The iRacing community has rallied behind a new campaign to bring Salem Speedway — the high-banked half-mile in Salem, Indiana — into the sim. The grassroots effort began on social media earlier this summer, but it caught fire after Dale Earnhardt Jr. publicly voiced support for scanning the track.
Salem has been home to stock-car, ARCA, and open-wheel events for more than seven decades. Its combination of steep banking and worn asphalt produces wild racing and close finishes, earning it a reputation as one of America’s most exciting short tracks. Fans say that makes it a perfect fit for iRacing’s expanding lineup of classic ovals.
Dale Jr. Adds Fuel to the Campaign
Dale Jr.’s endorsement immediately gave the iRacing Salem Speedway push national attention. He has long been one of the loudest voices championing historic short tracks for inclusion in iRacing. From North Wilkesboro to Rockingham, his influence has helped resurrect venues that might otherwise have faded into memory.
On X (formerly Twitter), Jr. responded to a fan asking about Salem by saying, “It’s a must-have. We’ve got to get it scanned.” That one post sent engagement through the roof, inspiring fans, drivers, and local racing historians to join the cause.
Why Salem Belongs in iRacing
Salem’s layout is both intimidating and unique. The 0.555-mile oval features 33 degrees of banking in the corners — steeper than Bristol or Winchester — creating massive corner speeds on an aging, abrasive surface. Drivers describe it as “a bullring on the edge of control,” where saving tires and surviving 200 laps takes as much finesse as aggression.
In iRacing, those traits would translate into one of the most challenging short tracks in the service. The mix of grip, fall-off, and line choice would provide a new experience for Late Model, ARCA Menards, and Super Modified racers alike.
Community Support Keeps Growing
The #ScanSalem hashtag has spread quickly across iRacing forums, Facebook groups, and Reddit threads. Several real-world drivers who cut their teeth at Salem have posted photos and onboard videos to show why it deserves a digital counterpart. Even members of the ARCA garage have joined in, emphasizing the track’s deep racing heritage.
Petitions and community polls have gathered thousands of signatures, and a few iRacers have offered to help coordinate logistics if the iRacing team commits to visiting the facility.
What’s Holding It Back
As always, scanning a track requires licensing approval and physical access. Salem Speedway remains privately owned, and negotiations for track rights can take time.
While iRacing hasn’t commented publicly, fans are optimistic — especially with Dale Jr. involved. His past projects, such as North Wilkesboro, proved that community passion can accelerate the process.
If the company can schedule a scan during an open weekend, a 2025 or 2026 release wouldn’t be unrealistic.
Adding Salem would continue iRacing’s mission to preserve America’s short-track culture. The sim already includes icons like Martinsville, Slinger, and Langley, but Salem offers something different: towering banking, midwestern charm, and decades of grassroots racing history.
For longtime fans and local racers alike, bringing Salem Speedway into iRacing isn’t just about another oval — it’s about keeping a piece of motorsport heritage alive in the digital age.
