The late start to the season gives the crew at 141 Speedway an opportunity to get more work done.

Today I stopped in at 141 Speedway to see how things are progressing with the new ownership. While the construction work may give the appearance that the track isn’t ready, that is far from the case. Chet Christner, Operations Manager of 141 Speedway, took some time out of his busy day to tell me about what’s in the tank for the track this season, and beyond.

With several improvements, the track isn’t the only part getting attention. Once you walk through the entrance, you’ll start to notice the changes. Chet hopes to streamline the process, eliminating the wristband and using a hand stamp. This alone will save time, as you pay you get stamped. You can also sign up for VIP seating right in the entrance area, rather than going to the bar.

Concessions are also going to be different. Don’t worry, the menu hasn’t changed, and the famous ribeye steak sandwich is still there. There is however, going to be a more streamlined method to getting your grub with a buffet style setup.

There is a new wheelchair pad on the other side of the bar, though the railing has not yet been added, so for safety reasons that won’t be open this weekend.

141 Speedway now has a scoreboard! Located in the center of turns one and two, it can be seen from the entire grandstand area, as well as the pits.

The track is ready for cars to race. There’s no doubt about that. Some projects are still in progress, with many more in the chute. There will be times during the season when you walk in the gates and something will be different. It’s all about improvement. Chet realizes that not only are the drivers important, the fans are as well. So the goal is to make it a great experience for all who attend.

Ideas are something that will never fall short. “I’m taking things that I liked from tracks I’ve seen across the country”, Chet claimed. For Chet, this is a passion.

With the announcement of Luxemburg Speedway and 141 Speedway teaming up for a “Two-Track Challenge”, as well as the Red, White, and Blue races, and the $10,000 to win Clash at the Creek, there’s no shortfall of racing events either. But Chet isn’t looking at shuttering the windows in October when the dirt season ends. Already in the plans are snowmobile races, and a few other events that are in the works. The plan is to have a year-round schedule, with a little something for everybody.

I don’t want to give everything away, so head out to the track and see for yourself. Racing starts at 6pm every Saturday, with the 2014 season kicking off on April 26th.

IMG_2587

IMG_2586

IMG_2585

Comments

comments