Hickory Motor Speedway

Hickory Motor Speedway
Location3130 Highway 70 SE
Newton, North Carolina
28658
Coordinates35°41′45″N 81°16′10″W / 35.69583°N 81.26944°W / 35.69583; -81.26944
OwnerBenny Yount (December 1986−present)
Broke groundDecember 27, 1951 (1951-12-27)
OpenedMay 18, 1952 (1952-05-18)
Former namesHickory Speedway (1952−1988)
Major eventsCurrent
ARCA Menards Series East
ARCA races at Hickory (2026)
CARS Tour (1999–present)
SMART Modified Tour (1990, 1995, 2006, 2011, 2021–present)
Former:
NASCAR Busch Series
Galaxy Food Centers 300 (1982–1998)
NASCAR Cup Series (1953–1971)
NASCAR Southeast Series (1995–2004)
NASCAR Grand National East Series (1972–1973)
NASCAR Convertible Series (1956–1959)
Websitehickorymotorspeedway.com
Remeasured Paved Oval (1970–present)
SurfaceAsphalt
Length0.363 mi (0.584 km)
Turns4
Paved Oval (1967–1970)
SurfaceAsphalt
Length0.400 mi (0.644 km)
Turns4
Remeasured Dirt Oval (1957–1967)
SurfaceDirt
Length0.400 mi (0.644 km)
Turns4
Original Dirt Oval (1952–1957)
SurfaceDirt
Length0.500 mi (0.805 km)
Turns4

Hickory Motor Speedway (formerly known as the Hickory Speedway from 1952 to 1988) is a 0.363 mi (0.584 km) oval short track in Newton, North Carolina. The track primarily holds NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series season, CARS Tour and SMART Modified Tour races. It also formerly held top-tier NASCAR Cup Series and second-tier NASCAR Busch Series races. Hickory Motor Speedway is owned by Benny Yonnt and led by track promoter Kevin Piercy.

Built in 1952 by Charlie Combs as a dirt track, the facility held its first races in the same year running NASCAR-sanctioned races. The track changed hands in ownership numerous times in its early years. After it was purchased by Bill Edwards and Ed Griffin, the track was paved with asphalt in 1967. After the paving, ownership was again frequently changed until Benny Yount purchased the track in 1986. Under Yount's ownership, periodical renovations to fan amenities and the track itself were made to the facility. In 1999, all NASCAR national touring series left the track following the 1998 season. The track remains for local racing and the NASCAR Weekly Series.