JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
The town of South Pittsburg has officially welcomed Raceway Gas into the community with open arms during the facility’s grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Feb. 11.
Groundwork for Raceway officially began during the summer of 2025. After many weeks of construction, trials, and anticipation surrounding the facility’s completion, the doors to the gas station officially opened to all within the community, those visiting being greeted to a wide array of snacks and beverages to choose from inside the convenience store. Saurin Patel, franchisee for the Raceway brand, shared how Raceway corporate has expressed enthusiasm for the company’s newest location, detailing how he and others under the Raceway umbrella are happy to be a part of the South Pittsburg community.
“I’m blessed and honored to represent Raceway and the Raceway brand and their standards,” Patel said. “I’m happy to bring it here.”
Raceway Gas first opened in 1934 in St. Louis, Missouri. Originally named Carl Bolch TrackSide Stations, the franchise evolved and expanded across the entire Southeastern U.S., over time rebranding itself and opening over 200 locations across 11 states. Patel explained over 40 Raceway representatives and staff members from the company’s headquarters in Atlanta were involved in the construction of the South Pittsburg location, in addition to all contractors who worked to make the project a reality.
“A lot of hard work goes behind this project,” Patel said. “We saw some challenges, but we overcame them and the city officials and residents were very supportive towards the project.”
South Pittsburg Mayor Shawn Henson commented on the city council’s excitement for having a Raceway location open within the community, noting how the new station offers major potential for bringing additional sale revenue to the community. Additionally, he explained how the gas station could open the door to other franchises, particuarlily fast food chains, opening locations of their own within city limits, further generating growth and revenue to the area.
“It’s going to be a big instrument to both South Pittsburg and Marion County,” Henson said.
The new Raceway gas station is located directly off US-72 by 12th Street and is open 24/7 for those looking to fuel up or purchase a new snack while out on the road within Marion County.