Thanks to an investment by two local men, four local racecar drivers have had a season to remember.

The closing of the Birmingham International Raceway one year ago put Justin Caton, Tyler Caton, Bobby Knox Jr. and Chase Knox out of a place to race.

But brothers Bobby Knox Sr. and Mark Knox, Chase’s father, purchased and reopened the Montgomery Motor Speedway, allowing the four local drivers—and friends—to have a season to remember.

“It’s really been convenient having a racetrack 40 minutes away,” Chase Knox said.

Knox is the oldest of the four at 26. Both Catons, who like the Knoxes are cousins, are 20. Bobby Knox Jr. is 15.

All race Pro Late Model cars.

Chase Knox and Tyler Caton have raced together before this past season, which ended with a race on Nov. 7. Races at the Speedway will begin again in the spring.

“All of us are excited about next year,” Justin Caton said.