Heart O' Texas Speedway — Local services in Waco

Heart O’ Texas Speedway: A Tale of Dirt, Dust, and Self-Tapping Screws

Friday night under the lights at Heart O’ Texas Speedway — where the dirt flies like angry bees and the roar of the engines drowns out any sermon from the back row. But if you’re sitting up there, on the top row of the grandstands, you’ve got more to worry about than just flying clay.

Back there, bolted up to the rear of the stands, is a graveyard of old tin signs. They’re warnings, shout-outs to local sponsors, half-peeled tributes to drivers long retired — “COLD BEER INSIDE,” “NO REFUNDS,” “IN LOVING MEMORY OF #42.” Each one slapped up with a handful of self-tapping screws that bite straight into the frame with all the finesse of a drunk uncle at a wedding toast.

Now, those signs? They don’t move. But the screws sure as hell do.

Thanks to years of Texas sun, vibration from modifieds roaring past, and maybe some good old-fashioned rust, those screws start working their way out — backing out slow, sneaky, like they’re hunting something. And what they’re hunting is your spine.

You lean back during hot laps, trying to relax, and — WHAM — that tiny bastard jabs you like a wasp with bad intentions. You jump, cuss, maybe spill your nachos. And the guy next to you just nods like, “Yup. First time up top, huh?”

Some regulars swear the screws are alive. Others say the track just hasn’t fixed it since 2009. But either way, if you’re sitting on the top row, you learn real quick: don’t lean back too far. Or at least wear a thick shirt and keep your tetanus shot current.

Still, there’s a strange honor in it — earning your stripes from a self-tapper to the ribs. It means you’re really part of the show now. And when the feature rolls off, and the dust rises golden in the lights, you forget about the sharp pain and settle back in — just… cautiously.

Because at Heart O’ Texas, the dirt is sacred, the beer is cold, and the self-tapping screws? They’re...

Tonight was our second trip to the speedway. My dad is medically not abilitory. The handicap parking was available and right up front. Prices are very reasonable and include both children and senior discounts. The facilities are very well maintained, professionally organised and operated. It feels very safe, lighthearted and great place for a whole evening of family entertainment! The consessions are fresh, and served with a smile! Thank you Hotspeedway, you had fireworks for my dad's birthday and tonight the unwinged sprints put a tear in both our eyes, as we reminicesed about the...

A must if you have kids! Took my boys for the first time and they loved it! A place where everyone still stands and takes off their hat for the National Anthem, prays before the races, and recognizes our military and first responders. A train rolled by halfway through with the American flag on it. Kids got to meet drivers and take pics with the cars. Bring safety glasses to keep the dirt kicked up out of your eyes, and I recommend ear protection. Also I’d wear shoes rather than sandals, it’s pretty dusty. Prices are right, cheaper than a movie and way more entertainment! All...