In the heart of Alabama, two motorsports venues roar with more than just engines – they generate real economic horsepower for the River Region.
While Montgomery continues to grapple with challenges in crime, education and development, it’s worth shining a light on two institutions that have quietly and consistently contributed to the local economy and community: Montgomery Motor Speedway and Montgomery International Dragway.
Established in 1953, Montgomery Motor Speedway is Alabama’s oldest active racing track. Its legendary half-mile oval has hosted icons like Bobby Allison and Richard Petty. Today, it remains a regional hotspot, with events like the “Show Me the Money Pro Late Model Series” drawing dozens of drivers and fans from across the Southeast.
A short drive away, the Montgomery International Dragway (formerly Capital City Motorsports Park) is experiencing a revival under new ownership. Major facility upgrades and a renewed event calendar – including the 2024 WDRA Summit Sportsman World Championships – are helping put the dragway back on the national radar.
Together, these two venues serve as hubs for both amateur and professional motorsports. More importantly, they attract visitors – and dollars – to Montgomery.
According to the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce, the region’s tourism sector supports over 10,000 direct jobs and 35,000 indirect ones. Visitors spend an average of $530 per day per travel party, contributing more than $1.9 million daily in lodging, food, fuel and taxes.
While state-funded tourism campaigns often focus on historical landmarks and Southern cuisine, motorsports events are steadily carving out a loyal – and lucrative – fan base. Hotel bookings spike during race weekends. Restaurants see increased foot traffic. Gas stations and auto shops benefit too. Even local law enforcement and emergency services play a role, building stronger public-private partnerships.
In recent years, Montgomery has experienced a disturbing rise in illegal street racing and reckless driving. One tragic example occurred in 2017 when Ladarius Laffitte, racing another vehicle at speeds approaching 150 mph on Vaughn Road, crashed into an oncoming car – killing a mother and her two young children.
Rather than trying to legislate street racing out of existence, Montgomery leaders should embrace motorsports as a tool to redirect that energy into safe, sanctioned environments.
Three Ways Montgomery Can Use Motorsports to Curb Street Racing
1. City-Backed “Race Nights” for At-Risk Youth
Partner with the Montgomery Police Department and community organizations to sponsor monthly “Race Safe” nights – legal, supervised opportunities for young drivers to race at the drag strip. Similar initiatives, like Houston’s “Take It to the Track,” have led to measurable declines in street racing incidents.
2. Youth and Technical Education Programs
Collaborate with local schools, trade programs, and the Alabama Community College System to host vocational events and automotive camps. These programs can introduce teens to the technical side of racing – from engine tuning to safety mechanics – while building marketable skills in a high-demand industry.
3. Public Awareness Campaigns and Incentives
Launch a city-backed campaign that promotes responsible driving, featuring local racers as spokespeople. Offer discounts on race admission for those who report illegal racing activity or participate in awareness programs. Engaging car clubs in the process builds trust and shows respect for their passion – channeled through the right venues.
Too often, local governments invent new solutions while ignoring what’s already working. Montgomery doesn’t need another expensive sports complex or underperforming anti-violence initiative. It already has two powerful engines of change.
Montgomery Motor Speedway and Montgomery International Dragway can – and should – be central to a new strategy that blends economic development with community safety.
I urge city leaders to promote these venues with the same energy they give to cornhole tournaments and pickleball courts. With vision, leadership, and a little creativity, Montgomery can embrace its motorsports legacy to drive forward a safer, more prosperous future.
Sometimes, all it takes is the courage to think outside the box – and to listen a little closer to the roar of the engines.
Jason Davenport is a seasoned media professional with over two decades of experience in the fields of broadcasting, audio/video production, and media consulting. Based in Montgomery, Alabama, Jason is the owner of Pulse Media Montgomery, where he specializes in providing innovative solutions for clients, including podcasting, blogging, web design, and social media management.