BAILEYTON, Ala. – The Baileyton “Good Time” Drag Strip, Cullman County’s only active drag strip and a family operated racing landmark dating to 1966, has been placed on the market for $1.4 million.
Owner Russ Easterwood announced the sale in a Facebook post, describing the 18-acre facility as a fully operational, turnkey one-eighth-mile concrete drag strip. Easterwood emphasized that the listing does not signal an immediate closure.
“The track is not closing and will continue to operate at full capacity until it is sold,” Easterwood said.
Easterwood said the decision is connected to another business opportunity rather than the track’s performance.
“I am looking to focus on and grow my new business venture,” Easterwood said.
The announcement drew an immediate response from racers and fans, some of whom have connections to the track stretching back more than five decades. While several expressed sadness over the sale, their comments largely focused on the memories created at the track and their hope that a new owner will preserve its traditions.
A 2026 Cullman County Revenue Commissioner property assessment lists Russ V. Easterwood as the owner of the 18-acre Summit Road parcel associated with the drag strip. Previous Tribune coverage has also identified Easterwood, the grandson of track founder Jack Walker, as the owner.
The World Drag Racing Alliance previously described Easterwood and his wife, Sasha, as the track’s owners and operators.
Easterwood said the $1.4 million asking price is negotiable for a qualified buyer paying in full. Partial trades involving land, houses, vehicles or other assets may also be considered.
Owner financing may be available with a 50% down payment and negotiated terms. Additional acreage could potentially be purchased from a separate property owner, according to the listing.
The sale offering includes a series of improvements Easterwood said have been made to the racing facility over the past 12 years. Those improvements include:
- A new one-eighth-mile concrete racing surface completed in 2014
- A pull-through burnout box and wall added in 2016
- Concrete safety barriers installed in 2018
- Asphalt paving in the pit area completed in 2019
- An Accutime timing system and LED scoreboards added in 2020
- A 1,200-foot asphalt shutdown area completed in 2023
- A 30 by 30-foot, two-story tower completed in 2024
Facilities listed as part of the property include restrooms on the pit and spectator sides, a full bathroom inside the tower and an approximately 30 by 25-foot concession building with an additional bathroom.
Easterwood is also offering a $10,000 finder’s fee to anyone who brings him a buyer who successfully completes the purchase.
The drag strip was established in 1966 by Easterwood’s grandfather, Jack Walker. The Tribune reported in 2015 that Walker selected the “Good Time” name because he wanted racers and spectators to enjoy themselves while attending events at the track.
Walker operated the drag strip for more than five decades. According to his 2023 obituary, he remained its owner and operator until 2021. Walker died Sept. 10, 2023, at age 87.
The facility remained a family operation throughout Walker’s ownership. His wife, Sharron Walker, handled concessions, while their daughter, Lou Ann Easterwood, son-in-law Vance Easterwood, grandson Russ Easterwood and Russ’ wife, Sasha, helped operate the track.
Over the years, Baileyton Drag Strip has hosted bracket racing, grudge racing, test-and-tune events, Southeast Gassers Association competitions, jet-powered dragsters and appearances by racers featured on Discovery Channel’s “Street Outlaws.”
Mark Smith said he spent 26 years operating jet-powered vehicles at more than 100 racing facilities. Of all the tracks he visited, Smith said Baileyton stood apart.
“During my 26 years of running jet-powered vehicles at well over 100 different racing facilities, my absolute favorite track of all time was by far ‘The Good Time,’” Smith said in a Facebook comment.
Smith recalled racing down the track, burning the hill and walking back while exchanging high-fives with fans. He said the welcoming racers, track staff, Walker family and appearances by Walker’s wheel-standing Tater Hauler created an experience he did not find at most other tracks.
“What really made it the best was the overall experience created by literally everyone involved,” Smith said.
Smith also praised the improvements Easterwood has made and expressed hope that a new owner will continue the track’s traditions.
“My sincere hope and wish for everyone involved is that, regardless of ownership, it remains open for many years to come and continues to carry on the attributes and traditions that proved to make it known as ‘The Good Time,’” Smith said.
Longtime racer Wendy Marshall Green credited Easterwood with preserving and improving the track over nearly 15 years. She also acknowledged the work required to maintain a racing facility and carry forward a family legacy.
“People just don’t realize what a hard life it is keeping a legacy going,” Green said. “I personally thank you for all the ‘good times’ and I truly hope that someone else can take up this torch.”
Ricky Gilliland said he raced at Baileyton from 1969 until 2022, giving him a connection to nearly the entire history of the track.
“Lots of great memories and friends made at that track, including Jack Walker,” Gilliland said. “Hate to see it sold off after all these years. Best of luck, Russ.”
Kelly Goodwin Nease also credited Easterwood with caring for the facility and said she hopes the eventual buyer maintains the standard he established.
“I hope somebody buys it and keeps it up as well as you did,” Nease said.
The personal responses reflect the role Baileyton Drag Strip has played beyond racing. For generations of drivers and spectators, the track has served as a gathering place where friendships were formed, families spent weekends together and Cullman County’s racing history was carried forward.
A 2018 Southeast Gassers event attracted an estimated 1,500 to 2,500 spectators despite rain delays. The historic track has also drawn racers and fans from throughout the Southeast and beyond.
In 2023, the track entered a multiyear sanction agreement with the World Drag Racing Alliance after previously being sanctioned by the International Hot Rod Association. The agreement provided access to additional racer programs and championship opportunities.
The track remained active during the 2026 racing season and served as a stop for the Street Car Challenge on June 6.
No deadline has been announced for the sale. Easterwood said the facility will continue operating while a buyer is sought.
Serious inquiries may be directed to Easterwood by calling or texting 256-338-2914.
