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Archie Adams Sr. Wins Dillon Motor Speedway Challenger Championship At 84-Years-Old

by Hunter Thomas October 21, 2025 0 comments

DILLON, SC – At 84-years-old, Archie Adams Sr. was crowned the oldest track champion in Dillon Motor Speedway history after winning the 2025 Challenger Championship.

Adams started his racing career in 1959 when he was a teenager. He immediately fell in love with the sport while helping a friend, and when the passion grew strong, he decided to build his own race car. Back then, the McColl, SC native had to shape the roll bars by bending them in the fork of a tree. Today, everything is different, but he still has fans cheering him on in the grandstands.

“I enjoy seeing the people,” Adams said. “Most of them are friendly and will help you anyway they can. People follow me all over the country. Everywhere I’ve raced, I’ve had people to follow me.”

This year at Dillon Motor Speedway, Adams didn’t win a race; however, his secret to success was consistency. Adams finished every race towards the front of the field and built up enough points to claim the Challenger Championship.

“I love the track,” Adams said. “I ran this track when it was dirt. When it was first built, I ran it when it was dirt until it closed and then I’ve run it some ever since they paved it.”

Dillon Motor Speedway Owner and Operator, Ron Barfield said, “Archie Adams Sr. and his family have served as a cornerstone to race weekends ever since I brought the track back to life in 2007. Adams Sr. is one of our longtime stars, and I’m happy to see him win this championship. He’s an inspiration to all drivers who want to have long careers.”

Adams has raced all over the country throughout his 66 years of racing. He has more trophies than he can count, and he’s not done just yet. Adams is a one-man team in the shop, carrying out most of the preparation needed for race weekends, but his son, Michael Adams assists on race days. While he continues to age, he still loves competing and plans to do so until he’s not able to do so anymore.

“I still enjoy racing,” Adams said. “I’m going to try it again, so long as I can and I’m able to. I appreciate all the support and the sponsors who have helped me over the years. I definitely thank Ron and his dad and his mom, the whole Barfield family for everything they’ve done for me this year.”

In addition to Adams Sr. winning the Challenger Championship, his son, Archie Adams Jr. won the Late Model Championship at Dillon Motor Speedway this year as well.

Dillon Motor Speedway will be back in action on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 31 – Nov. 1, for the 22^nd Annual Fall Spectacular 400. The prestigious weekend will feature nine divisions, including Late Models, Super Trucks, Challengers, Street Stocks, Four Cylinders, Crown Vics, CEMCA Mini Cups and two divisions of Legend Cars.

On Friday, Oct. 31, gates will open at 1 p.m. for practice that will last from 2 – 5 p.m.

On Saturday, Nov. 1, gates open at 9 a.m. Practice will get underway at 11 a.m., followed by qualifying at 2:30 p.m. The green flag will wave to start the races at 4 p.m.

For more information on Dillon Motor Speedway, visit dillonmotorspeedway.com or call 843-496-4792.

Photo Credit: Adams Racing