Alaska Raceway Park Celebrates 10 Years of NASCAR Oval Racing
Contributed by Michelle Lackey
Alaska Raceway Park is celebrating a major milestone in 2026: ten years of NASCAR-sanctioned oval racing in Alaska.
Located just outside Palmer along the Glenn Highway and set against the backdrop of Pioneer Peak, Alaska Raceway Park is the state’s only NASCAR-sanctioned track and has become a premier destination for short-track racing in the region.
The one-third-mile asphalt oval opened in 2016, restoring weekly stock car racing to Alaska after the closure of North Star Speedway in 2012. What began as a bold effort to preserve the sport has grown into a thriving racing program that continues to draw competitors and fans from across the state.
A Legacy Built on Commitment: Alaska Raceway Park’s roots date back to 1964, when the facility first opened as a quarter-mile dragstrip. Over the decades, it became a cornerstone of Alaska motorsports, with a brief run of dirt oval racing in the early 1980s before returning to its primary role as a drag racing venue.
In 1998, Earl and Karen Lackey took ownership of the track during a time of uncertainty. They purchased land from the State of Alaska and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and worked to rebuild and stabilize the facility.
Their most defining decision came years later.
When Alaska’s NASCAR racing scene was left without a home in 2012, the Lackeys chose to act. In their mid-70s, they mortgaged their home to finance the construction of a new oval track.
In 2016, that vision became reality.
“At the time, it wasn’t about expansion, it was about making sure racing in Alaska had a future,” said Michelle Lackey, owner of Alaska Raceway Park. “Ten years later, we’re proud to see what that decision made possible.”
Racing at the Edge of America: Operating a motorsports facility in Alaska presents unique challenges. Alaska Raceway Park sits roughly 1,900 miles from its nearest NASCAR-sanctioned neighbor, making logistics a constant consideration for teams and organizers.
Race cars, parts, and equipment are often shipped long distances, and even essential items like tires must be ordered months in advance and delivered by container. Despite these challenges, the track has built a strong and dedicated racing community.
Each summer, drivers compete across multiple divisions, including Late Models, Thunder Stocks, Bomber Stocks, Bandoleros, and Legend Cars. Local standouts have advanced through the ranks, with some competitors going on to pursue racing opportunities outside Alaska.
While geographically isolated, the competition at Alaska Raceway Park reflects the same intensity and passion found at short tracks across the country.
A Unique Experience: Towering above the facility, Pioneer Peak provides one of the most distinctive backdrops in American short-track racing, earning the track its nickname, “A View with a Racetrack.”
But beyond the scenery, Alaska Raceway Park is defined by its people.
From longtime racers and families who have been part of the track for generations to new drivers entering the sport, the facility continues to serve as a hub for Alaska’s motorsports community.
Weekly race nights bring together fans from across the Mat-Su Valley and beyond, creating an atmosphere that blends competition, community, and tradition.
Looking Ahead: As Alaska Raceway Park celebrates its 10-year anniversary of NASCAR oval racing, its focus remains on continued growth and opportunity.
“This milestone is important, but it’s also just the beginning of what’s next,” Lackey said. “We’re continuing to grow the sport, create opportunities for racers, and build something that will last for the next generation.”
With a decade of oval racing now established, Alaska Raceway Park continues to build on its foundation, ensuring that motorsports remain a lasting part of Alaska’s culture for years to come.
For more info about events, schedules, and programs, visit raceak.com.