June 12, 2025 – Mansfield, Ohio — In a move that blends personal passion with community vision, former NASCAR driver Matt Tifft and his wife have officially purchased Mansfield Speedway, with ambitious plans to fully reopen the track by spring 2026. The project marks a major step toward reviving one of Ohio’s most historic short tracks — and reconnecting the city of Mansfield with its deep racing heritage.
Tifft, a native of nearby Hinckley, Ohio, made the announcement this week alongside his wife, noting that the couple aims to breathe new life into the dormant facility through significant renovations, modern amenities, and a renewed focus on community engagement.
“This isn’t just about racing — it’s about restoring a place that means so much to the region,” Tifft said. “We want Mansfield Speedway to be a hub for families, fans, and future racers.”
The speedway, once a staple on the regional racing circuit and a host to various ARCA and Truck Series events, has sat largely inactive in recent years. With crumbling infrastructure and outdated amenities, the facility has needed serious investment — something the Tiffts are now ready to provide.
What’s Planned for the Speedway?
According to early reports, the revitalization effort will include:
A complete repaving of the track surface Modernized grandstands and spectator areas Updated safety infrastructure Event-ready lighting for night races A multi-use infield area for concerts, car shows, and community events
The couple also hinted at hosting local racing leagues, touring series, and motorsports festivals, as well as making the speedway a venue for non-racing events like farmers markets, charity fundraisers, and seasonal fairs.
A Full-Circle Moment for Tifft
For Matt Tifft, this project is deeply personal. After a promising racing career that included stints in the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series, Tifft was forced to step away from driving due to health concerns. Now, he’s turning that passion for racing into something sustainable — not just for himself, but for the entire Mansfield community.
“This place helped shape my love for racing,” Tifft said. “Now I get to help shape its future.”
Community Impact
Local officials and racing fans have expressed early support, with many hopeful that the speedway’s reopening could spark economic growth and renewed tourism in the region. The project is expected to create both temporary construction jobs and long-term roles in operations, concessions, and event management.
Mansfield Speedway’s full reopening is slated for spring 2026, but Tifft hinted that select preview events and community open houses could begin as early as fall 2025.
As the sounds of engines prepare to return to Mansfield, one thing is clear: a beloved racing landmark is getting a second chance — led by someone who knows exactly what it means to keep the heart of local racing alive.
