4/4/2016
I-35 Speedway
A First of Many Firsts
Wow! One hundred and fifteen racecars were in attendance for opening night at I-35 Speedway. Opening night was full of excitement, the grandstands were full of race fans, some from other states, the suites were full of race fans, the pits were full of racecars, and it was nonstop racing all night long including the ten minutes for intermission. Yes, during intermission the powerful racing of the up and coming next racing generation took to the track, the Power Wheel racers. Entertainment all night long.
Now for a first. Several Hobby Stocks who were in Boone Iowa when the races there were cancelled began calling I-35 Speedway wanting to race with us. They knew that I-35 Speedway is always a well prepared track (what a great reputation to have) and they wanted to race. However, their cars no longer fit the rules of the Pure Stock class. As a competitor and sponsor Brandon Pitts called asking to allow the group to run as their own class. He stated there would be 12 to 15 racers. After some quick coordination it was determined we could accommodate them into our racing program. This was an added bonus for the race fans and allowed a group of drivers to open their season at I-35 Speedway. Thank you to Brandon Pitts owner of Pitts Lawn and Tree Service and to owners Mike and Kyle Johnson for making this happen, a win win situation for all involved.
How did we know we had fans from other states, why social media of course, one gentleman was from Green Bay Wisconsin and he really liked the facility and was impressed on the cleanliness and organization. Another person who runs a northern sport mod, also from Northern Wisconsin, left a message “You guys have a really great facility! I wish our tracks run as fast what yours did!” Another race fan left a message they were from Iowa and enjoyed receiving a tour of a racecar hauler and then having pictures of their little one in a racecar. The tour was provided by track owner Mike Johnson.
Speaking of firsts, this year I-35 Speedway is creating a bunch of firsts including adding the United Late Model Association (ULMA) Late Models this upcoming race night April 9. Yes, Late Models are returning to I-35 Speedway. On June 11 the Super Late Model Racing Series (SLMR) will be coming to compete at I-35 Speedway. For each of these series this will be their first time at I-35 Speedway.
On July 16 another first will occur, the USMTS Modifieds and WAR Non Wing Sprint Cars will both be in action, as they team together to bring race fans modifieds and non wing sprint cars on the same night.
August 12 and 13 bring your appetite and your thirst as I-35 Speedway will hold Smokin Trackside BBQ and Brew Bash. This event ties together the microbrew industry with the Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned BBQ contest and with racing, another first for the track and the area.
So as you can see adding a class on short notice was just the first of many firsts to come this year.
Article Credit: J D Green
Submitted By: J D Green
