By kyohnson 
CONCORD, NC – Bear Ridge Speedway is set to commemorate its 50th anniversary of thrilling races in 2017. This achievement becomes even more remarkable when one delves deeper into the tale of this snug quarter-mile track nestled in the rural landscape of Vermont.
Throughout all 50 seasons, the track has remained under the ownership or operation of a member of the Elms family. Initially, the track was the brainchild of George Barber, while Charles V Elms Sr. was part of his opening day operations team and eventually acquired the track from Barber in 1972.
Charles Elms Sr. held his position as the owner and operator of Bear Ridge until 1990, when he sold the track to his son, CV “Butch” Elms III. In 2006, April May Preston joined the track as a co-owner, and since then, the facility has witnessed continuous growth.
“The fact that it’s been 50 years and has always been managed by one family is truly exciting. You can hardly find such a situation in many businesses nowadays,” Preston stated. “If it weren’t for the deep love for the track and Butch’s unwavering dedication, we might not be celebrating this 50-year milestone.”
It’s an astonishing feat for a track that initially projected its lifespan to be merely a couple of years. Positioned off I-91 near the New Hampshire state line, Bear Ridge is approximately 25 miles north of Hanover, N.H. and Dartmouth College. Its secluded location in the rural area of Vermont undoubtedly makes it one of the most distinctive dirt tracks in the nation.
“When you make your way to the racetrack, you might think there couldn’t possibly be anything out here,” Preston said. “You drive along a dirt road, wondering what awaits you. When you take the right turn and descend into the track, it unfolds like an amphitheater.”
Bear Ridge’s 50th season will mark its seventh under DIRTcar Racing’s sanctioning for its Sportsman and Coupe Modified divisions, which are respectively the track’s premier and most beloved divisions.
“We’ve weathered through some tough times and now our car counts have risen. Affiliation with DIRTcar has been a significant advantage, and we’re genuinely thrilled to announce it’s 50 years of racing,” Preston remarked.
The track’s Sportsman Modified division consistently attracts fields of 30 or more cars, a statistic that Preston partly attributes to the track’s DIRTcar affiliation.
“Being this small, hidden racetrack in the woods of Vermont, not many people know about us,” Preston explained. “It’s nice in a way, but it’s also a drawback because you want everyone to know. So, the DIRTcar sanctioning, I believe, lends a certain degree of credibility.”
The track’s Coupe Modified division is also a weekly staple and a favorite among fans. It showcases open-wheel Modifieds with 1930s-style bodies that have been in action since the track’s inception in the 1960s.
“I think the Coupes give us our uniqueness,” Preston said. “They’ve been running since day one and they truly race – they roll, they crash.”
Bear Ridge’s DIRTcar sanctioning is just one of the numerous changes and improvements throughout the track’s illustrious history that has enabled it to remain vigorous. In recent years, the track has introduced a new novelty area, new VIP suites, a new scoring tower and was compelled to expand its parking lot to accommodate the growing number of attendees.
The success is largely attributed to a commitment to providing an affordable and family-friendly atmosphere. The Bear Ridge kids club is highly popular among younger fans, who receive a toy at each race. The track also takes pride in offering fresh, local food products to its patrons.
“We handcraft our pizzas; they’re not frozen. We source fresh beef from the local butcher and hand-cut our fries. Everything is fresh and hand-prepared,” Preston said.
Bear Ridge is eager to present its 50th racing season with the same nostalgic ambiance and modern enhancements, perhaps with a few additional fireworks. The 2017 season is slated to commence on May 6.
“We aim to focus on an outstanding season,” Preston said. “The fans seek entertainment, but not all night long. We’ve worked diligently to make the show concise, but not overly short. We want our fans to feel that they’ve received value for their money.”