The engines are running again at Santa Maria Speedway, thanks to a local family determined to bring new life to a track that’s been part of the Central Coast’s identity since 1964.

Pat Cusack

After more than a year of silence, the historic dirt track reopened this spring under new ownership. Pat Cusack and his family purchased the speedway in January, hoping to preserve not just a racing venue, but a piece of local history that generations have grown up with.

“It’s just been a special place for the whole Santa Maria Valley and Central Coast for a long time,” Cusack said. “So we felt that if it was going to turn into something else, we needed to step in to save the Speedway or restore it.”

The Cusack's didn’t waste time. From January to late April, they worked around the clock to get th

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