Many of us grew up at the local speedway sharing memories that help shape who we are today, and racing enthusiasts often describe racing as more of a way of life than just a hobby. Local racing communities often take on a family-like relationship with each other.  For the past 50 years Speedworld Raceway Park has been a large part of Arizona’s racing family. Now, though, they are in jeopardy of shutting down the facility. The owner of Speedworld, Dan Mathews, is in a legal battle with Maricopa County over zoning violations that are threatening the very existence of racing mainstay.

Officials in Maricopa County are currently alleging that Speedworld is in violation of the grading and drainage requirements and use permit violations that were implemented long before Dan Mathews took over the business. And what does Mathews make of all this? Speedworld’s official statement on this is that they’re “not trying to avoid coming into compliance with the County’s requests. We’re only asking to be able to keep our doors open while the changes are being made. “

Speedworld Raceway Park offers a variety of motor sports entertainment, including NHRA drag racing. The drag strip is an NHRA legal ¼-mile with several weekly classes including, Pro, Super Pro, Sportsman, Motorcycle, and Junior Dragster. Speedworld also hosts MX motorcycle racing, BMX bicycle racing, sand drag racing, mud racing, and off-road racing, thus offering a wide range of opportunities for Arizona racing families.

If forced to close its doors during the process, Speedworld would be put out of business completely due to the cost of the changes that the County is seeking. As of today, Speed world is open for competition and most definitely can use support from the racing community. For more information or to find out how you can help save Speedworld Raceway Park click on www.racespeedworld.com.