For over 45 years, Hallett Motor Racing Circuit has been known as one of the most challenging and fun tracks in North America. Just 35 miles west of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Hallett is located in the beautiful Osage Hills area, known for its breathtaking sunrises and spectacular sunsets. The reversible 1.8-mile, 10-turn course features 80 feet of elevation change, multiple technically challenging blind corners and a fun, friendly atmosphere like no other.
History of Hallett Motor Racing Circuit
The story of Hallett began with Anatoly Arutunoff, an amateur racer whose family immigrated from Russia and eventually settled in Oklahoma. After racing with the likes of Richie Ginther, Dan Gurney and Carroll Shelby, Arutunoff set out to build his own racetrack near Hallett, Oklahoma, which opened for business in 1976.
In its first years, Hallett hosted a number of notable races, including an IMSA national race in the 1970s, an SCCA Trans-Am race in 1980 and another SCCA national event in 1982 that drew notice for the participation of famed actor Paul Newman. Early operators of the track in its first years included Marty Marina and Jim Butler. Since 1989, Hallett Motor Racing Circuit has been owned and operated by the Stephens family.
Over the years, many additions have been made to the track facilities. Updated restroom and shower facilities for the public, covered raceports for drivers with access to electricity, and RV parking with full hookups were built for the comfort and convenience of patrons and their families. Hallett also features a 5,000-sq. ft. race shop to maintain customer cars, enabling racers to drive or fly in from across the country and around the world to compete in events.
Today, Hallett is the home of Competition Motorsports Association (COMMA), an annual grassroots series that lets drivers “run what you brung.” Other events you can find at Hallett include NASA, SCCA, BMWCCA and Mid-America Ford and Shelby Nationals. Hallett Motor Racing Circuit has become an Oklahoma landmark, widely recognized for its strong relationships with drivers, visitors, and the motorsports community.
Fun Facts About Hallett Motor Racing Circuit
- Unlike many other tracks, Hallett is designed to be driven safely in both directions for two very different driving experiences.
- Events are scheduled nearly every weekend for ten months out of the year, including events for street cars, race cars, motorcycles and karts.
- Hallett is the birthplace of High Speed Touring (HST), where drivers can bring their street cars to learn and practice lapping safely at high speeds.
- Drivers can get advanced training for the proper driving techniques in real racecars at Hallett Race School events.
- For motorcyclists, Hallett Advanced Rider Training (HART) is available to help motorcyclists become safer riders on both track and street.
- Hallett is big on safety, with wide, grassy runoff areas and some 300,000 tires surrounding the track, designed to safely stop off-track vehicles.
- Staff work to showcase the beauty of Oklahoma’s Osage Hills, maintaining the natural beauty of the area while keeping the grounds manicured.
- Hallett prides itself on having a family friendly atmosphere, where children and leashed pets are always welcome.
- Regular visitors to the track are known as the “Halletteers,” while total annual visitors to Hallett number nearly 100,000 people.
- Hallett is active online, with a professional photographer on staff to offer patrons digital photos, slo-mos, and video group shots of their events.
Events at Hallett Motor Racing Circuit are always exciting. Find a complete schedule of upcoming events at Hallett. And as always, make sure you and your car are protected during track day events with insurance from Lockton Motorsports. Find the policy that fits your needs and explore more track resources.