May 6 marks the beginning of this year’s season of dirt racing at the Grays Harbor Raceway. Plan for a full night of fun, excitement, tasty food and even some fireworks shows on special nights. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and races start at 7:00 p.m. throughout the season, typically ending around 9:30 or 10:00 p.m. Be sure to bring along jackets or blankets since nights can get chilly at the track.
Steve Beitler is the Raceway’s promoter, and shares the season’s noteworthy dates. Racing fans will be thrilled to know there are new events in store for the season as well as old favorites.
Three races will include 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.”
National races are on the schedule as well. “There will be a classic race on June 30 and July 1, which is a national. And July 29 brings the Modified nationals.”
“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.
For those coming from the Olympia area and wanting to make a weekend trip out of the races, there are plenty of ideas for lodging. Both the Lucky Eagle Casino, and the Little Creek Casino are 15 to 20 minutes away from the Raceway, and are great options for a mini getaway. For pet friendly stays, the Stay Beyond Inn and Suites is an option in the heart of Elma and includes an outdoor run for Fido. In Montesano, the newly refurbished Guesthouse Inn and Suites by Red Lion also has pet friendly rooms, free breakfast and wi-fi all for a tempting low nightly rate.
Grays Harbor is a fantastic destination for racing enthusiasts who also love to camp. The nearest option is at the Grays Harbor Fairgrounds. Be sure to visit the Fairgrounds website for camping rules and reservations as well as specific pricing and details for big racing dates. Camping is also available in the many campgrounds throughout Grays Harbor including Montesano’s Lake Sylvia State Park, Elma RV Park and Friend’s Landing. GraysHarborTalk offers more ideas for remote sites or parks full of amenities.
For restaurants, Elma has many options, such as the Rusty Tractor or El Ranchon for sit-down dining. The Eagle’s Nest and Smitty’s In & Out are perfect spots for a local burger drive-thru. Clark’s Restaurant in Artic is just a 23-minute drive from Elma and has great food (voted best burger in the region) and wonderful homemade ice cream. For more restaurant options, Montesano and Aberdeen are within a 30-minute drive with a wide variety of dining and entertainment options.
Inside the Raceway gates, a variety of food and drinks are also available. “People always look forward to the taco bar,” Beitler says and standard sweet and salty treats are available.
For special event nights, ticket prices vary. But regular adult tickets run $13 with kids over seven, military and seniors an affordable $9. Kids six and under are free. Add a pit pass for $30 – $40, depending on the event, for an up close and personal race day experience. The Raceway does offer a Family Pass as well. For just $34, two adults and up to 4 kids can enjoy a night at the races. And, for the ultimate race fan, season passes are available for access to all races, May through September. Full pricing details can be found online for special events.
Recently, local racing legend Al Lytle was inducted to the Hall of Fame. Read Al’s story here as he transitioned from driver to owner and is still an active part of Grays Harbor Raceway’s tradition. The Elma Auto Racing Hall of Fame documents Grays Harbor’s rich history in auto racing. “The Raceway brings the community something to be proud of!” Beitler comments.
Bring the whole family or gather some friends and head to Elma to experience all the Raceway has to offer. For a full schedule, tickets and more information, visit Grays Harbor Raceway online.
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