By Ben Deatherage
BAKER, Fla. (Feb. 18, 2026) — A new chapter is underway for Northwest Florida Speedway, as Ron Wolverton has officially taken ownership of the Baker, Florida ¼-mile facility, launching an ambitious revival effort aimed at preserving grassroots racing while positioning the venue for long-term growth.
For Wolverton — a lifelong drag racer turned dirt track promoter — the journey into ownership has been nothing short of extraordinary.
“The whole thing has been a miracle after miracle,” Wolverton said. “We pulled off a construction feat that even the big guys couldn’t pull off. We didn’t start until January 9 before we got to moving dirt, and I couldn’t have done it without all the volunteers and community members that came out to help.”
Among the most notable upgrades has been the restoration of the racing surface itself. Wolverton and his team worked to bring the track back to its roots by reconditioning the oval with original dirt pulled directly from the property versus having it hauled in from elsewhere.
Now entering his first season as a promoter, Wolverton’s connection to the track grew quickly after relocating to the Baker area just a few years ago.
“I’d been a drag racer my whole life and had never been to a dirt track,” he explained. “My aunt and uncle used to own a dirt track in Jackson, Mississippi, but at the time I didn’t want anything to do with dirt. Then I moved here about two miles from the track and could hear them racing every night. It gave me chills — it sounded so good.”
Encouraged by a friend he sponsored, Wolverton finally attended an event — and was instantly hooked.
“I was blown away by the family atmosphere, watching all the generations race. I started coming every chance I could. Then I heard it might be sold and turned into a truck stop or subdivision — not a race track. I thought, ‘Holy crap, I just started liking this!’ I wanted to save it for the community.”
The community response since has only reinforced that decision.
“I knew it meant a lot locally, but I had no idea to what level. The outpouring of support has been unbelievable. I’ve probably met ten people a day stopping by just to say thank you. I’ve been blessed with the right people to make all of this happen.”
Supporting the speedway’s promotional efforts is Cortni Potapowicz, who joins the leadership team to help expand the facility’s marketing and entertainment reach. Potapowicz brings a diverse background in the entertainment industry, including experience producing high-level music events, hosting a television program, and performing in aerial circus arts. Her creative experience is expected to play a key role in enhancing fan engagement and elevating the event atmosphere moving forward.
Under Wolverton’s leadership, the facility will sanction Karl Kustoms IMCA Modified competition, awarding track, Florida State, Close Racing Supply Eastern Region, and National points.
The speedway will also undergo a meaningful rebrand in conjunction with the IMCA TV Clash On The Coast, transitioning from Northwest Florida Speedway to Blackwater Speedway — a nod to the nearby Blackwater River, which originates in southern Alabama and flows into the Gulf at Blackwater Bay in the Pensacola Bay region.
The name carries regional and cultural significance. Okaloosa County — where the track resides — derives its name from the Choctaw phrase oka-lusa, meaning “water black.” The Blackwater River itself is known for its coffee-dark coloring, created by natural tannins from surrounding vegetation, making the new speedway identity a reflection of the area’s geography and heritage.
While the future takes shape, Wolverton is quick to recognize the past.
“Scott Sessions and Beverly Cooley have built a legacy as Northwest Florida Speedway. That legacy will continue to live on,” he said. “For the last 13 years they kept racing alive in Baker, hosting one of the biggest IMCA events and making it a top destination for racers. They helped a lot of drivers bring their dreams to life. Their passion for the track is undeniable.”
He emphasized their continued presence within the racing community.
“This isn’t the end — it’s the beginning of a new chapter. They’ll remain a major part of the track and our track family. It wouldn’t be what it is today without the rock-solid foundation they laid.”
The facility itself carries a layered history of its own. When it first sanctioned with IMCA in 1996, the venue operated as North Okaloosa Motor Speedway, where Todd Neiheiser became the inaugural track champion. In the mid-2000s, it was known as Blackman Motor Speedway — named for the nearby community of Blackman north of Baker — before eventually becoming Northwest Florida Speedway.
The upcoming Clash On The Coast events on February 22–23 will mark a major early showcase for the revitalized facility. Both nights will be broadcast exclusively on IMCA TV.
For Wolverton, the mission is clear — protect the past while building the future.
“I went to visit my 86-year-old aunt in Mississippi and told her what I was doing,” he said with a laugh. “She told me, ‘Boy, have you gone crazy.’ But she’s given me a lot of pointers — and once her health is good, she’s planning to come watch.”
For more information, including news, updates, and the upcoming schedule, follow the track’s official Facebook page.