BUDDS CREEK, Md. — Potomac Speedway will move its traditional weekly racing program from Friday to Saturday nights beginning with the 2026 season, track officials announced this week.
The change ends decades of Friday-night competition at the 3/8-mile clay oval in southern St. Mary’s County, a schedule that had been a hallmark of the speedway since its early years under multiple ownership groups.
Track management cited worsening traffic congestion throughout the Washington metropolitan area as the primary reason for the switch. Friday evening commutes from Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia have grown increasingly unpredictable, particularly for teams and spectators traveling along Routes 301 and 234 and across the Nice-Middleton Bridge.
“Friday travel has become more difficult for many of our racers, teams, and fans in recent years,” the speedway said in a statement released Wednesday. “After listening to feedback and conducting a thorough review of our weekly operations and event timing, we concluded that transitioning to Saturday night racing would better accommodate everyone who wants to join us.”
Officials said the move is intended to reduce travel stress, boost participation from drivers who work traditional weekday schedules, and create a more relaxed atmosphere for families and spectators.
Potomac Speedway, located off Budds Creek Road near Chaptico, has operated continuously since 1973 and is one of the longest-running dirt tracks in Southern Maryland. The facility hosts weekly divisions that typically include Late Models, Crate Late Models, Street Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Strictly Stocks and U-Cars, along with occasional appearances by the Mid-Atlantic Modifieds and other touring series.
While special events such as the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series visit in 2024 and the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event scheduled for May 2025 will remain on their original dates, the regular weekly points shows will now fall on Saturdays.
Gates and practice times are expected to adjust accordingly, though exact start times have not been finalized. The speedway traditionally opens gates around 4:30 p.m. and begins racing at 7 p.m. during the core April-through-September season.
Management emphasized that the decision followed extensive consultation with competitors and regular attendees.
“We appreciate your support and understanding as we work to make each season the best it can be at Potomac Speedway,” the statement read. “This change aims to reduce travel stress, open the door for greater participation, and create a more enjoyable race-night atmosphere.”
The complete 2026 schedule is still being finalized and will be released in the coming weeks. Track officials said the lineup will include a full slate of Saturday-night weekly programs plus several high-profile special events and fan-favorite promotions carried over from previous years.
Potomac Speedway becomes the latest Southern Maryland motorsports venue to adjust its weekly night in recent seasons. Maryland International Raceway in Mechanicsville moved its popular Wednesday-night Test & Tune and Friday-night bracket programs to different configurations several years ago in response to similar traffic concerns.
