06/02/2026
Dispute at Oak Level Raceway Sparks Social Media Back-and-Forth
A disagreement between a race-winning driver and officials at Oak Level Raceway has generated significant discussion on social media following events that unfolded during a recent race night.
Driver Jeff Parsons said the dispute began when his wife, Shannon, and their 18-month-old son were allowed by a track official to enter the infield area so they could watch the race without having to navigate the grandstands with a stroller. Parsons claims the group was later confronted by the track owner and told they could not remain in the area.
The situation reportedly escalated after Parsons won the race. According to Parsons, comments exchanged following a post-race interview led to track officials asking his team to leave the facility and informing them they would not be welcome back.
In response, Oak Level Raceway defended its actions, stating the infield had been closed for the past two weeks due to ongoing construction and safety concerns. Track officials said no spectators were permitted in the area and expressed concern about a child being present in a stroller inside the infield during racing activities.
The track owner later released a video statement explaining that the infield was closed because of construction equipment, excavation work, and other hazards. He said officials acted in the interest of safety and would not tolerate behavior they believed could put spectators at risk.
Shannon Parsons disputed the track's account, saying she believed the location where she was standing was safe and that she had been given permission by track personnel to enter the area. She also said the disagreement could have been avoided if concerns had been addressed in a different manner.
The exchange continued online, with both sides sharing their versions of events through Facebook posts and comments. The incident has drawn widespread attention among local racing fans, with many weighing in on the balance between safety enforcement and customer relations.
No injuries were reported, and no criminal charges have been filed. The controversy remains a topic of discussion throughout the regional racing community.
