A Racetrack in Millersburg, Ohio?

By Jay Howe

Back in the 1960’s, there was this novel idea that someone had to create a race track, so that guys could race their cars without having to travel all over the state to race.

Up on a hilltop just a few miles from town, Hilltop Speedway was born.

Many a great driver cut his teeth at this track. Some had their first wins at the track, and a few of them are still racing. Kenny Jacobs, Danny Dean, Jim Gentry, Blaine Aber, John Mason and Jack “E” Norris all once raced there. Jack “E” Norris would tragically loose his life to racing cars at Wayne County Speedway in Orrville Ohio soon after Hilltop was opened. He left behind a young family.

Hilltop like any other track had it’s up’s and down’s. By the mid 70’s, racing at Hilltop went down hill for whatever reason. Some say the economy; some say the state of racing at that time was a factor. Regardless, it shut down. The roaring engines that once echoed throughout the hillsides, was silent. Racing was done at Hilltop Speedway.

Throughout the years, many a dreamer had dreams of reopening up the track. People would stop and look at what once was a racetrack, overgrown with briars, trees, and a mosquito-infested swamp. The property surrounding the track in the meantime had become a junkyard. But then one dreamer that came along who not only had a dream of owning a racetrack, but a desire to reopen a racetrack that his father once raced at. The gentleman’s name Jeff Norris. Jeff was a son of Jack “E” Norris.

In the fall of 2005, Jeff entered into an agreement with the owner of the junkyard to purchase the land that the track resides on. He immediately started to clear the briars, trees etc. from the track. Bulldozers were brought in and the track that once was a 1/4mile bullring was formed into a 3/8’s mile, high-banked track. The swamp was drained. By the time that you are reading this, a car crusher has been brought in; the junk cars and debris are being hauled away.

Spring is just around the corner. Jeff’s dream has spilled over into other people’s dreams. People are starting to take notice, and are becoming actively involved with the work being done at the track. Volunteering their time, their bodies, and their hearts. Stop by the track some weekend, and watch the progress. Maybe our dreams will become yours…

Short track racing at it’s best. Super Late Models, Modifieds, Pure stocks, and mini stocks will make up the weekly racing divisions. Special shows by the sprints, and other racing types will also be on tap. Who knows, a future star on the NASCAR circuit may cut his teeth at Hilltop. Let the dreams begin.

Yes, racing is returning to Millersburg Ohio at Hilltop Speedway in April of 2006. Get in on the ground floor with the rebirth of this racetrack. Advertising opportunities and volunteer positions are available by contacting Jay Howe @ 419.651.6836


Please visit the website at: www.hilltopspeedway.net