The Short Track Coffee Story

Every great community has a place where people gather.

For some, it’s a neighborhood diner. For others, it’s around a campfire. For us, it’s under the lights of a local short track with a hot cup of coffee in hand.

That’s why Short Track Coffee exists.

My love for short track racing began in the early 1980s. Every Saturday night, my father loaded my two brothers and me into the car and headed to historic Macon Speedway in Illinois. Those nights taught me that short track racing isn’t just about the cars. It’s about families, friendships, traditions, and the communities that keep local racing alive.

After serving 35 years as a logistician in our United States Army, I retired with a deep appreciation for another kind of community. Throughout my military career, coffee brought people together. Whether it was before sunrise, after a long day, or during difficult moments, conversations almost always started with a fresh cup.

In 2025, I had the privilege of working alongside Mike Klemmer at Aerial Resupply Coffee. Watching veteran-owned coffee being roasted with purpose made something click. Coffee and grassroots racing have more in common than most people realize. Both create places where people gather, share stories, build friendships, and support one another.

That realization became Short Track Coffee.

We’re proud to offer premium, veteran-owned, veteran-roasted coffee inspired by America’s grassroots racing community.

Every bag celebrates the racers, crews, officials, track owners, sponsors, volunteers, photographers, concession workers, and loyal fans who make Saturday nights possible.

Whether you’re heading to the track before the gates open, watching from the grandstands, or simply enjoying a quiet morning at home, we hope every cup reminds you why local racing matters.

Thank you for being part of our story. See you at the track.

David Thompson