SOPHIA, N.C. — Caraway Speedway owner Darren Hackett announced the historic short track has been sold and ownership will transfer at the conclusion of the 2026 racing season, marking the end of nearly five decades of ownership by the Hackett family.
Hackett shared the news in a video posted to Caraway Speedway’s official Facebook page, telling fans, competitors and supporters that the current season will continue as scheduled before the sale is finalized at season’s end.
Hackett did not identify the buyer or disclose terms of the agreement. As of Tuesday evening, no public announcement had been made regarding the new ownership group or its plans for the speedway.
The announcement closes a significant chapter in North Carolina short track racing.
Caraway Speedway opened in 1966 as a dirt oval before being paved in 1972. Russell and Valastra Hackett purchased the facility in 1977, establishing what would become one of the state’s longest-running family-owned race tracks. Darren and Renee Hackett assumed day-to-day operations in 2011 and have overseen numerous facility improvements while expanding the track’s schedule with major touring events.
Throughout its 60-year history, Caraway Speedway has hosted NASCAR Busch Series races, NASCAR Southeast Series competition, the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour, SMART Modified Tour events and the CARS Tour. Racing legends including Dale Earnhardt, Bobby Labonte, Mike Skinner, Harry Gant, Sam Ard, Jack Ingram and Dennis Setzer are among the notable drivers who have competed or won at the track.
The speedway has remained a cornerstone of grassroots racing in North Carolina, serving as a weekly home for local racers while attracting national touring series and marquee events such as the North-South Shootout.
The sale comes during a year of renewed momentum for the facility. Caraway returned to the NASCAR Weekly Series for the 2026 season and continued investing in infrastructure, including track resurfacing, pit area improvements, upgraded lighting, new restrooms and additional spectator amenities.
Hackett said the remainder of the 2026 schedule will proceed without changes before ownership officially changes hands after the final race of the season.
The identity of the buyer and future plans for Caraway Speedway have not yet been announced.
