The legendary Swainsboro Raceway made history on Friday, January 13, when longtime owners, Paul and Debra Purvis, passed their torch over to new owners, J.J. and Dana Williams, who purchased the South Georgia landmark on Thursday, January 12. The Purvis’ purchased Swainsboro Raceway 22 years ago and since that moment, it has played an essential part in the thrills that Emanuel County has to offer for the Southeastern United States.
“J.J. Williams, who was a previous racer and sponsor of Swainsboro Raceway, is now the proud owner of it,” previous owner Paul Purvis explained in a press conference held on Friday, January 13. “J.J. is a great fit for the track. He has a great family, and I know that he will carry the torch well for 20 more years, and then pass it down to his son who will do the same. I’m real proud of who got the racetrack. I can’t think of anybody who will do a better job. He’s a hard worker and reminds me a lot of myself when I was his age. I was 39 when I bought the racetrack, J.J.’s 40 and that’s close. He’s dedicated and he truly loves racing. We all got lucky by getting someone like J.J. to pass the torch to, as well as his better half, Dana, who backs him up 100 percent.”
According to Purvis, Williams is also the owner of Williams Trucking, a business that he began with just a small logging crew, but has built into an empire, proving his commitment to perseverance.
“I’m just gonna get in and get my feet wet and try to go from there” J.J. humbly said when asked about his upcoming plans for the track.
Swainsboro Raceway’s first event of the 2023 year is scheduled for February 18, with the annual trade show and swap meet. Then, one of the largest races of the season, the Southern National Super Late model series, and the Crank It Up 100, will be held on Friday, March 3. The remainder of the racing season will follow with every other weekend racing, along with their signature events including the Pine Tree 100, the Southern Classic and the Turkey 100, that have always played a substantial part in the history of the dixie tradition.
Purvis concluded the press conference by thanking every employee who made Swainsboro Raceway what it is today, as well as the community and the dedicated fans for a wonderful 22 years. Purvis also added that he and J.J. are aiming for 60 more years of Raceway magic, and that he is going to remain involved with the track and be of assistance to its new owners as long as he’s able.
To watch the LIVE recording of the press conference, please visit our Facebook page at Emanuel County Live.
