Salem, its now official

[767]

MAJOR CHANGES IN STORE FOR HISTORIC SALEM SPEEDWAY
OVAL INCLUDING ADDITION OF NEW INFIELD SHORT-TRACK

SALEM, IN, December 18 – Salem Speedway owner, Owen Thompson, announced today that phase one of a major transformation project planned for the historic southern Indiana oval is slated to begin within the next few weeks.

“We are certainly excited to announce the start of a long awaited facility renovation,” said Thompson. “The changes about to take place will unfold over the next three years and greatly enhance the motorsports possibilities for Salem Speedway.”

Phase one of the project will focus on the addition of a 3/8-mile asphalt oval in the infield of the existing .555-mile track.

“The new short-track will be configured for both oval and figure-8 racing,” said Thompson. “It will have many, many functions built into it, including connecting roads to the existing oval to facilitate road racing type events.”

No completion date has been announced for the 3/8-mile track, but a full season of racing is in the planning stages for the 2010 season.

“Weather conditions during the winter and spring months will dictate the construction schedule and completion of the project,” said Thompson. “Everything is in place to move full steam ahead with the undertaking.”

“The new short-track opens up a whole new realm of possibilities for racing at Salem Speedway,” said track general manager Richard Deaton. “It will be suited for everything from figure-8 cars to pure stocks, to Legends Cars and go-carts.”

According to Thompson, entry level racing divisions will play a prominent roll in the development of the new oval.

“We want to provide an opportunity for young and inexperienced drivers to gain pavement experience in an affordable class of cars,” said the track owner.

Deaton points out that longtime fans of the high banks need not worry about the half-mile track playing a lesser roll in the overall picture of the planned motorplex.

“The historic high banks have stood the test of time and will continue to be the centerpiece of racing at Salem ,” said Deaton.

The 3/8-mile track is just phase one of Thompson’s overall plan for the track that first opened in June of 1947. Each year over the next three years the Speedway plans to add a new facet with the culmination being the opening of a drag strip at the current Salem Municipal Airport , which adjoins the Speedway property.

Phase two of the project, scheduled for 2011, includes improvements to the existing .555-mile oval and construction of a .44-mile dirt track.

Thompson and his wife, Beverly, who purchased the track in the summer of 1995, have overseen many facility improvements during their 15 years of ownership. Major renovation projects included the construction of a 9600 sq. ft., three story structure that houses concessions, gift shop, offices, press facilities and hospitality suite.

Other improvements the Thompson’s have made include replacing the metal guardrail that once encompassed the track with a concrete retaining wall, a grandstand expansion, a widening of pit road, installation of new light towers, pavement of all roads in the spectator parking area, construction of a 2,000 square foot open air pavilion for hospitality and making the grandstands handicapped accessible with the addition of a spectator ramp, as well as other smaller projects.

The 2010 Salem Speedway season is set to open on Sunday, April 11, when the ARCA Series, presented by RE/MAX and Menards returns to the high banks for the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA 200.

The full 2010 Salem Speedway schedule will be released in early January.

[RacinHawk]

Well it looks like everybody was right. Asphalt oval with figure 8, a road course, a drag strip, and a dirt track. It'll be interesting to see what their schedule looks like when they release it, as well as what divisions they will run. What kind of figure 8's do you guys think they will run, Xtreme, Dromer type, or FWD?

[RacinHawk]

Oops, can't forget about the Outlaws. Charlie, you know anything?

[Pink Panther 74]

All I can say is just wait for the 2010 IOFS schedule to come out this week!!!!!!

[Code3Racing]

I was told by a member of the track rescue team that they don't think the figure 8 will be complete however the oval will be

[public notice]

i have been hearing this in the form of a rumor for a couple of years. glad to see it become reality.