“Vroom, vroom,” echoes in the air. That’s the sound of excitement at Lone Star Racers. Lone Star Racers is more than just a ride. It is a celebration of speed and Texas spirit.
Let’s dive into the exhilarating story of racing in the Lone Star State. While Lone Star Racers may not have a direct link to the historical races, the spirit of those events lives on. Texas has a rich history of racing. This history fuels the excitement we feel today.
Did you know that Texas was the birthplace of the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series? The series has raced here 208 times. That ranks fifth most among all states. Only Pennsylvania, California, Ohio, and Iowa have hosted more races.
The connection began on March 18, 1978. The final night of Devil’s Bowl Speedway’s Spring Nationals became the first night of the series. Ted Johnson’s vision took shape here. The race was won by Jimmy Boyd. He drove Kenny Woodruff’s #21.
Early races were held at Devil’s Bowl and Big H Speedway in Houston. These tracks hosted races every season from 1979 through 1988. Lone Star Speedway in Kilgore hosted races in 1984. Sammy Swindell won all three races. He drove for Texas native Raymond Beadle.
Swindell continued his dominance in 1986. He won three straight at Lone Star. He also won at Big H. He then won at Battleground Speedway. That made five straight Texas victories. His streak grew to nine before Steve Kinser ended it in 1987.
New tracks joined the circuit over the years. North Texas Motor Speedway hosted races in 1990. Hub City Speedway in Lubbock followed in 1993. Gary Wright became the first Texan to win a World of Outlaws race on home soil in 1993.
The Texas Motor Speedway Dirt Track debuted in 2000. Greg Hodnett won that race. Houston Raceway Park also hosted its first race that year. Stevie Smith took the win.
Even though Devil’s Bowl Speedway closed, the racing tradition continues. Tracks like Cotton Bowl Speedway carry on the spirit. The tradition of Sprint Car drivers battling continues. New chapters are still being written.
The Lone Star Grand Prix also revved its engines in Houston. This American Le Mans Series race took place at JAGFlo Speedway at Reliant Park. It was part of the Grand Prix of Houston weekend in 2006 and 2007. The event was canceled in 2008. That followed the merger of the Champ Car World Series and Indy Racing League.
Winners included Rinaldo Capello and Allan McNish in LMP1. Oliver Gavin and Olivier Beretta won in GT1. Mike Rockenfeller and Klaus Graf triumphed in GT2. Clint Field and Liz Halliday won in LMP2 in 2006. In 2007, Romain Dumas and Timo Bernhard won in LMP2. Johnny O’Connell and Jan Magnussen won in GT1. Mika Salo and Jaime Melo won in GT2.
So, as you experience the thrill of Lone Star Racers, remember the deep roots of racing in Texas. Feel the echoes of the past. Embrace the speed and excitement. This ride is a tribute to the Lone Star State’s racing heritage. Enjoy the ride.