I-35 Speedway LLC (Winston) Begins New Era

Winston, Mo (12-20-07)-Everyone has wondered what would happen to the track formerly known as Winston Speedway after they ended the season early in 2007. Well, all that can be forgotten as a new era begins. Mike Johnson is the new owner and has many plans to make the track a premier racing facility.

The name was the first change. Now to be known as I-35 Speedway LLC many things lie ahead in the future of the race track.

The first thing that was put in motion was a date and time for the drivers/rules meeting. It will be at the American Legion Hall in Smithville, on January 19th at 10:30 am. The Legion Hall is located at 2607 NW State Route 92. Point trophies will be given out in the IMCA Modified, SportMod and Stock Car classes as well as the Hornet class and even the IMCA Crate Late Model class at the meeting as a good will gesture to the drivers from the new owners.

The season is tentatively scheduled to start on April 5th. The plan is to run through the end of October if the weather allows that. Every Saturday night you will see the IMCA Modified, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA SportMod, the Hornets and making a return after a one year absence, the Grand Nationals. All these classes will race every Saturday night for 2008 and beyond. Yes, the Grand Nationals are back and here to stay.

The first change in appearance at the facility will be the track surface. Right now the track is shaped with a long front and back stretch and very tight corners at each end. The new surface will have more bank like it used to be and shorter straights for much more exciting racing.

There will also be more lights put in the infield for better vision on the track. And more lights hung in the pit area. The pit area will also be expanded to fit the needs of a growing track and more cars.

The drivers and race cars will also enter the pit area in a different place than the fans. This should cause less congestion at the admission building and make for a better flow while drivers and fans enter the facility.

The bleachers in the pit area are definitely showing their age and need some attention, as well as the grand stands for the fans. There will also be seating for the handicapped with a cement area for easier mobility.

There are some bad/weak spots in all the fencing around the track and pit area. All that will be serviced and repaired.

Of course the concession stand will also get some attention to make it much more appealing to the fans.

The catwalk is only a couple years old but needs more support and possibly a new entry onto it for a better flow for the pit side fans.

There are plans for Suites at the back of the grand stands. For those fans or businesses that don’t want to set outside to watch the races.

Overall, it is just time for a general makeover. Some landscaping may be done throughout the year to make the entire facility more appealing and friendly to all the fans.

With all these things in the plans to make a better racing program on Saturday night, it will take time. As soon as the weather is good enough to do anything from track changes to just simple painting, it will begin.

The single biggest thing that has been repeatedly said over and over is fairness and consistency. The rules are written to keep everybody at somewhat the same level. If you are not within the rules you should expect to be disqualified. Everyone will be treated equally, both on and off the track. There will be no favoritism or inconsistent calls.

Everyone involved is super excited about the future of I-35 Speedway LLC.