01/16/2026
Modoc Speedway Season Opener Titled the Ed Basey Memorial
Modoc, South Carolina (January 15, 2026) – Modoc Speedway continues to make announcements about its grand reopening for the 2026 season. The latest announcement is one that we are very proud to make. Modoc’s Friday, March 20th Southern All Star Racing Series event has been named the Ed Basey Memorial and will pay $10,004 to the winner and all other positions payout throughout the 24-car field will end in 4.
“We wanted to do this to honor one of Modoc and this area’ s greatest racers. But we wanted to make sure we were respectful of the wishes of his family first and foremost. So, we contacted his brother Ricky and got the family to sign off on having an event that carries Ed’s name. He lived just across the state line in Evans, Georgia and he raced at Modoc a lot during his career. We were great friends and it will be a pleasure to honor him with this event.” said Modoc Speedway owner Ronnie Powell.
Basey, who held over 300 career victories, was a stalwart all over the southeast. Basey claimed series wins with the Hav-A-Tampa Dirt Racing Series, Carolina Clash and Southern All Stars. He was the 2003 Carolina Clash Champion. Basey spent much of his career driving Walter Newman Race Cars for Newby Racing which carried sponsorship from Starrette Trucking. His blue and white number 4 car frequently displayed his nickname “The Gambler”. Basey’s career was cut short due to health issues in 2009 and Basey passed away in September of 2023.
Modoc Speedway has been closed for 4 years since Powell purchased the track. During that time Powell has completely revamped the entire facility. New track lighting, a new PA system, a new scoreboard, a new gray clay racing surface, new fencing and walls, new restrooms and a new VIP tower top the list of the many improvements made. “The amount of time and money Ronnie Powell and Jason LaRussa have spent here is unbelievable. We intend to make this one of the top facilities in not only this region but in the country.” said Modoc Promoter Kelley Carlton.
More details will be released as they are available including ticket prices, gate times and support classes. Stay tuned here and watch for an all-new home on the web at www.modocspeedwaysc.com For more information on the Southern All Star Racing Series visit them online at www.sasdirt.com . For information on advertising with Modoc Speedway for this event and for the racing season please contact (864) 871-1442 or send an email to [email protected]
