History

The Santa Maria Speedway was built and started operating in 1964 by owner/promoter Doug Fort. Doug operated this historic track for decades and was nominated three times for national “Racing Promoter of the Year”. The speedway under his guidance was twice named “Best Short Track Operation West of the Mississippi”. The track hosted Sprint Cars, Late Model Stocks, Modifieds, and Stock Cars for decades.
Since Doug’s passing in 1999, the track has changed hands multiple times. It has experienced some highly successful seasons, but it has also faced significant challenges that have impacted tracks nationwide. These challenges include the COVID shutdown and the encroachment of populations and residential developments. There was even a chance the speedway could be sold and converted into a storage facility.
But at the end of 2024 the speedway was purchased by local businessman Pat Cusack and family, bringing the property back under local control. Pat and his family have committed to adding much needed infrastructure improvements while retaining the atmosphere that has attracted race fans to the Central Coast for over 60 years.
The upcoming season consists of more racing events than we have had since before COVID. From top-notch open-wheel events, local stock car divisions, karting, and Monster Trucks, the 2025 season marks the return of a full schedule of events for fans of all ages.
We look forward to hosting all our long-time fans and race teams back to the Santa Maria Speedway, as well as new fans just discovering the gem we have right here on the Central Coast for family entertainment you can’t find anywhere else!