Closed in 2026? Thunderbird Raceway, Muskegon

The Thunderbird Raceway complex near Muskegon originally opened around 1958. An actual dragstrip was added some years later but was shut down in 2008 due to a tragic accident; it was re-opened in 2016. It was again closed and purchased in 2021 by Mike Backmer who returned the track to its previous owner in 2022.

Since then, questions have been asked several times, basically all the same: “when will it re-open?” Heidi Morell and her husband bought the track in 2023.

It was opened in 2025 but then closed again this past April, just before the 2026 season was about to start.

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According to an MLive article, Thunderbird Raceway officially closed on Monday, April 4 (2026), with owner Heidi Morell citing ongoing negativity stemming from disgruntled workers and drivers. “For whatever reason, they have something against me or what I’ve done here,” she said. “And they have a bunch of followers that build on it. It got to the point where I can’t get sponsors, and you have to have sponsors to run a racetrack.”

Morell requested around 22 to 25 per years, including, races, special events, and local band concerts as part of a Sunday concert series.

The track is currently for sale with an asking price of $400,000.