When most people think of Naples, Florida, they picture pristine hotels and sandy beaches, but only a few miles inland, a very different tradition roars to life. In true Floridian fashion, what was once invented for practical use has turned into one of Naples locals’ best and most exciting events. Swamp buggy races are loud, unpredictable, and one-of-a-kind.

Swamp buggies are off-road vehicles with giant tractor tires that blast through water, mud, and deep pits. The races have occurred for 77 years and are now held on a figure-eight course at the Florida Sports Park. Each season kicks off with the annual Swamp Buggy parade, and each year, a young woman is crowned Swamp Buggy Queen.

Family Tradition

Swamp buggy racing is not just a sport, but a family tradition passed down through generations. Competitors can buy the motor, but everything else is built entirely from scratch. Families and close friends work together as teams, spending countless hours in garages preparing their vehicles. All of this is done to win trophies, cash prizes, and most importantly, titles and bragging rights. Often, records are broken by other family members; what uncle can really be annoyed if their own nephew is the one to beat their record? Today, the track record is held by Dan Greenling, who set the fastest lap with a time of 47.97 seconds.

Ansley Carmignani’s family has been a part of the Swamp Buggy Races for over 30 years. She says, “I like the races because I get to see all of my friends and family come together to support my uncle and second cousin. It has been my uncle’s dream to race a buggy ever since he went to the races in elementary school. It is good because he is continuing my great uncle Roger’s legacy in Rat On.”

Risk

The sport is dangerous due to the high speeds, water, and unpredictable terrain. The best racers can reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, but can easily get stuck or even submerged in the deep mud pits. Participants race in a swamp, not on a road or track. Thus, the conditions are less controlled, so mistakes can put drivers at serious risk.

History

In 1921, Ed Frank invented the first swamp buggy called “Tumble Bug.” Back then, the Everglades region was incredibly difficult to navigate. Frank created a tall vehicle on huge balloon tires built from salvaged parts. It was used for everything: from family outings to hunting, the swamp buggy was key to transportation. The state of Florida even used them in law enforcement as early as 1930.

As more and more swamp buggies were made, locals eventually challenged each other for a few races. These first recreational races started around 1943 at Raymond Bennett’s potato farm. More and more racers became interested, leading to the first official Swamp Buggy Races taking place on November 12, 1949, with 50 competitors. 

Now

The races have only become even more popular. In 2022, Formula One drivers Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda even came to Naples to drive these buggies. The prizes are bigger, the buggies are faster, and the racers are more competitive than ever. Swamp buggy racing remains one of Florida’s wildest and most unforgettable experiences.