Future Of Former GALOT Motorsports Park Uncertain As Property Goes To Auction

BENSON, N.C. — One of Johnston County’s best-known motorsports venues is up for sale.

The former GALOT Motorsports Park, now operating as Darana Motorsports Park, is being offered through a sealed-bid auction with bids due Nov. 17.

The racing facility is located at 555 Dragstrip Road outside Benson.

Tranzon, the real estate auction company handling the sale, is also accepting offers before the November deadline. The property could be sold prior to the auction if an acceptable offer is received.

No asking price is listed.

The property is being marketed as an established motorsports and event venue, with a purpose-built drag racing facility and supporting infrastructure.

The listing includes updated track screens and timing equipment, restaurant and catering facilities and more than 10,000 square feet of building space.

Three residences are also included along with a partially completed pavilion and outdoor entertainment area.

Tranzon is promoting the property for continued motorsports use, large events or other investment opportunities.

The sale does not guarantee the property will continue operating as a racetrack under new ownership.

Part Of Larger Sale
The Johnston County facility is one of a dozen motorsports properties being offered for sale.

Drag Illustrated reported that Darana Motorsports Holdings hired Tranzon to market the 12 properties as company CEO Darryl Cuttell prepares to leave the racing business.

The list includes three North Carolina facilities: Darana Motorsports Park near Benson, Piedmont Dragway near Greensboro and Rockingham Speedway.

According to Drag Illustrated, Cuttell said the business had moved in a different direction than originally anticipated and he decided to sell the properties.

The publication reported Cuttell hopes to complete the sales and exit the racing business by the end of the year.

Longtime Johnston County Racing Venue
The Benson-area track has operated for decades and was formerly known as Dunn-Benson Dragstrip before becoming GALOT Motorsports Park.

Under the GALOT name, the facility underwent a major redevelopment and became a destination for national and regional drag racing events.

The site has also hosted tractor pulls, concerts and other large events.

For local racing fans, the sale raises a larger question that may not be answered until a buyer emerges — whether the longtime Benson-area racing facility will remain a motorsports venue.