LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -The I-30 Speedway is the oldest race track in central Arkansas and it's built on tradition.
"When I was younger, it was like come to see the fights and a race might break out," explained Tracey Clay. "Now, we come to the races and we race."
It's one of the best shows in the state, but you wouldn't believe who's behind these wheels.
Tracey Clay is the only woman running a dirt, 1/4 mile speedway in Arkansas.
Buck Reid has been coming to the track his entire life. Reid said, "She's a wonderful person. She's a real great person. She sticks to her rules."
Clay exclaimed, "I'm either really smart or really stupid!"
Racing runs in Clay's blood. "My father started racing when I was five. So his car, I always called it my big brother."
Her father bought the race track just under 30 years ago, and since Clay has been running the shop. While she loves the rush of watching racing, she refuses to drive.
"I think of what can happen, and it just terrifies me," said Clay. "I admire the guys and girls that come out here to do it, but it is not my bag."
Instead, you can catch her in the press box, keeping her cars in line.
"I think she likes enforcing the rules," laughed Reid.
Her secret to success is getting everyone off the track.
Clay said, "I shoot for 11 o'clock, if it's anything after that I get into panic mode. I just don't want that reputation of being out here all night long."
As a woman driving in a male dominated lane, Clay admits it's been difficult.
"It's had its challenges, like going to meet with sponsors, you know for races or trophies," said Clay. "I know more than my dad did, I don't mean that ugly. I was the one pushing the pen and paper."
Through all the bumps in the dirt, Clay still sits on top of the track and runs one of the best speedways in the state.
Clay said, "It can be intimidating at times but I'm sure it's like that with anything. Do what you got to do. Stand your ground. The guys, sooner or later, they respect you for it."
