The first signature event created by the new Cordele Motor Speedway leadership group actually reaches into the rich heritage of Super Late Model racing in the state of Georgia.
It’s the World Crown 300.
That was one of the majors of the discipline, held for 31 years at the track most recently known as Gresham Motorsports Park but previously known as Jefco Speedway, Georgia International Speedway and Peach State Speedway.
What used to be known as Watermelon Capital Speedway in Cordele, Georgia was purchased by Greg and Lori Noland in January and rechristened it ‘Cordele Motor Speedway.’ Already the January home of ASA Speedfest, the World Crown is scheduled for October 25-26, 2024 under UARA National sanctioning.
The race will pay $35,000 to the winner, and $2,500 to start.
“We have been fortunate to have raced in the Southeast events over the years, and now it is time to bring the Ricky Brooks UARA style of race management to Cordele,” Noland said in a press release.
The inaugural World Crown 300 took place in 1983 with Dick Trickle earning the win. All the greats have participated in it from Darrell Waltrip, Rich Bickle, Gary Balough, Bobby Gill, Ronnie Sanders and Chase Elliott.
Paul Kelley was the winningest driver in the event with victories in 2001, 2006, 2007 and 2009. The most recent winner of the race came 10 years ago when Casey Roderick won in a crash filled affair.
Gresham Motorsports Park had since closed and been sold to a redeveloper. The COVID-19 pandemic denied the industry a planned revival event in 2020 promoted by Speed51 and sanctioned by the Southern Super Series.
