Langley Speedway

Location: Hampton, Virginia Track Type: Oval Length: 0.395 miles Surface: Asphalt Banking: 6° in turns Seating Capacity: Approximately 6,000 Opened: 1950

Overview

Langley Speedway is a 0.395-mile asphalt oval nestled in the tidewater region of southeastern Virginia, just miles from the Chesapeake Bay and the sprawling military installations of Hampton Roads. Opened in 1950, Langley is one of the oldest continuously operating short tracks in America and carries a racing heritage that spans more than seven decades.

The track's slightly shorter-than-half-mile layout produces racing that is intense, close-quarters, and unforgiving. The relatively flat banking and tight radius put a premium on corner entry speed and the ability to navigate traffic without losing momentum. Langley races tend to produce more lead changes and side-by-side racing than many comparable short tracks, which is why the Hampton Heat has become one of the most anticipated events on the Virginia Triple Crown schedule.

History and Significance

Langley Speedway was built on land adjacent to what is now NASA's Langley Research Center, and the track takes its name from the same Samuel Pierpont Langley who inspired the research facility. Over the decades, Langley has served as a proving ground for short-track talent in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Bill Mullis, the longtime promoter of Langley Speedway, was one of the three co-founders of the Virginia Triple Crown in 2012. His vision for the series — along with Clay Campbell of Martinsville and Cathy Rice of South Boston — created a championship that gave Virginia short-track racing a national profile.

The track's weekly Late Model Stock Car program is among the most competitive in the country. Racing at Langley on a Saturday night in the summer is a rite of passage for drivers on the short-track circuit.

Key Events at Langley

Hampton Heat — Virginia Triple Crown Round 2 (July 25, 2026)
CARS Tour visits
Weekly Late Model Stock Car racing program (spring through fall)

Getting There

Langley Speedway is located at 3165 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23666. The track is in the heart of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, approximately 90 minutes southeast of Richmond and 3.5 hours south of Washington, D.C.

For Grand National Today Coverage

Langley is a key venue in GNT's Virginia Triple Crown coverage. The Hampton Heat often serves as the pivot point of the VTC championship — the middle race where contenders either solidify their position or fall out of the running. Langley also hosts CARS Tour events, adding depth to GNT's short-track beat coverage throughout the season.