Golden Mountain Speedway Cancels Remaining 2026 Races

The engines have gone quiet at Golden Mountain Speedway for the remainder of 2026.

In a message posted Friday, speedway owners announced the cancellation of all remaining races for the season, citing mounting operational challenges, rising costs and the demands of balancing the facility with full-time jobs, family responsibilities and other business ventures.

The announcement came from the Waters family, who said the decision followed months of difficult conversations and was not made lightly.

According to the statement, the family has faced increasing employee shortages, equipment issues and scheduling challenges throughout the season. Those obstacles, combined with the growing cost of hosting race events, ultimately led them to conclude they could no longer devote the time, attention and resources necessary to continue operating at the level they believe racers and fans deserve.

Race track officials noted that expenses associated with each event—including insurance, staffing, equipment maintenance, track preparation, utilities and driver payouts—have continued to climb. At the same time, race-night revenue has not consistently covered the financial investment required to host events.

The closure brings an abrupt end to a season that many local racers and fans hoped would continue through the summer. For years, Golden Mountain Speedway has served as a gathering place for racing enthusiasts across the Upper Cumberland, drawing drivers, crews and spectators from multiple communities.

In their statement, the Waters family described the speedway as more than a racetrack, calling it a place where friendships are formed, families spend time together and memories are created. They expressed gratitude to the drivers, crew members, sponsors, employees and fans who have supported the facility.

The family also asked for understanding from the racing community, noting that many of the challenges involved in operating a speedway occur behind the scenes and often go unseen by those attending events. While disappointed to end the season early, they said stepping away now was the best decision for both their family and the long-term future of the facility.

While the speedway has closed, the Waters stated that the off-road park will remain open at this time.