History of

SGMP

Overview

South Georgia Motorsports Park (SGMP) opened in April 2004 as a multi-purpose racing venue. The facility features a dragstrip and a 0.5-mile oval, and it quickly became a notable motorsports destination in the southeastern United States through a steady schedule of local and regional events.

Financial and Legal Challenges (2014)

In August 2014, SGMP faced major financial and legal scrutiny tied to unpaid taxes. The Georgia Department of Revenue reported the property owners owed at least $90,000 in state taxes, and authorities served a search warrant seeking the track’s financial records. Co-owner Kimberly Wood was charged with theft by taking (sales) and theft by taking (withholding) and later turned herself in. Despite the investigation, the track continued operating and hosting scheduled events. These issues ultimately contributed to the facility being sold.

New Ownership and Sanctioning Changes (2015–2016)

In early 2015, SGMP was purchased by Ozzy Moya, an Orlando-based entrepreneur with ownership interests in other drag racing facilities. That same year, the track signed a multi-year sanctioning agreement with the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), enabling it to host IHRA-sanctioned events.

During this period, SGMP added higher-profile programming, including the Lights Out radial tire racing series, which helped elevate the track’s national visibility. However, amid broader financial instability and organizational issues within IHRA (then owned by a private equity firm), SGMP transitioned back to NHRA sanctioning as a Division 2 track on September 20, 2016.



Tornado Damage and Recovery (2017)

On January 22, 2017, SGMP sustained significant damage when a tornado struck around 4:30 a.m. during a severe storm system across southern Georgia. The hospitality and media suites above the grandstands were destroyed, and fencing and other structures were damaged. Debris—including barrels, signage, insulation, and garbage—was scattered across the property. Cleanup began immediately with strong community support. The track moved forward with planned events, including the Lights Out 8 radial racing competition in February 2017.

Ownership Transition and Reopening (2023)

In 2023, SGMP was sold to Raul and Jennifer Torres. The facility reopened under new management in October 2023, with plans to broaden its event lineup. Proposed additions included weekly racing programs, monster truck shows, and a new mud bogging area.

The Torreses positioned the relaunch around revitalizing the venue through upgrades aimed at supporting grassroots racing while also building capacity to attract larger crowds and higher-profile events.

National-Level Growth with NHRA (2025–2026)

In April 2025, SGMP announced that the Jeg’s NHRA SPORTS nationals would move to the track as part of a multi-year extension with the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). The relocation followed the sale of National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio—previous host of the event—to a rival sanctioning body.

Later in 2025, on August 28, NHRA confirmed SGMP would join the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series schedule beginning in 2026. The track is set to host the NHRA Southern Nationals from May 1–3, 2026, reviving a historic event previously held at Atlanta Dragway in Commerce, Georgia (prior to its sale to a rival sanctioning body). The multi-year agreement brings premier professional categories—including Top Fuel and Funny Car—to SGMP.