Since its founding in 1954, the Natural Bridge Speedway has been the hot spot for Rockbridge County drivers.

"NBS has been around my entire life," said co-owner Karey Ramsey. Her father raced there when she was a child, and her husband's father also raced years ago.

"R. K. Mast, father of retired Winston Cup driver Rick Mast of Rockbridge Baths, owned it back then," she said. Ramsey and her husband, Larry, bought the speedway with their business partners in March 2006.

The speedway was recognized at last week's Board of Supervisors meeting for its contribution to Rockbridge County's economy. Ramsey was pleased to hear that the track was applauded at the meeting.

"We have made many improvements in a short time," she said. "We are trying very hard to make NBS a place that people want to come to every Saturday night with their families."

Drivers as young as 16 can compete in several categories organized by the driver's experience and car model. Drivers build their cars to the specifications of the category they choose.