Ryan Blaney has partnered with his father, Dave Blaney, to take ownership of the historic Sharon Speedway in Hartford, Ohio, continuing a deep family connection to racing. The move reflects Ryan’s passion for preserving the tradition-rich venue, well known in the dirt track and sprint car racing communities.
Blaney, though primarily recognized for his NASCAR career, holds a special bond with Sharon Speedway, a 3/8-mile clay oval near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border. This track is among the oldest in America, having opened in 1929, and has hosted premier series such as the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars and the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series over the past two decades.
The Blaney Family’s Longstanding Relationship with Sharon Speedway
For Ryan Blaney, Sharon Speedway is more than just a racetrack; it is woven into his family’s history and personal upbringing. His grandfather Lou, father Dave, and uncle all grew up close to the facility, which was a frequent destination for the younger Blaney from an early age.
“I grew up around that place, my dad and uncle, and grandparents grew up five miles down the road from Sharon. It just means a lot.”
—Ryan Blaney, Race Car Driver
Ryan’s involvement with the track began long before ownership, as he worked various roles at the speedway, gaining firsthand experience with its operations and fans.
“I remember I used to sell programs and would answer phones for ticket sales, even though I didn’t know what I was doing,”
he recalled with a laugh.
I’d just hand the phone off to my mom like, ‘Someone wants to buy tickets.’ I always wanted to answer the phone, and just trying to keep short track racing healthy.”
—Ryan Blaney, Race Car Driver
Motivation Behind Ownership and Vision for the Future
Ryan’s father Dave had been a part-owner of the track since around 2002, holding a one-third stake alongside two longtime associates from the local racing community. As those partners looked to step back from ownership, Dave and Ryan seized the opportunity to continue the family’s stewardship.
“Yeah, we’re really excited that we finally got it done and put it out there,”
Ryan told Racing America, explaining the transition.
“Dad’s owned that place since I think ‘O2, been part-owner in it, and he was a one-third owner with two guys that he kind of grew up with in that area that knew my family really well, they knew my grandfather.”
“It was just an opportunity that I couldn’t let pass up. It’s really neat to be partners with Dad and another great guy who’s in it too, Will Thomas, who Dad grew up with in the area.”
—Ryan Blaney, Race Car Driver
With the new ownership role, Ryan is eager to explore ways to enhance the fan experience and improve the quality of racing events, particularly focusing on both local competitors and larger national shows.
He envisions initiatives that could include raising purse amounts for racers and expanding entertainment options for attendees to create a more vibrant atmosphere around the racetrack.
A Personal and Emotional Investment in Sharon Speedway’s Legacy
Ryan reflected on the personal significance of the track, confirming his affinity for Sharon Speedway runs deeper than a business venture.
“So it’s fun, it’s cool. I would never own any other speedway than (Sharon) just because Sharon has a close place in my heart and it’s going to be a fun adventure with my dad,”
he summed up.
Ryan’s own racing success at Sharon includes a memorable 40th career victory there, which was also his final win in a dirt sprint car, underscoring the enduring connection between his career and the track.
The Blaney family’s continuation of ownership marks a significant moment for the local racing community, promising a blend of tradition and forward-looking improvements that are likely to sustain Sharon Speedway’s reputation as a centerpiece of the sport for years to come.
