By Chelcey Adami
Stillwater NewsPress
JENNINGS, Okla. —
Feel the need for speed? Whether it’s on two or four wheels, Hallett Motor Racing Circuit offers what Stillwater resident Spencer Smith calls a “prepaid speeding ticket.”
The circuit is an 1.8 mile long, 11-turn road racing course with more than 80 feet of elevation change about 39 miles northeast of Stillwater. After taking one trip around clockwise, double the experience by trying to track counter-clockwise. The track can uniquely be tried either way, co-owner Connie Stephens said.
Stephens runs the circuit with her son Scott Stephens. The course was built in 1976 by Anatoly Arutunoff and in its early years hosted high-profile racers including actor Paul Newman.
The Stephenses began running the race track in 1989. Connie’s late husband, Mike Stephens, ran it with her until his death in 2007. A winner’s circle area on the course is dedicated in his honor.
“There’s something going out there all the time,” Connie said.
At any given point, the course may be overrun with motorcyclists, race car drivers, go-cart drivers, car clubs, racing professionals or novices.
Area Porsche, Shelby, Alfa Romeo, Corvette, BMW, Viper and Ferrari Clubs all have visited the course.
Spencer Smith, Tim Shenkei and Jared Johnson, all of Stillwater, came out Saturday for the course’s motorcycle lap days where, beginning at sunrise, motorcyclists can ride on the course to their heart’s content.
All three say they come out as often as they can afford it.
“It’s the need to go fast in a safe manner,” Smith said.
While racing in any manner has an element of danger, Hallett has paramedics on hand and all racers must follow strict safety rules, Connie Stephens said.
“It’s peace of mind and good safe fun,” Johnson said.
None of them could say about how fast they usually go.
“You don’t even look,” Shenkei said. “You have to pay attention every second.”
The Hallett Racing School of High Performance Driving gives anybody the opportunity to learn how to drive a race car. For a fee, anybody of any age can be prepped to race in full gear. All they need to bring is their own shoes.
“We say, ‘Drive your dream. Get out of the bleachers and into a car,’” Connie said.
There’s viewing from three grandstands and hillsides in the infield as well as garages, raceports, Finish Line Cafe, restrooms, VIP lounge and a gift shop.
Hallett is also the home of the Competition Motorsports Association, a road racing organization.
Visit www.hallettracing.net for more information or a schedule of events or call 918-356-4814 for information. Hallett Motor Racing Circuit is at 59901 E. 5 Road in Jennings.
