Ocean Speedway, Racetrack
Ocean Speedway is a racing track in Watsonville, California, located at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. The dirt oval stretches a quarter mile and hosts sprint cars, modified cars, dwarf cars, and stock cars in different racing classes.
The track opened in 1960 when former driver Bert Moreland and friends built it on the fairgrounds, with the first race held on May 27, 1960. Over the decades it evolved from figure-8 racing to stock cars to sprint cars and modified vehicles, becoming a launching point for drivers who later competed nationally.
Ocean Speedway takes its name from the Pacific coast region, though the track sits inland in Watsonville. On race days, families and fans gather here to share in the excitement, creating a strong local community bond around racing.
The track is easy to reach by car at 2601 East Lake Avenue in Watsonville, with parking available nearby. Check ahead before visiting since the racing schedule changes throughout the year and there may be periods without events.
Famous NASCAR drivers like Kyle Larson and racing legends like Bobby Allison have raced here, showing it attracts both rising talents and established racers. The track also hosts charity races with police officers competing to raise money for Special Olympics, connecting racing with community support.
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