Sumter Speedway, a local dirt track, hosts races almost every Saturday night from March through October. However, it’s one of the few raceways in South Carolina that remains open.

Tracks such as Myrtle Beach Speedway, Summerville Speedway and Greenville-Pickens Speedway have shut down or been sold to make way for townhomes, subdivisions or industrial parks.

But Sumter Speedway is staying alive.

“It’s not a money-making business,” said Sissy McCallister, track promoter at Sumter Speedway. “It’s kind of a staying-open business. But our drivers and fans are what keep us here.”

Track operators say they’re able to keep running by setting curfews for events, fighting legal challenges from developers, and carefully managing fuels and lubricants to prevent soil and water contamination. Those efforts help the speedway comply with zoning laws, environmental regulations, and nuisance ordinances.

For drivers, racing at Sumter is a way to make a little money while doing something they love.

“Incredibly blessed to have Sumter Speedway giving us a place to run every week,” said Daniel Creamer, a driver at the track. “Just being able to come out here and put on a show for the fans.”

Although the racing season has wrapped up for the year, the speedway plans to reopen next spring for another season of dirt-track action.

For drivers like Creamer and fans in the stands, the red clay oval isn’t just a pastime — it’s home. And for now, the lights are still on every Saturday night.