It’s about getting down and it’s definitely about getting dirty.
And, at Dirt Devils Speedway, the 1/5-mile clay oval track at 23846 State Road 52, in Land O’ Lakes, it’s all about speed, as well.
The track that opened in 1996 hosts go-kart practices, and races for kids and adults most Saturdays, weather permitting. The races even come with monetary prizes for the top three finishers in the varying heats and classes.
“I grew up around the race track and driving cars,” 17-year-old Lutz resident and driver Mariah Tirato said. “My grandfather and my dad, and all my uncles all drove go-karts and they just bought go-karts for us growing up. It’s a hobby I can do with my whole family. We’ll all be at the track, so I might as well drive.
“Plus, I love going fast.”
Indeed, most races and events at Dirt Devils is a family affair. Not only do the new managers, John and Brittany Townsend, have children who race go-karts, but the whole track and facility came about because of family racing.
The owner, Sammy Rodriguez, leased the track to the Townsends in January. After retiring from sprint car racing in 1992, he built the track as a way to stay around the sport and watch his then 12-year-old grandson, Aric Almirola, race. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because Almirola is now a three-time winning driver on the NASCAR Cup Series.
Rodriguez also built Dirt Devils because he was tired of going to tracks that were subpar. This happens to be the same reason the Townsends leased it from Rodriguez.
“I was tired of going to race tracks that weren’t worth a dang,” John said. “So it was the same thing with me and Sammy. I figured why not just get a track that I know will be good, that I can make the best.”
Parents are noticing, as many of the families and drivers come long distances to Dirt Devils.
“Honestly, I like it a lot,” said Caleb Harrod, who brought his son, Connor, all the way from Bushnell to race at Dirt Devils. “It’s a beautiful track and great facility, so I have no complaints, at all. (Connor) said he had a lot of fun on his go-kart and that’s all I care about.”
Since taking over, the Townsends have poured their hearts, and their sweat, into Saturday races and events. John will man the pit area and race track — with help from his race director, Dylon Ansel —and Brittany works the ticket booth and concession stand.
They may look stressed running around talking to parents, helping out on the practices by pushing cars that spin out, and holding the mandatory driver’s meeting before the races, but the Townsends truly love their newly leased facility and the racing scene.
And, getting a little dirty in the process.
“I’ve been in the dirt business since I was in diapers,” John said. “But it’s a little different when you’re talking about material for a race track. We’re young and we took a gamble and there’s been a bit of a learning curve — but those who have been coming for a while are noticing that we will work hard to make this the best track around.”
Dirt Devils Speedway
Where: 23846 State Road 52, Land O’ Lakes
When: There are races Saturday afternoons, with the gates opening at 1 p.m., practices beginning at 4:30 p.m., and races later on in the evening.
Cost: $10 for adults and children; Children under 4 are free. $35 entry fee per kart per class. Rental of track is available, starting at $300 for four hours.
Details: Local racing track features go-karts driven by children and adults, and has been hosting races since 1996.
Info: Call 352-354-2562, or visit DirtDevilSpeed.com.
Published May 11, 2022
