Funkster, least I can tell is 1982 when they cut Nazareth down from 11/8 to 1 mile.The only one before that for strictly auto racing appears to be Langhorne.
As for atmosphere, before they had a couple rainouts and didn't run, the Hoosier Hundred was growing in the late 90's and early 2000's.

They'd have a snakepit in turn 1, be like a big party. Even Roman Comer came out from Phoenix. Actually was beginning to take on the atmosphere of an "event" as some people call it.

As for crowds, the first night show at DuQuoin packed the place.

Unfortunately , as much as I love the champ dirt cars, my boss is right. The attention span and interests of the younger generation are no longer what they once were.I can't say it can't be done, but there is a lot of work ahead.
The stabilization of the rules package this year is a step in the right direction.

One thing they can do , which would be like other motor sports events, is open the pits up before on track activities start. Let the fans up close to the cars and drivers. The young guys would like the gearhead approach, and also get to know the faces behind the names. The dirt series in this country don't get nearly the coverage the stock car deals get, so make the drivers and cars more accessible . It's a lot more enjoyable to see them in person , instead of on TV.