Shiawassee County Board of Commissioners Approves First Ever Planned Unit Development (PUD) Zoning In Support Owosso Speedway Expansion

February 19, 2025

The Shiawassee County Board of Commissioners approved the establishment of Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning for the Owosso Speedway at its February meeting. The action, which also had the support of the Shiawassee County Planning Commission and Middlebury Township, is the first ever in the county’s history.

The purpose of a PUD is to allow for multiple activities on one property, and is negotiated between the county and the applicant to ensure there is both flexibility and also appropriate protections for the community. The Owosso Speedway is in the process of a $180 million expansion that will result in having seating for 20,000 spectators, a variety of events on site (including a concert planned for later this summer) and additional supporting uses like a campground and potentially a future hotel/event center.

“The Owosso Speedway is the oldest track in the state (starting in 1939), and we are excited to invest in its future with these improvements that will bring in many more visitors from around Michigan and the United States. Thank you to the Board of Commissioners, Planning Commission and Middlebury Township for their support in making this investment possible,” said owner Rex Wheeler.

“On behalf of the Board of Commissioners, we are excited to support the Speedway and its growth here in Shiawassee County. It is making a very positive impact on our local economy, creating many new jobs and increased spending at local businesses. We are looking forward to the next PUD project that has significant benefit like this one,” said Board Chairman Greg Brodeur.

“Rex and his team have quickly made the Speedway into one of the top tourist destinations not only in Shiawassee County, but the entire State of Michigan. We believe they are on a path to becoming the top short track in America and are excited to continue assisting their efforts in any way we can,” said Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership President/CEO Justin Horvath.