The Giant Chair Tour
Come sit in our giant red adirondack chair as part of Clinton’s #GiantChairTour!
Origins and Community Roots
Clinton Raceway opened in 1970, developed by the Clinton Kinsmen Club as a venue for harness racing with pari-mutuel wagering. In 1983, operations were formally handed over to Clinton Raceway Inc., a nonprofit group of volunteers formed to continue the seasonal racing schedule.
Growth and Local Role
The raceway hosts approximately 15 live race days each year from late spring to early fall. Over time, it expanded to include a slot facility, food services, and a range of family activities such as trivia games, face painting, and community fundraisers. These events regularly attract several hundred visitors. Each August, the track also hosts the Clinton Kinsmen Derby, a family-friendly soapbox car race held on Victoria Street in downtown Clinton.
Legends Day Tradition
Established in 2001, Legends Day is a featured event at Clinton Raceway. It brings together Hall-of-Fame drivers for an invitational race and raises funds for the Clinton Public Hospital Foundation. It has become a hallmark of the track’s racing calendar.
Recent Development
In 2025, Clinton Raceway opened a new grandstand, replacing its aging structure. The updated facility is fully accessible and designed for multiple uses, supporting both racing events and broader community programming.