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HISTORY
Gresham Motorsports Park has a 40-year history providing significant and memorable auto races. Originally opened at Jefco Speedway in 1967, the inaugural event at the track was a NASCAR Late Model Sportsman (now Nationwide) Division race. The ‘Tiger 200’ was ironically won by ‘Tiger Tom’ Pistone from Chicago, IL. Meanwhile, a pair of NASCAR Grand National (now Sprint Cup) races were also contested at the Georgia half-mile oval with Cale Yarborough wheeling a Mercury to a victory in the November 3, 1968 Peach State 200 and Bobby Isacc coming home first in the November 9, 1969 Jefco 200. While NASCAR racing put the track on the map in the late 1960’s, it was the regular weekly auto racing programs that defined the early years of Jefco Speedway. Early racing heroes such as Jody Ridley, LeeRoy Yarbrough, Curtis Turner and Wendell Scott thrilled local fans and established the raceway as one of the best in the southeast. By the early 1980’s, the track had been renamed as Georgia International Speedway and was hosting top regional events including the inaugural World Crown 300 in 1983. The November 27, 1983 classic featured an honor roll of top national short-track stock car drivers like Jody Ridley, Mark Martin, Freddy Fryar, Darrell Waltrip, Alan Kulwicki and Rusty Wallace. ‘Alabama Gang’ racing legends Neil Bonnett, Bobby, Donnie and Davey Allison also competed in the first World Crown 300 event.
In the early 1990’s, the track was renamed yet again becoming Peach State Speedway. Since then, the half-mile paved oval has been a staple on multiple touring series schedules including USAR Hooters Pro Cup, American Speed Association, Georgia Asphalt, United Sprint Car, Vintage Racing Association division events. Additional information about Gresham Motorsports Park can be viewed on this website or by contacting info@greshammotorsportspark.com. REBIRTH
Gresham Motorsports Park has undergone an entire facelift re-emerging as a whole new racetrack. Gone are the timeworn amenities of the old Peach State Speedway replaced by an all-new racing surface, upgraded grandstand, rest rooms, concession and lighting amenities. A complete repaving of the track’s asphalt racing surface has provided a smoother track where competitors will find more grip and multiple racing grooves. The result is greater maneuverability, side-by-side racing and passing opportunities for the drivers while creating increased excitement for the fans. Participant safety has also received a big boost with the refurbishment of the track’s retaining walls and all new ‘catch’ fencing. An additional asphalt track - approximately one-quarter mile in length- has been constructed in the infield of the half-mile Gresham Motorsports Park oval. This new track will provide for the addition of new divisions of racing and entertainment. The Infield Pit and Inspection Areas have been completely renovated. Grading, paving and new pit areas have been created. An state-of-the-art Infield Command Center has been added that houses the Technical Inspection Station, Restrooms and Concession facilities. Lighting for the racing facility has been relocated/updated to accommodate the new start/finish line configuration, main grandstand and concession areas. This also provides enhanced fan/participant safety and premium viewing of the facility’s racing, work, and advertising spaces. Most notably, the racetrack was ‘flipped’ with the start/finish line relocated from its current site on the Northeast side of the facility to the Southwest side of the property. This change now allows patrons to enjoy activities while seated in the main grandstand without facing the hot afternoon setting sun. GRANDSTANDS/VIEWING
Gresham Motorsports Park features a new aluminum main grandstand located on the Southwest side of the raceway to coincide with the new start/finish line. The new location also allows easier ingress/egress to the grandstand seating and will be sectioned into reserved seating and general admission access. Convenient Handicap/Special Needs access viewing areas in the main grandstand have been provided. TRACKSIDE PARKING
Gresham Motorsports Park has 131 trackside parking spaces, about half of which have been sold for the season. The other half are available on a first-come, first-served race by race basis at a cost of $25 per vehicle at regular GMP events (Cars, Pick-Up Trucks and Regular Size Vans only – No oversize vehicles). Check for updated Trackside Parking Space pricing for special events such as the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and World Crown 300 races. All persons inside the vehicle will need an additional Trackside Parking General Admission Tickets. Coolers (no glass) and Grills (no fire pits) are permitted in Trackside Parking. No ATV’s or Golf Carts permitted in Trackside Parking. CONCESSIONS
Full service concession stands offering a wide variety of food and beverages choices have been constructed behind the Main Grandstand and in the Infield Command Center. Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, French Fries, Nachos, Funnel Cake, Chicken Fingers, Popcorn, Candy, Soft Drinks and Water are just some of the items that are offered at a Fan Friendly price in our concession stands. Stop by today and take a bite out of something great from our Concession Stands at Gresham Motorsports Park. SOUVENIRS
Gresham Motorsports Park has some of the coolest hats, t-shirts and other souvenir items around. You can see all of our souvenirs at the GMP Souvenir Store located next to the Women’s Rest Room behind the Main Grandstand. RESTROOMS
Our new, modern restrooms are located behind the Main Grandstand area and on the Turn 3-4 side of the Infield Command Center. These environmentally sustainable and hands-free sanitary facilities also have provisions for Handicap/Special Needs visitors to GMP. Additional clean portable rest facilities have been placed throughout the Gresham Motorsports Park grounds. ADMINISTRATION OFFICES/TICKETING
Gresham Motorsports Park maintains business offices just inside the new main gate of the facility located at 500 Lyle Field Road in Jefferson, GA. Google Map This facility houses our on-site Business, Administration, Operations and Ticket offices. Our Business - and Ticket Office hours – are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tickets for all events can be purchased on our website Ticket portal by clicking on the Red NAV Bar 'Ticket' icon at left - or at the GMP Ticket Booths located at the Main Gate and behind the Main Grandstand the day of the event. You can contact our offices during regular business hours by calling - 706-367-9461 - or anytime by e-mailing info@greshammotorsportspark.com. Our Administrative Fax Number is – 706-367-4038. MEDIA FACILITIES
The Gresham Motorsports Park Media Center is located in the Main Grandstand Control Tower. The 12-seat facility features Internet access. To secure a Media Credential for any Gresham Motorsports Park event, please send a written request on company letterhead to John Close - JClose@GreshamMotorsportsPark.com - or Fax said request to 706-367-4038. |
Noted Wisconsin short-tracker Dick Trickle captured the inaugural World Crown 300 beginning a long tradition of legendary winners in what has become Georgia’s annual premiere stock car event. That tradition will continue at Gresham Motorsports Park with the running of the 27th-Annual World Crown 300 on November 11-14, 2010.Copyright © 2009 GMP | Privacy Policy