcage. If you don't bring earplugs, your ears will be ringing until Tuesday.
Debunking the "Bad Seat" Myth
I hear people complain that they can't see the whole track from the lower rows. Look, it’s a high-banked track. If you sit in Row 1, you’re going to see a lot of mud flying at your face and not much of the backstretch.
The "sweet spot" at Florence is generally Row 10 and up. On the backstretch, Rows 11 and up are now reserved for the big races because those views are prime.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're planning to hit the 44th Annual North/South 100 in August 2026, here is the move:
- Renewals: If you had seats in 2025, you have until February 15th, 2026, to reclaim them.
- New Buyers: Public sales start March 2nd. Mark your calendar. This event sells out.
- Camping: You can start marking spots on August 2nd at noon. It’s first-come, first-served, and the "land rush" for camping spots is a spectacle in itself.
Florence Speedway is a rare breed. It’s a place where the dirt is rich, the history is deep, and the King family still treats every fan like a neighbor. Whether you're there for the $75,000-to-win finale or a $15 local show, you’re going to see some of the best racing in the country. Just remember to bring your goggles and a sense of adventure.
Check the official track website or their MyRacePass profile before you head out, especially if the clouds look heavy. Rainouts happen, but the clay usually waits for no one.