Gainesville Raceway

About the Venue

View Larger

Gainesville Raceway opened in 1969 and held its first Gatornationals event in 1970. Long considered one of the fastest tracks on the NHRA circuit, it was from this legendary launch point that drivers clocked the first 260-, 270- and 300-mph Top Fuel runs. It also was from this starting line, during the 2000 Mac Tools NHRA Gatornationals, that eight of 10 national records were set in the professional classes.

Following the 2003 season, Gainesville Raceway underwent some significant renovations. The concrete launchpad at the starting line of the ultra-quick drag strip was extended to the 675-foot mark and the remainder of the racing surface, the shutdown area, as well as areas in the professional pits were repaved. A new television compound was constructed for the ESPN crew on the north side of the drag strip, which frees up space in the pit area. The timing tower had the restroom facilities upgraded, and new carpet and windows were installed in several of the corporate suites. The storm drainage system in the parking lots was upgraded and several of the access roads to the sportsman pit areas were improved.

Feedback

Add your feedback

Venue Pictures

City Guide

Gainesville, FL

Gainesville is the largest city in Alachua County and is the cultural, educational and commercial center for the North Central Florida Region. It is probably best known for being the home to the University of Florida, the state's largest and oldest university, and is the state's centers of education, medicine, cultural events and athletics.

Known for its preservation of historic buildings and the beauty of its natural surroundings, Gainesville's numerous parks, museums and lakes provide entertainment to thousands of visitors. Because of its beautiful landscape and urban "forest," Gainesville is one of the most attractive cities in Florida.

Getting to Gainesville

Driving to Gainesville

Gainesville Raceway is conveniently located a short drive away from many major cities in the southeast.  Below are some approximate driving distances from some regional cities:

Denver, CO, 1,735 miles
Jacksonville, FL, 71 miles
Macon, GA, 255 miles
Orlando, 115 miles
Pensacola, FL, 345 miles
Savannah, GA, 205 miles
Tallahassee, FL, 150 miles

Gainesville Area Airport

While most fans coming to the race via airplane will land in one of the several surrounding major airports like Orlando or Jacksonville (for cost, FanHub suggests to fly into one of the major airports and drive); however, the closest airport to Gainesville Raceway is:

Gainesville Regional Airport (www.flygainesville.com)

Delta Connection is serviced by Delta's hub in Atlanta, GA. US Airways Express is serviced by the US Airways Hub in Charlotte, NC. Continental Connection provides non-stop service to Miami, FL and Tampa, FL, which provides connections nationwide. 3880 N.E. 39th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32609; (352) 373-0249.

What to Do

Matheson Historical Center (www.mathesonmuseum.org)

Inside the Matheson Museum building, Gainesville's old American Legion Hall, permanent and temporary exhibitions tell the story of Alachua County. Permanent exhibits offer a brief look at area history from the Timucuan Indians to the Spanish occupation of the area to William Bartram's travels and more. Come learn about our past!  Located at 513 E. University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601; (352) 378-2280.

Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art (www.harn.ufl.edu)

The spacious galleries of the dramatic Harn Museum of Art house collections from the varied cultures of the Americas, Asia, Africa and Europe, as well as contemporary works. The 62,000-square-foot museum includes a gift shop with a unique selection of quality gifts.

Over the years, the Harn Museum of Art has mounted numerous exhibitions of photography, in keeping with the strong academic emphasis on photography at UF’s School of Art and Art History since the 1960s. With the appointment of Tom Southall as curator of photography in 2004, the Harn made a commitment not only to continue this program of significant exhibitions but also to develop a major collection of photography. Located at SW 34th Street and Hull Road, Gainesville, FL, 32611; (352) 392-9826.

Camp Blanding Museum and Memorial Park (www.campblanding-museum.org)

The World War II Museum and Memorial Park provides a nostalgic walk through the pages of Florida history for veterans, their families, children and grandchildren. The Museum houses a colorful collection of weapons (U.S. and foreign). a refurbished World War II barracks, houses a colorful collection of weapons, photo exhibits, mannequins in uniform, and other artifacts.

The Borne Monument is a historical highway marker, called a Borne in French. This original and memorable Borne came from Liberty Road in Normandy. Because this Borne came from St. Jean-de-Daye, the first town liberated by the 30th Infantry Division, it is of great significance to the museum. It is one of only four that have been presented to U.S. organizations. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Open Tue-Sun Noon-4pm, Closed Mondays. Located at 5629 SR #16 W, Starke, FL 32091; (904) 682-3196.

Florida Museum of Natural History (www.flmnh.ufl.edu)

The Florida Museum of Natural History, located at the University of Florida, is Florida's state museum of natural history, dedicated to understanding, preserving and interpreting biological diversity and cultural heritage. With more than 20 million specimens of amphibians, birds, butterflies, fish, mammals, mollusks, reptiles, vertebrate and invertebrate fossils, recent and fossil plants and associated databases and libraries, the Florida Museum is the largest natural history museum in the Southeast.

General admission is free, but donations are gladly accepted. There is a cover charge for special exhibits (Adult, $5.50-$8.50; Kids, ~$4). Open Mon-Sat 10-5pm; Sun 1-5pm. Located at the University of Florida Cultural Plaza, SW 34th Street and Hull Road, Gainesville, FL 32611; (352) 846-2000.

Santa Fe Community College Teaching Zoo (http://inst.santafe.cc.fl.us/~zoo/)

Santa Fe Community College students serve as tour guides through the forested trails of the only community college teaching zoo in the nation. Monkeys, wildcats and deer are among the 75 species and 225 different mammals, birds and reptiles found at the 14-acre zoo. Open Saturday and Sunday from 9-2pm or by appointment during the week (call at least three days in advance for tour appointments). Adults $4; Children (4 to 12) & seniors (60+) $3; Children 3 & under, Free. Located on campus at 3000 N.W. 83rd St., Gainesville, FL 32606; (352) 395-5604.

Shopping

The Oaks Mall (www.theoaksmall.com)

Enjoy terrific shopping at over 140 of your favorite stores including Abercrombie & Fitch, Ann Taylor, Bath & Body Works, The Children's Place, Hollister Co., Victoria's Secret, Yankee Candle Co. Linens-N-Things, Cache and JoS. A. Bank. And don't forget to grab a bite in the Food Court and then let the kids play in The Oaks Mall Swamp, a play area specially designed for children 42" and under.  Open Mon–Sat 10-9pm; Sun 11-6pm. Located at 6419 Newberry Road, Gainesville, FL 32605, (352) 331-4411.

Butler Plaza (www.butlerplaza.com)

The Butler Plaza Power Center is located in the heart of the explosive southwest area of Gainesville. The "Miracle Mile" spans Archer Road, bordered by I-75 to the west and 34th Street to the east. Butler Plaza is not only the largest power center in Florida but is also the largest in the Southeast. It is located one mile from the University of Florida at 2306 SW 13th St. Suite# 1206, Gainesville, FL 32608, (352) 372-3581.