Knoxville Raceway Records Strong Growth in 2025 as Iconic Sprint Car Venue Continues to Expand
Knoxville Raceway, widely recognized as the Sprint Car Capital of the World, wrapped up another highly successful season in 2025, building on years of momentum with record attendance growth, expanded premium offerings, and a deepening connection to its local community. During a recent Race Industry Week interview, Jason Reed, General Manager of Knoxville Raceway, shared insights into the track’s continued success, its unique operating model, and its vision for the future.
Despite early-season weather challenges typical of Iowa springtime racing, Knoxville Raceway lost only two events across more than 30 scheduled race nights. Weekly racing ran strong from mid-April through September, while the crown-jewel Knoxville Nationals once again delivered eight nights of sold-out racing action in August. Both the 360 and 410 Nationals posted increased attendance for the third consecutive year, reinforcing Knoxville’s status as one of the most important and resilient venues in American motorsports.
Reed’s connection to the racetrack is deeply personal. A lifelong Marion County resident, his family ties to the Knoxville Fairgrounds date back to the 1960s. After decades of volunteering, serving on the Fair Board for 15 years, and working professionally at 3M, Reed stepped into the General Manager role — a position he describes as “winning the lottery.” Knoxville Raceway remains one of the few major racetracks in the country operated not by a private owner, but by a 24-member Fair Board, with all revenue reinvested directly back into the facility.
That reinvestment strategy has fueled significant growth. Today, Knoxville Raceway features 76 sold-out VIP suites with a deep waiting list and continued demand. These climate-controlled suites line the front stretch and Turn 2 near the Sprint Car Hall of Fame, offering premium hospitality that rivals much larger professional venues. The premium experience now plays a major role in long-term financial sustainability while still maintaining accessibility for core grandstand fans.
The Knoxville Nationals have evolved into a true multi-day festival. During race week, the fairgrounds host more than 100 vendors, extensive camping with over 1,000 reserved camping sites, post-race concerts, family activities, and a full daytime event atmosphere. With over 30,000 visitors filling a town of just 7,500 people, Knoxville becomes a national motorsports destination every August.
Coordinating that massive influx requires unprecedented collaboration between the Raceway, the City of Knoxville, Marion County officials, law enforcement, and the local Chamber of Commerce. The community plays an essential role in hosting fans, with thousands staying in private homes, yards, and surrounding campgrounds. Reed emphasized the extraordinary civic support that makes the Nationals possible year after year.
That collaboration also translates into significant economic benefits. A recent economic impact study revealed that Knoxville Raceway generates $74.2 million annually for the local economy through tourism, lodging, dining, fuel, and retail activity. Many local businesses rely on Nationals week as a critical source of revenue that helps sustain operations throughout the year.
Behind the scenes, the Raceway operates with just four full-time employees, relying instead on an army of nearly 300 part-time officials, volunteers, safety crews, and security staff during peak events. Many of these individuals have served for decades — some for more than 40 years — underscoring the deep loyalty and generational commitment that defines Knoxville Raceway. Reed highlighted families who have passed down key race-day roles for generations, including flaggers, pace truck drivers, and race officials.
Looking ahead, space limitations and infrastructure costs remain among the venue’s most pressing challenges. Reed is actively pursuing additional land acquisition to expand parking and camping. Recent improvements include 20,000 square feet of newly poured concrete for fan gathering areas and post-race concerts, along with continued upgrades aimed at elevating both the premium suite experience and the general admission fan experience.
Youth outreach is another growing focus. Knoxville Raceway offers free admission for children 12 and under, discounted youth tickets, and is developing expanded school partnerships to introduce students to racing, agriculture programs, and fairground activities. Plans are underway for dedicated school nights and expanded youth involvement to build the next generation of race fans and industry professionals.
Above all, Reed emphasized that Knoxville Raceway’s success is rooted in authentic community ownership, generational volunteerism, world-class racing competition, and an unwavering commitment to reinvestment. With sold-out events, rising demand for premium hospitality, and unmatched fan loyalty, Knoxville continues to define what a grassroots motorsports facility can achieve on a global stage.
“People dream their whole lives about coming to Knoxville,” Reed said. “And once they experience it in person, they understand why.”
For more information on upcoming events and ticketing, fans are encouraged to visit www.knoxvilleraceway.com or contact the Knoxville Raceway ticket office directly.
