09/07/2026
50 Years of Liberty Raceway
Fifty years is a long time.
Liberty Raceway began much like many racetracks did back in the day. Friends and family would get their Western Auto or Sears and Roebuck go-karts and bring them out to race around a small watering hole in a field, simply for the fun of it. As word spread, more and more people came each and every week.
In my imagination, there eventually came a point when it became more than one person could handle. It took help from family to keep everything under control and, most importantly, to make it a safer place for everyone. So, up went the fence to keep the onlookers safe. With the time, work, and expense that went into preparing the track, admission eventually became necessary. Fifty years ago, admission was $5.00, and later it went up to $10.00.
Mr. Cleo Westmoreland was the first owner of Liberty Kartway, and I remember how much he enjoyed preparing the track. He would get out there and water it until the mud was flying, then take that blue dump truck around the track, sometimes driving sideways, getting everything ready for race day. I remember those days well.
Back then, Tommy had to be the first one there and the last one to leave. That meant we spent many Saturday nights sitting around the fire barrel, laughing, talking, and going over everything that happened during the night.
I also remember the first night the track had a record crowd of 300 entries. In those days, there were no computers or electronic scoring systems. Everything had to be scored by hand, and Cleo’s daughter, Joyce, was a pro at it.
Ole Cleo passed away during a North Carolina State Race in 1990. I remember that night so vividly because I was pregnant with my son. I can still remember seeing Cleo lying there, face down, in the middle of Turns 1 and 2. The ambulance came, and the race continued on, just as Cleo would have wanted.
The Next Era
The next era of Liberty Raceway began with a new owner, Jim Smith.
Jim had big dreams of making Liberty Raceway “The Daytona of Dirt,” and he came very close to doing just that.
With Jim came electronic scoring, which was one of the most marvelous additions to karting at the time. There was no question about who crossed the finish line first.
During Jim’s time, the pond was expanded, and so was the track. The front stretch even had an arch in the middle, much like Daytona Speedway. As time passed, however, the arch eventually came down.
Jim’s health began to decline, and the responsibilities of running the track became more than he could handle. Eventually, he made the difficult decision to sell Liberty Raceway.
Our Chapter
The beginning of the 3rd era.
I remember it like it was yesterday. Tommy came to me and asked if we wanted to buy Liberty Raceway. Without hesitation, I said yes. An uneducated commitment on my part but we have always worked everything out and we were determined to tackle this as well.
This was a place where Tommy and I had made so many wonderful memories. It was where we spent every other weekend of our lives. It was not just a racetrack, it was us. We wanted to keep the fun going and give other families the opportunity to make their own memories here.
So, 14 years ago, we committed ourselves to buying Liberty Raceway.
Now, Tommy and I are getting older, and our health and energy are not what they once were. We don’t want to give this place up, but each and every year, it becomes harder and harder.
We hope that over these last 14 years, we have helped create some good memories for you. Maybe, in some small way, we have also made a positive impact on the sport we love.
Believe me when I say that you all have taught us much more than you could ever imagine.
As long as our health allows, we will continue to race. I hope and pray that you will continue to come out, laugh with us, make memories, and enjoy this facility that has meant so much to all of us.
From the Bottom of Our Hearts
I don’t know if everyone realizes just how much work it takes to run a racetrack, or the determination and dedication that goes into keeping one alive.
One person cannot build a village. It takes family. It takes friends. It takes employees, drivers, fans, and an entire community willing to support one another.
Through 50 years of racing, we have developed so many wonderful friendships, and for that, we thank God for each and every one of you.
Although it can take one bad apple to spoil a whole basket, even that one apple is still appreciated.
We especially want to thank those of you who have stuck with us—not only as employees or race drivers, but as friends.
You have been a part of our lives, our memories, and our story.
We love you all, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for 50 incredible years of Liberty Raceway.
THIS SATURDAY WE WILL BE HOLDING OUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY RACE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE EDDIE MISHUE MEMORIAL SO, COME OUT AND LET'S HAVE A GOOD TIME!
