River Cities Speedway

River Cities Speedway, located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, has a rich history deeply intertwined with the sport of racing. The competitive spirit that drives individuals to determine the fastest challenger has been a part of human history for thousands of years, whether it be on foot, water, snow, horseback, bicycles or with motorized vehicles.

The roots of River Cities Speedway can be traced back to the late fall of 1870 when a flatboat race down the Red River played a pivotal role in the founding of Grand Forks. The team of Alexander Griggs came up short to the Winship crew in this historic race, leading Griggs to spend the winter at Grand Forks and subsequently found the city. In 1882, Grand Forks’ first formal racing organization was established with the creation of the Grand Forks Racing Association. Their race track was located at Eshleman Park west of town on the present site of UND’s Memorial Stadium.

The races organized by this association quickly became a popular diversion for local townspeople during the summer months. However, concerns were raised about allowing racing in close proximity to the university campus due to fears that students would be negatively influenced by gambling which often accompanied horse races.

Despite these reservations from UND President Webster Merrifield, racing continued to thrive in Grand Forks and eventually evolved into what is now known as River Cities Speedway. Today, River Cities Speedway stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of racing in North Dakota and continues to uphold its commitment to promoting good sportsmanship on and off the turf.

With its deep historical roots and unwavering dedication to providing thrilling entertainment for racing enthusiasts, River Cities Speedway remains an integral part of Grand Forks' cultural fabric.