Sanpete native and internet personality Robby Layton buys Wild Bill’s Raceway
A track left behind
Layton’s video tour of the grounds, which has drawn hundreds of thousands of views, shows the extent of deterioration since the site was shuttered. The surface of the 3/8-mile dirt oval track is cracked and dry, its wooden bleachers are falling apart, and the small concession shack and ticket booth are in disrepair.
The announcer’s tower still overlooks the course, but the facility has no working utilities. Its wiring and generator were reportedly stolen before Layton acquired the property.
“There’s no power, no water, and the walls are crumbling,” Layton said. “But the track’s still here, and that’s all that matters, because all we want to do is race.”
Plans for revival
Layton outlined an extensive list of upgrades he hopes to complete before reopening the venue. The most visible change will be new 300-foot grandstands capable of seating about 2,000 spectators replacing the small wooden bleachers that currently hold only a handful of people.
Other planned improvements include a new concession stand, restrooms, safety barriers around the turns, new lighting, and complete resurfacing of the track.
He said he has already begun gathering materials, including aluminum planks for upgraded bleachers, and plans to reshape the track’s banking with a road grader. The parking lot will also be leveled and several abandoned trailers cleared away. Layton joked that they might become part of a future “trailer race.”
Water and power are among the biggest challenges. Layton said he intends to acquire water rights, drill a well, and install a 100-kilowatt generator to supply electricity.
“We’ve got to start with seating, water, power, lights, and equipment,” he said. “There’s a lot of stuff going, but I think we’re going to be able to do it.”
An unconventional racing vision
Unlike traditional sanctioned racing venues, Layton said his goal is to make the site a place for creative and entertaining competition. He envisions events featuring unconventional vehicles, such as motorhomes, buses, tow trucks, even limousines, competing in light-hearted races designed to engage families and fans.
“This is going to be a destination property where you guys can come out and watch entertainment-style racing and have fun with us,” he said. “We’re not crazy drag racers. We just like to have fun.”
Layton said he wants to create an atmosphere where spectators can interact with the racers and enjoy food trucks, meet-and-greets and community gatherings. His plans include reviving an overgrown motocross track located on the lower portion of the property.
Community involvement and name search
Layton invited fans to help shape the track’s identity. He announced a $500 reward for whoever submits the winning name for the venue, saying he hopes the community will play a role in its rebirth.
The project will require heavy equipment and local support. Layton said he is seeking water trucks, dump trucks, excavators, and tractors, and has asked viewers with leads to contact his shop.
“I’ve never built a racetrack before,” he said. “I’ve never brought an abandoned racetrack back to life, but we’re about to.”
Looking ahead
No official timeline for reopening has been set. But Layton says, “This has been a goal for quite a while now. We’re going to make this place into something awesome so you guys can come out and hang out with us.”
Connect with Layton on his website at http://www.robbylayton.com or on IG at @robby_layton.