Nathan Chavez, Reporter
MILAN, N.M. – On August 26, President of Uranium Capitol Speedway, Don Taylor, was able to speak at length about the race track and its rebranding to Legacy Speedway. The race track is a non-profit organization that is member owned and operated. Don Taylor is the currently elected president by the membership. His family helped build the track in 1969 and he has spent his entire life around it.
Several local families have multiple generations of racers who have been part of the track's history up to today. In 1968 the track was moved from Eastern Grants by where Sakalares meets Route 66 to its current location closer to the mine. It was built completely by volunteers at the time and to this day it is still a volunteer organization. The first race at the new Uranium Capitol Speedway was in 1969.
Due to the bylaws, it was built with in the 60’s, the track was made to be dissolved and couldn’t adapt as time went on. This year is the first time that a rebranding will occur.
The Uranium Capitol Speedway holds a unique place in comparison to the other 5 tracks in N.M. In 2021, Dirt.com rated the track as number 2 in the State only below Vado Speedway. All of the other tracks in the state are privately owned and operated. Don stated, “For us here being a volunteer work base and member owned and operated; for us to rank right up there amongst the top with Vado was unbelievable.” Vado Speedway is a multi-million-dollar track.
All maintenance and upgrades come from all the people who come to see and be a part of the races. The track pays 75 percent out of what it makes every year back into itself. There is very little money left over for upgrades afterward. Community support through sponsors really helps the speedway continue to grow. At the beginning of his presidency, Don Taylor decided that the race track needed to give the community support in return. In 2020 they delivered 15 Meals on Wheels for Thanksgiving and 20 for Christmas and in 2021 they were able to double that. Their primary goal remains being able to provide affordable entertainment for the community.
Support
The best way for the community to help support Legacy Speedway is to come spend some time at the track to watch the races. According to their website, prices for adults are $8. Students (7-17) $5. Seniors and Vets $4. Children 6 and under are free.