As a new regular feature, we will be showcasing a different track that will be hosting a major sprint car or midget race that weekend. Along with looking at the track itself, this feature also explores the area around the track.
Volunteer Speedway in Bulls Gap, Tenn., which hosts the World of Outlaws this weekend, bills itself as “The World’s Fastest Dirt Track,” which might strike some as excessive hyperbole. However, drivers who have driven at the track know that there’s something to it. Thanks to 32-degree banking in the corners that rivals NASCAR superspeedways like Talladega, the 4/10-mile track lets drivers set blazing lap times and provides a driving experience unlike anything else on the World of Outlaws tour.
The track opened in 1974, and primarily races modifieds and stock cars. However, the track has run sprint cars on occasion, including an appearance by the World of Outlaws in 2007. Joey Saldana set a then-track record in qualifying of more than 124 mph and then backed that up by winning the feature in a thriller over Tim Shaffer. There are several drivers with local connections: Paul McMahon has won there in the past and Jason Sides is a Tennessee native (although six hours away).
Volunteer Speedway seats roughly 3,000 people. It is located in the northeastern part of the state - the nearest major city is Knoxville, about 60 miles away. It’s also a very small town - the population is listed at 714.
If you are traveling to the races and want food beforehand, you have a few options near the track. Sandy’s Diner offers down home meals at a fair price - but be warned that it does close at 9 p.m. on weeknights. There are also several fast food options nearby, including McDonald’s and Wendy’s. Another popular option is Pizza Plus, a chain of pizza places throughout the South.
Civil War buffs can check out the sight of the Battle of Bull’s Gap in November 1864, where Confederate Maj. Gen. John C. Breckinridge dealt Union forces a temporary setback in their drive to rid Eastern Tennessee of Confederate influences.
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