Let’s be honest: Omaha has some great cruising spots, but if you’re looking to truly see what your fast car can do, the surface streets and I-80 aren’t the place. To really push your engine without a side of flashing red-and-blue lights, you need a closed course.
Luckily for us in the metro, there are two distinct ways to get your speed fix. One is just across the river, while the other makes for a perfect weekend road trip. Here is the lowdown on where you can legally drive fast.
1. I-29 Speedway (Pacific Junction, IA)
The Quick Trip: ~20 Minutes from Downtown Omaha
If you want to spend more time on the track than on the road getting there, I-29 Speedway is your go-to. Located just south of Council Bluffs, this track is all about accessibility and a “come as you are” vibe.
How to Get on Track
- Funday Saturday: This is the ultimate “entry-level” event. It uses a half-course and is designed for less experienced drivers or those who want a relaxed pace. No certifications or fancy resumes needed—just you and your car.
- Super Sunday: Ready to step it up? These days utilize the full 2.23-mile course. You’ll need some accreditation here (like a driving school certificate or a racing license), as you’ll be sharing the asphalt with seasoned drivers.
- Private Testing: You can also rent the track for a full 8-hour day with up to 10 of your friends.
The Details
- Cost: $80 for Fundays; $125 for Super Sundays (CASH ONLY at the gate).
- Requirements: You’ll need a helmet, long pants, closed-toe shoes, and a valid license. Your car needs a windshield and functioning seatbelts.
- The Vibe: It’s a “no-frills” experience. While they are working on their permanent facilities, plan for porta-potties and bring your own cooler (but leave the glass bottles and alcohol at home).
Is Your Vehicle Fast?
The best part about events like Funday Saturday at I-29 Speedway is that you don’t need a dedicated race car to participate. In fact, this is the perfect playground for those secretly fast sleeper cars we’ve highlighted before. Whether you’re rocking a V8 in a Chrysler 300 SRT8 or 415 horsepower with the Chevy SS , these tracks give you the space to let those hidden horses run wild.
2. Motorsport Park Hastings (Hastings, NE)
The Destination: ~2.5 Hours from Omaha
If you’re looking for more of a “racing lifestyle” or a community experience, head west. Motorsport Park Hastings (MPH) offers a 2.15-mile, 13-turn road course that is widely considered one of the best values for track time in the country.
The MPH Guardrail Club
MPH operates primarily through its Guardrail Club. It’s designed for people who want to make track days a regular part of their life.
- Driving Membership: For a yearly fee plus an initiation, you get unlimited participation in scheduled Guardrail Track Days.
- Elite Membership: The “VIP” treatment. This allows you to access the track at your convenience (outside of scheduled events) and even host private days for your friends.
- Driving School: Total beginner? No problem. MPH requires a “qualifying track credential,” but they offer a Driving School 101 on-site to help you earn your “approved driver” status.
The Amenities
Unlike a raw track day, MPH has a bit of a “country club” feel for gearheads.
- The Well at MPH: An on-site bar and restaurant for post-track meals and drinks.
- Social Perks: Memberships include garage tours, parade laps for family and friends, and monthly membership nights.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both tracks allow you to bring your own “car, truck, or creation” and see what it’s made of, but the experience is different:
- Stay Local: Choose I-29 Speedway if you want a spontaneous, affordable Saturday afternoon of fun without needing to book a hotel. It’s raw, it’s fast, and it’s right in our backyard.
- Make it a Weekend: Choose Motorsports Park Hastings if you want to hone your skills through a structured school, join a community of enthusiasts, and enjoy some post-race amenities at the clubhouse.
Whether you’re in a stock sedan or a built track monster, both of these Nebraska-area gems give you the legal green light to go fast and floor it. See you on the straightaway!
