Matt Tifft Sparks Debate Over Abandoned Racetrack Revival

CONCORD, N.C. — On Wednesday, former NASCAR Cup Series driver Matt Tifft stirred excitement among racing fans by posting a photo of an abandoned racetrack on his X account. He asked, “Should we save a lost speedway?” This vague post has left fans speculating about the future of the racetrack while confirming their enthusiasm for a potential revival.

Many believe the track referenced is the 0.440-mile Mansfield Motor Speedway, which has a rich history in the sport. Tifft’s post has prompted a mix of curiosity and nostalgia from fans of the former dirt and asphalt venue, reigniting interest in a location that has remained dormant for years.

Responses from the online community include feelings of longing for the past, with one former Truck and Xfinity Series champion expressing his desire for the track’s revival, stating, “I want it.” Tifft, who raced across all three NASCAR National Series between 2014 and 2019, stepped away from racing due to health issues and later became a part-owner of Live Fast Motorsports in 2020.

The future of the Mansfield Motor Speedway remains uncertain. Although Tifft has shown business savvy, earning a spot on the 2022 Forbes 30 Under 30 list, what he plans to do with the old track is unclear. He has recently returned to racing, participating in events like Dirt Modifieds and Late Model Stocks.

The Mansfield Motor Speedway, located in Mansfield, Ohio, was once a staple on the Craftsman Truck Series schedule, hosting five races from 2004 to 2008. Following the removal of its asphalt surface in 2017, the track has only operated as a dirt venue but has not hosted any racing events since 2019.

A report in late 2020 indicated that the track was “no longer a race track,” citing plans for the property to be sold for industrial use, with valuable assets to be auctioned off. Tifft’s recent photos show the current state of the track, which appears run-down, though the grandstands seem to be in relatively better condition.

The question remains: can a revival of this lost speedway become a reality? For now, Tifft’s post has sparked conversation among racing enthusiasts, keeping the hope alive for the future of Mansfield Motor Speedway.