Although Idaho is primarily known for its mountains and potatoes, the Gem State also boasts a thriving asphalt bullring in the form of Meridian Speedway.

Since the 1950s, Meridian has provided Idaho short track fans an ideal opportunity to see their local heroes battle for victories in the weekly edition while also occasionally hosting NASCAR-sanctioned events featuring the next generation of stars.

Over a half-dozen divisions currently encompass a stacked weekly program for Meridian that now includes the facility’s own crown jewel event, the NAPA Auto Parts Idaho 208, which is set to take place on Aug. 20.

Meridian’s new season formally gets underway April 9 with the ATS Inland Season Opener. The on-track action starts at 6 p.m. MT and will include races for Meridian’s Modified, Sprint Car, Street Stock, Pro 4 and Hornets divisions.

Below is everything to know about Meridian Speedway.

Meridian Speedway

Track Profile

A proud racing heritage has been built at Meridian over its seven decades of operation, with plenty of drivers permanently etching themselves into the track’s record books.

Sean Miller currently holds the most championships in Meridian’s Late Model division following a dominant stretch during the mid-1990s that saw him claim five consecutive titles. Other multi-time champions in that division include Jerry Bowers, Jim Dillon and John Nesmith.

Meridian has also seen women drivers break barriers on numerous occasions.

Along with Melissa Weaver claiming six Street Stock titles and Hannah Newhouse becoming the only female Late Model champion in 2016, Hailie Deegan notably captured her first of three NASCAR K&N Pro Series West (now ARCA Menards Series West) wins at Meridian in 2018 following a last lap pass on Cole Rouse.

In the six K&N West races at Meridian, none of them featured a repeat winner.

Ray Elder, who won six K&N West titles between 1969-75, was victorious during a one-off appearance for the series at Meridian back in 1972. When K&N West returned to Meridian during the late 2010s, Deegan, current NASCAR Cup Series competitor Todd Gilliland and six-time NASCAR Xfinity Series winner Noah Gragson all earned victories at the facility.

During its existence, the NASCAR Northwest Series also infrequently visited Meridian. Former track champion John Dillon picked up a popular victory in front of the home crowd back in 1989 while Ron Eaton accumulated the most wins with two in 1986 and 1990.

Below are the complete list of NASCAR winners and track champions during Meridian’s long and storied history.

NASCAR K&N Pro Series West (now ARCA Menards Series West) races at Meridian

NASCAR Northwest Series races at Meridian

Meridian Speedway track champions