5/6/2026
US 30 Speedway
Columbus racetrack under new ownership
After months of uncertainty, new ownership has stepped in to keep US 30 Speedway in Columbus operating, preserving a longtime racing tradition that nearly came to an end.
Dale Johnson, a Columbus-area resident and longtime dirt track racing fan, has purchased the speedway. Johnson said he felt compelled to act when it became clear the track might close.
“I just didn’t want to see it close,” Johnson said.
The previous owner, Bobby Lincoln, recently shared publicly that health struggles forced the difficult decision to sell. In a Facebook post, Lincoln wrote that the past six months “have been the hardest of my life.”
“On top of not being able to work,” he wrote, “I had to sell Dad’s dream.”
Lincoln said he is turning over everything to the new owners and thanked the community for its support.
“I ask everyone to please continue to support the track and help keep Dad’s dream alive,” he wrote.
Johnson said the opportunity to purchase the speedway developed after discussions with others in the racing community. Ultimately, he moved forward with the purchase himself.
He said racetracks play an important role in small communities, drawing fans and drivers from surrounding towns and giving families an affordable entertainment option.
“With everything getting so expensive anymore, it’s a cheap way to go out and spend the evening with your family, or even by yourself or your buddies,” he said.
Johnson has been involved in the sand and gravel business with his father for more than 40 years and also operates a truck shop and excavating business south of Columbus. Johnson said he regularly attended races in Columbus and at other area tracks before purchasing the speedway.
Joining him in the new venture is his fiancée, Tami Holley, who has more than 30 years of experience in accounting and finance. Johnson said she would help manage the financial side of the operation, including bookkeeping and concessions.
Johnson said no major changes are planned for the racetrack in the first season, and he intends to work alongside the Lincoln family during the transition.
“I want to be respectful,” Johnson said. “I think it probably tears their heart out a little bit, too, something their father (started) back in the ’80s. A lot of family history there. ”
While he hopes to explore special events in the future, Johnson said he is focused on carrying on the speedway’s tradition and ensuring racing remains a Thursday night staple in Columbus.
Article Credit: BEN DROZD
Submitted By: Tami Marker-Johnson
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