As the 2020 Racing Season is approaching many are wonder what is happening with racing in the state of Iowa. Well I don't know that answer because just as I get some schedule from race tracks, a few more we find out are in limbo.
One track I was suprised to see open up in the last week was the Sports Park Raceway in Fort Dodge promoted by Jason Vansickel and Dave Doughty. However I understand their reason for stepping down as they both have succesful businesses, between the stress of those businesses and spending countless hours working at the race track to put on a great show every week can take a toll. I had the pleasure to announce 3 nights in 2019 at Sports Park Raceway and had fun doing because they were amazing to work and I could tell they put their heart and sole every week but I could also tell it was becoming very stressful at times as well. I hope somebody steps up to promote the Sports Park Raceway in 2020 because it is a pretty unique facility but lastly thanks Jason and Dave for the last 3 years.
Another one that opened up last week was the Buena Vista Raceway in Alta known as "The Beaver" when Promoter Joey Ciechanowski decided not to renew his contract and return the track back over to the Buena Vista County Ag Association. What this means for the 3/8 mile race track in Alta is unknown at this time but the Buena Vista Raceway has been down this road before I would not be surprised if a new promoter is not found, the Fairboard it's self will run it in 2020 so keep your eyes out.
I have heard the Shelby County Speedway in Harlan, may be open because they have not announced a promoter for the 2020 season yet. Something must be close to being announced along that route as the Karl Chevrolet Dirt Truck Series announced they will have a race there on Saturday June 27th and the Malvern Bank SLMR Late Models are there on Saturday July 18th.
Last August, I knew the Hancock County Speedway was becoming open when 4 Wide Promotions told the Fairboard that they were to step down from being the promoters allowing enough time for the Hancock County Fairboard to find a new promoter. I learned last week, that Ryan Ruter will be the new promoter of the Hancock County Speedway. Congrats to the Triple Nickel on your new business adventure. I know one thing the Hancock County Speedway is one amazing place and I had fun working there the last three years for 4 Wide Promotions and would be honor to come back if asked.
Tracks that are open at this time, that I have no information on is the Dubuque County Fairgrounds Speedway
Other tracks have new people in charge in 2020 :
- Adams County Speedway in Corning announced Mike Van Genderen as Race Director for the Adams County Fair & Racing Association
- Independence Motor Speedway announced JJAM Racing will be the new promoter in charge in 2020 with Mick Trier as Promoter and Justin Temeyer as Track Manager / Race Director.
- Maquoketa Speedway will be ran by the Jackson County Fairboard with Kevin Feller as the Track Manager for 2020.
- Park Jefferson International Speedway is looking for a new General Manager as Rod Olson stepped down to head up the successful Midwest Madness Tour in 2020
These are the racing tracks that I know of changes as I contiune to gather race track schedules for the 2020 season with plans to post them in Late February or Early March as they will become more official.
On Tuesday, the Racing world lost a great man. That man's name was Larry Larson, the name might not ring a bell but if you have ever been at a local race track in Iowa instantly you will go that guy. Larry was a dirt track racing super fan and would have conservations many times with drivers before and after the races even if the drivers had a bad night, instantly he made the drivers feel better and brightening their spirits. Larry on occasions sang the National Anthem at race tracks because that was his favorite song to sing and would be seen in victory lane every night congratulating drivers. If you have ever been to the Super Nationals, you know those freshly chalk painted lines telling you to keep right of the lines which many people you had better watch out when he was running the painted because he stopped for nobody. Thoughts and Prayers to Larry's Family.........Rest in Peace Larry!
