Midgets to Monster Trucks, Big Rigs to Classics, all flying around a dirt track. Dust in the air, the scent of exhaust, greasy burgers, cold drinks on a hot afternoon that fades into a cool Washington summer night – these are the things good old-fashioned summer memories are made of. Full nights of fun for friends, families and everyone in between await at the Grays Harbor Raceway.
When planning a trip to the raceway this summer, there are a few dates that are worth noting. Steve Beitler, promoter for the raceway, shares them with us. “On August 19, we’re going to have a Big Rigs race and on September 4, we’ll have World of Outlaws. We also have Monster Trucks coming to the Raceway on September 16 and 17,” says Beitler.
Racing fans will especially want to remember the dates that are scheduled to have fireworks shows. “On Memorial Day we’ll have a big fireworks show and mid-season there will be another fireworks show during the mid-season championship,” Beitler says. “Then there will be another big fireworks show for the championship race on September 30.”
There will also be old favorites on the schedule, along with some national races. “Races will include sprint cars, modifieds, street stocks and midgets,” Beitler says. “There will be a classic race on June 30 and July 1, which is a national. And July 29 brings the Modified nationals.”
Grays Harbor is a fantastic destination for camping and racing enthusiasts alike. If you would like to check out a race and camp while you’re at it, the Grays Harbor Fairgrounds are nearest to the raceway. Be sure to visit the fairgrounds website for camping rules and reservations, specific pricing and details for big racing dates. There are several other campgrounds throughout Grays Harbor, including Lake Sylvia State Park in Montesano, Elma RV Park and Friend’s Landing. GraysHarborTalk offers more ideas for remote sites or parks full of amenities.
For out-of-town travelers who prefer to sleep indoors, there are great options as well. Both the Lucky Eagle Casino, and the Little Creek Casino are 15 to 20 minutes away and are great options. Other hotels are the Stay Beyond Inn and Suites in the heart of Elma and the newly refurbished Guesthouse Inn and Suites by Red Lion in Montesano. Both are pet friendly.
Part of Elma’s charm are the great small town eateries, such as the Rusty Tractor and El Ranchon. Clark’s Restaurant in Artic is just a 23-minute drive from Elma and has one of the region’s best burgers and homemade ice cream that is worth the drive. The Eagle’s Nest and Smitty’s In & Out are perfect spots for a local burger drive-thru. Montesano and Aberdeen are within a 30-minute drive with a wide variety of dining and entertainment options.
And there are always standard sweet and salty treats, food and drinks at the raceway, too. “People always look forward to the taco bar,” Beitler says.
After an especially rainy winter and some delays, opening night is now May 6 with races planned throughout the season, ending September 30. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and races start at 7:00 p.m. Races typically end around 9:30 or 10:00 p.m., so be sure to bring along jackets or blankets for after the sun goes down.
With the exception of special event dates, regular adult tickets are $13 with kids over seven, military and seniors an affordable $9. Kids six and under are free. A pit pass for $30-$40, depending on the event, will get you an up close and personal experience. The raceway does have a great deal for a Family Pass at $34. Two adults and up to four kids can enjoy a night at the races. If you’re interested in making a whole summer out of it, season passes are available for access to all races, May through September. Full pricing details can be found online, and ticket prices do vary for special events.
Here in the Harbor, we are very proud of our little racetrack. “The raceway brings the community something to be proud of! Grays Harbor Raceway is a first-class facility, nicer than 90% of the racetracks across the country. The raceway also provides a safe, clean and affordable night out for families to spend quality time together. It has many families that have racecars and seeing them work together is awesome. The raceway also employs many local high school age workers that gain valuable experience in the working world that they will use the rest of their lives,” says Steve Beitler.
Come join us this summer. Full details can be found at Grays Harbor Raceway online.
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