MANSFIELD, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—After sitting empty and abandoned for years, the iconic 67-year-old Mansfield Speedway is set to roar back to life this spring. Under the new ownership of former NASCAR driver and Ohio native Matt Tifft and his wife, Jordan, the historic 180-acre facility is undergoing an extensive multi-million dollar renovation to prepare for its “Comeback Classic” on May 2.
The revitalization project marks a turning point for the track, which originally opened in 1959. After hosting NASCAR Truck Series events from 2004 to 2008, the facility fell into a period of decline and dormancy. Tifft, who acquired the property in 2025, was inspired to save the venue after passing the dilapidated site on his way to the nearby Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
The “new” Mansfield Speedway will feature a diverse calendar designed to appeal to all motorsports fans, including:
- Renovated Infrastructure: A new 70-by-40-foot Jumbotron, updated grandstands, and a premium dirt track surface.
- Diverse Events: Late-model sprint cars, monster trucks, motocross, off-road ATV racing, and burnout events.
- Community Focus: Family-friendly pricing with free admission for kids 10 and under, plus non-racing events like concerts and a Fourth of July “Freedom 250 Festival.”
“We wanted to offer a venue that attracts the best drivers in the country while remaining a community asset,” said Tifft. The schedule also hints at a future motorsports museum to preserve the region’s rich history, which dates back to early 20th-century horse and motorcycle races.
Gates for the Comeback Classic will officially open at 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, following a “Test & Tune” event on April 12.