Planning Commission approves master plan for Southside Speedway revival
TL;DR: Chesterfield County Planning Commission approved a master plan for reviving Southside Speedway, clearing the way for a phased reopening of the historic racetrack by late 2027.
Quick facts
- Who: Chesterfield County Planning Commission and Competitive Racing Investments LLC
- What: Master plan approval for reopening Southside Speedway with phased development including racing operations, hotel, restaurants, and additional facilities
- When: June 16, 2026 (approval date)
- Where: 12800 Genito Road and 2802 Oak Lake Blvd., Chesterfield County, Virginia
The story
The Chesterfield County Planning Commission on June 16, 2026, approved a master plan for the revival of Southside Speedway, one of the most legendary short tracks in racing history. The approval represents a major milestone for Competitive Racing Investments LLC, which holds a 20-year ground lease-to-purchase agreement with the county. The vote had been deferred from May after commissioners raised concerns about parking, development details, and public safety measures on race days.
Southside Speedway first opened in 1959 at 12800 Genito Road and became known as "The Toughest Track in the South." The 0.33-mile asphalt oval served as a proving ground for drivers who went on to national prominence, including NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Allison. The track operated continuously for over 60 years until its closure in December 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the Wilkinson family's ownership for decades, Southside became an institution in Chesterfield County's automotive culture and Friday night entertainment landscape.
The approved master plan envisions a two-phase development spanning 47 acres on both sides of Genito Road. Phase one focuses on restoration of the racetrack and restart of racing operations, with Competitive Racing Investments targeting late 2027 for the first events and weekly racing in 2028. Phase two expands beyond race days with plans for a 4,000-seat stadium, a hotel, restaurants, a gas station, and expanded parking facilities to support year-round activity.
The reopening has generated significant interest among the racing community. Longtime fans and competitors expressed enthusiasm during the approval process, with some local racers already building vehicles in anticipation of returning to the track. County officials view the project as an opportunity to revitalize the Genito Road corridor while restoring a piece of regional motorsports heritage. The project now moves toward site plan reviews and final county approvals before construction can commence.
Key players
- Competitive Racing Investments LLC (CRI): Developer and operator of the Southside Speedway revival project
- Chesterfield County Planning Commission: Approved the master plan for the project
- Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors: Previously approved the 20-year ground lease-to-purchase agreement with CRI
Key dates
- 2026-12-31: Target for completion of initial restoration work and site preparation
- 2027-12-31: Targeted start of racing events at reopened Southside Speedway
- 2028-01-01: Target for weekly racing schedule to begin at the facility
The case for
A reopened Southside Speedway would restore a historic venue that served the racing community for over 60 years and provide Chesterfield County with a unique entertainment asset. The project offers economic benefits including job creation, tax revenue, and secondary spending at planned hotels, restaurants, and retail facilities. For the local racing community and automotive enthusiasts, the reopening addresses a significant gap left by the facility's closure and provides a proven venue where competitors can develop skills. The phased approach allows the track to begin operations sooner while amenities develop incrementally, reducing upfront risk.
The case against
Critics raised concerns during the planning process about the scale of ancillary development and its consistency with surrounding land uses. Race events can generate noise and traffic congestion on Genito Road and neighboring residential areas on event days. The planning commissioners initially requested more detailed information on parking capacity, traffic management, and public safety protocols before approving the plan, reflecting questions about whether the infrastructure is adequate for both regular racing and the proposed hotel and restaurant expansion. Long-term operational and financial viability of a facility that has been dormant for six years remains unproven.
Why it matters: For Chesterfield County residents, the reopening of Southside Speedway means the return of a locally beloved entertainment and cultural institution that shaped the community's identity for decades. The project also represents a significant land-use decision affecting the Genito Road corridor and sets the template for future large-scale mixed-use entertainment development in the county.
Places
Development timeline
- 1959-04-15Southside Speedway Opens: Track opens under ownership of J.M. Wilkinson as a 0.33-mile asphalt oval [[source]](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/southside-speedway-reopening-march-10-2026)
- 1961-08-18First NASCAR Race at Southside: The historic racetrack hosts its first NASCAR-sanctioned event [[source]](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/southside-speedway-reopening-march-10-2026)
- 2020-12-01Southside Speedway Closes: Track closes due to COVID-19 pandemic after more than 60 years of continuous operation [[source]](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/southside-speedway-reopening-march-10-2026)
- 2025-03-01CRI Ground Lease Agreement Finalized: Chesterfield County and Competitive Racing Investments finalize 20-year ground lease-to-purchase agreement [[source]](https://www.chesterfield.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=5883)
- 2026-05-21Planning Commission Defers Master Plan Vote: Commissioners request additional information on parking, traffic, and public safety before approval [[source]](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/chesterfield-county/southside-speedway-revival-delayed-again-may-21-2026)
- 2026-06-16Planning Commission Approves Master Plan: Chesterfield County Planning Commission approves revised master plan for two-phase development and track reopening [[source]](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/chesterfield-county/planning-commission-approves-southside-speedway-plan-june-16-2026)
Related links
Read the original at Google News: Chesterfield County →
Sources
- Chesterfield Planning Commission approves master plan for Southside Speedway revival
- Southside Speedway master plan vote deferred by planning commission
- Master plan filing offers new look at initial Southside Speedway reopening strategy
- A year into its lease, Southside Speedway team aiming for master plan approval this spring
- Chesterfield, CRI Announce Agreement to Return Racing to Southside Speedway
- Southside Speedway set to reopen after 5-year closure
- Racing to return to Chesterfield's Southside Speedway
- Southside Speedway