Speedway News
Salem Speedway
Fueled by the Hoosier Lottery
For Immediate Release: Contact: Glenn Luckett
Salem Speedway Releases
Back Home Again to Salem Speedway
Excitement around a 500 Sprint Car Tour event is at an all-time high as the series brings the 65th Running of the Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial back to Salem Speedway. With Kentuckiana Ford Dealers on board as the event's sponsor, and NOS Energy and Hard Truth Distillery as presenting sponsors the historic event returns to Salem Speedway, its original home, for the first time since 2020 when the USAC Silver Crown Series was sanctioning the event. Kody Swanson was the last driver to win the JJ/PO Memorial at Salem Speedway and enters the weekend as the current 500 Sprint Car Tour points leader.
Nostalgia is the name of the game this September, 7th at Salem Speedway. Stories come back to life and traditions become renewed as the second oldest sprint car race in America, only behind the Little 500 at Anderson Speedway, returns to its rightful home. The hallowed grounds of Salem Speedway will once again be brought to life by the thundering sound of a non-wing pavement sprint car speeding around its high banked corners.
With thoughts of renowned drivers such as Jeff Gordon, AJ Foyt, Parnelli Jones, Eddie Sachs, Mario Andretti, Bobby Unser, Rollie Beale, Pancho Carter, Bob Frey, Dave Steele, Eric Gordon, Tony Stewart, and of course, Joe James and Pat O’Connor, drivers of today are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to turn the same corners that their heroes turned decades ago. The list of JJ/PO Memorial winners at Salem Speedway is long and distinguished. Now, another driver will add their name to the storied history of this great event.
2022 500 Sprint Car Tour Champion, Kody Swanson, enters the weekend as the favorite to not only claim victory in the historic event, but to extend his points lead. Swanson is a five-time JJ/PO Memorial Winner, with all five wins coming in the USAC Silver Crown Series. Swanson is also a three-time winner at Salem’s sister track, Winchester Speedway. Winchester Speedway is known as the World’s Fastest Half Mile as its extreme banking creates a daunting challenge for its competitor. Similar in style and fashion, Salem Speedway will reward drivers willing to risk it all. Driving a car sponsored by Salem Speedway and owned by Salem Speedway owner, Nick Bohanon, Swanson knows better than most how to risk it all at a track such as Salem Speedway.
The top five drivers in the 500 Sprint Car Tour points standings are currently separated by only 62 points. With three races left on the schedule, including the unpredictable Salem Speedway, drivers like Bill Wease, Bobby Santos III, Kyle O’Gara, and Jackson Macenko will be looking to maximize opportunity in Saturday’s event. 500 Sprint Car Tour officials conducted a test at Salem Speedway in the Fall of 2023 before making the decision to move the Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial back to the track. Macenko, fresh off a Rookie of the Year campaign, was the driver in attendance for the testing session. Although not in a competitive race setting, he will surely be looking back on that experience to help him gain positions in the championship race.
After losing a spot to Bobby Santos III on the final lap at Berlin Raceway, Billy Wease lost control over the championship. On the flip side of that pass, Santos moved himself into a better position to compete for the Championship. Both drivers are now in a position to earn as many points as possible at Salem Speedway with the Championship still in sight. Kyle O’Gara has had arguably the most eventful chase for a championship in 2024. From driving his way through the field, on multiple occasions, to destroying and rebuilding a race car, O’Gara sits comfortably in fourth place with a chance to pounce on the championship leaders come Saturday.
An optional practice will be contested on Friday from 5:00pm - 8:00pm. Spectator Gates open at 3:00pm with Racing to begin at 7:00pm. Along with the 500 Sprint Car Tour, USSA Kenyon Midget Series and Diesel Boys Race Parts Legends will compete on the ¼ track. Tickets for Saturday’s event at Salem Speedway are available in advance at Salemspeedway.com. Tickets will also be available at the gate.
The 2024 500 Sprint Car Tour season will see nine points earning events across a ten race schedule from early April to mid October. The 76th Annual Little 500 will once again be a non-points earning event for the series, filling out the ten race schedule in its traditional Memorial Day Weekend slot. All races, including the 76th Annual Little 500, will be streamed LIVE on DIRTVision. For more information on the 500 Sprint Car Tour visit: 500sprintcartour.com and be sure to follow on social media (Facebook: 500 Sprint Car Tour | Twitter (X): @500SprintTour | Instagram: @500sprintcartour).
Salem Speedway
Fueled by the Hoosier Lottery
For Immediate Release: Contact: Glenn Luckett
Salem Speedway Releases
Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial Event Advanced Tickets Now on Sale
Salem, IN (August 6, 2024) – Salem Speedway Fueled by the Hoosier Lottery, in conjunction with the 500 Sprint Car Tour, has released the event logo for the upcoming 65th running of the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial Presented by Hard Truth Distillery and NOS Energy Drink, which will take place on Saturday, September 7 th . Also racing that day will be the USSA Kenyon Midget Series and the Diesel Boys Race Parts Legends on the ¼ mile inner Salem track. The Midwest Vintage Racecar Club will also be on hand with vintage race cars on display and making laps on the ½ mile.
The Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial is the second longest running pavement sprint car race in the world behind the Little 500. After traditionally being held at Salem Speedway, with the exception of a few years when the race was held on dirt, the race was held the last two years at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park after not being held in 2021. The race was last held at Salem Speedway in 2020.
The Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial will be sanctioned by the 500 Sprint Car Tour, who sanctioned the event at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park in 2022 and 2023. This year’s event marks the return of nonwing Sprint Cars to the historic ½ mile oval. The last non-winged Sprint Car event at Salem was the 2010 Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial that was won by Shane Hmiel and sanctioned by USAC. The event was run with Wing Sprint Cars from 2011 through 2015. The event was then sanctioned by USAC Silver Crown, where Kody Swanson won the event a record five times in a row from 2016 through 2020.
The past winners of this historic event is a who’s who of open wheel racing including Pat O’Connor (When it was just the Joe James Memorial), Eddie Sachs, Bob Sweikert, A.J. Foyt, Parnelli Jones, Mario Andretti, Bobby Unser, Rollie Beale, Gary Bettenhausen, Tom Bigelow, Pancho Carter, Greg Leffler, Rich Vogler, Steve Butler, Jim Keeker, Kenny Irwin Jr., Tony Stewart, Chet Fillip, Dave Steele, Dave Darland, Eric Gordon, Tracy Hines, Brian Tyler, Bryan Clauson and Brian Gerster.
Hines currently holds the non-wing Sprint Car track record at Salem Speedway at a 15.181 set on August 12, 2000.
Pit gates open on Saturday, September 7 th at 12noon, with spectator gates opening at 3pm. Practice will begin at 3pm, with qualifying set to begin at 6pm. The racing action begins at 7pm. There will be an open practice on Friday, September 6 th from 5 to 8pm, grandstands seating will be free of charge to watch the open practice on Friday.
Advanced tickets are now on sale for the 65th running of the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial Presented by Hard Truth Distillery and NOS Energy Drink through the Salem Speedway website at www.salemspeedway.com or by calling the track office at 866 2GO-RACE. General Admission tickets are $25, chairback seat tickets are $30, kids’ tickets for ages 12 to 6 are $5, kids 5 and under are free.
More information on Salem Speedway Fueled by the Hoosier Lottery and the Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial is available on the track’s website and via social media on Facebook and Twitter (X).
More information on the 500 Sprint Car Tour 2024 season can be found online at 500SprintCarTour.com and via social media on Facebook, Twitter (X), and Instagram.
Salem Speedway Fueled by the Hoosier Lottery
For Immediate Release:
Contact: Glenn Luckett
Hoosier Lottery Returns as Naming Rights Sponsor of Salem Speedway for the 2024 and 2025 Seasons
Salem, IN (March 16, 2024) – Salem Speedway is pleased to announce that the Hoosier Lottery will return as a Corporate Sponsor of the track and will continue as the Naming Rights Sponsor of the track for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. The track will continue to be named Salem Speedway Fueled by the Hoosier Lottery for both seasons.
“We are very happy to have the Hoosier Lottery back as a marketing partner for the 2024 and 2025 seasons,” remarked Salem Speedway Owner Nick Bohanon. “The Hoosier Lottery has been a huge supporter of Salem Speedway for several seasons, and we are honored that they will continue that support with us for the next two seasons. With the support of great sponsors like Hoosier Lottery we will be able to continue improvement projects around the track for the next two seasons!”
The Hoosier Lottery will have a visible marketing presence throughout the track during the entire 2024 and 2025 seasons and will have some special promotions at selected events.
“Indiana is known for its auto racing heritage so a partnership with the Salem Speedway is a great fit for the Hoosier Lottery,” said Sarah M. Taylor, Hoosier Lottery Executive Director. “We are excited to grow this partnership and serve as the Naming Rights Sponsor for the next two seasons as we help rev up the excitement for fans.”
The track will have an open practice on the ½ mile only on Saturday, March 30. The 2024 Season Opener Presented by the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers will take place Sunday, April 14th with the special 50 lap features for the Mike’s Muffler & Brakes Crown Vic Big Track Series and the On-Site Plumbing Heating & Air Crown Vic Short Track Oval Series. The Pro Crafters Salem Super Cars, Diesel Boys Parts Legends and Red Ball Recycling Scrappers will also be in action for the first time in 2024 on that Sunday.
More information on Salem Speedway Fueled by the Hoosier Lottery and the 2024 season is available on the track’s website at www.salemspeedway.com and with social media posts on the track’s Facebook page or contact the track office at 866 2GO-RACE.
ABOUT THE HOOSIER LOTTERY: For over 30 years, Hoosier Lottery distributions have benefited every county throughout Indiana. The Hoosier Lottery has contributed more than $7 billion to good causes, including $30 million to local police and firefighters’ pensions and $30 million to the Teachers’ Retirement Fund annually. The Hoosier Lottery has earned World Lottery Association Level 4 Certification through 2024 for achieving the highest level of responsible gaming. To learn more about the Hoosier Lottery, visit HoosierLottery.com/GivingBack and follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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Contact: Glenn Luckett
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Salem Speedway
January 30, 2024
Kentuckiana Ford Dealers to Sponsor the Return of the Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial
Salem, IN (January 31, 2024) – Salem Speedway Fueled by the Hoosier Lottery officials have announced that the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers will return to support Salem Speedway for the upcoming 2024 season as the title sponsor of the highly anticipated return of the Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial to the famous High Banks. The event will take place on Saturday, September 7th and will be sanctioned by the Auto Value & Bumper to Bumper Parts Stores 500 Sprint Car Tour based out of Anderson, Indiana, home of the famed Little 500.
“We are very excited to sponsor the return of the Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial to Salem Speedway this season,” remarked Steve Motsinger with the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers and Eddie Gilstrap Motors. “We are also very happy to support the return of Sprint Car racing back on the High Banks. Open wheel racing is what made this track famous, and we are very proud to help continue the great history of this racetrack!”
“We really appreciate the continued support of the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers at Salem Speedway,” commented Nick Bohanon, owner of Salem Speedway. “No one has supported this track over the years like the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers and Eddie Gilstrap Motors, we appreciate their support and look forward to what is going to be a huge event on September 7th!”
The Kentuckiana Ford Dealers Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial is the second longest running pavement sprint car race in the world behind the Little 500. After traditionally being held at Salem Speedway, with the exception of a few years when the race was held on dirt, the race was held in 2023 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park as a 500 Sprint Car Tour sanctioned event. The series will continue to sanction the historic event as it goes back to its home track for the first time since 2020.
The USSA Kenyon Midget Series and the Salem Speedway Diesel Boys Race Parts Legends will also be racing on the short track at Salem Speedway on Saturday, September 7th. The Midwest Vintage Racecar Club will have cars on display and on the track, as part of the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial festivities!
Eddie Gilstrap Motors will furnish Salem Speedway with a Pace Truck once again for the entire 2024 season, to pace all the exciting feature events on the famous High Banks! They will also furnish a wrecker again at each event.
More information on Salem Speedway and the 2024 season is available on the track’s website at www.salemspeedway.com and with social media posts on the track’s Facebook page or contact the track office at 866-2GO-RACE.
More information on the 500 Sprint Car Tour 2024 season can be found online at 500SprintCarTour.com and via social media on Facebook, Twitter (X), and Instagram.
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Salem Speedway
January 12, 2024
CRA Street Stocks Enter Rules Alliance with Anderson, Salem, Nashville Speedways
Nashville, TN - Management from Champion Racing Association, Anderson Speedway, Salem Speedway, and Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway have announced a rules alliance for the 2024 season to more easily allow drivers from across the region to compete without the headache of fitting various rules. The effort brings one of the most captivating grassroots racing divisions closer to a unified set of rules allowing locals and regional traveling drivers to more easily compete in events like the prestigious CRA Five Crown Series, King of the High Banks, Salem Halloween 200, and esteemed events at Anderson and Nashville.
For several seasons, the CRA Street Stocks Powered by JEGS have made guest appearances at Anderson, Salem, and Nashville Fairgrounds Speedways, bringing increased purse, a high level of competition, and bragging rights to those already respected facilities. However, for the local Street Stock driver who supported those tracks weekly, the differences in rules presented a challenge to stay legal for the remainder of the regular season, and to compete in the special event. The new Street Stock Rules Alliance brings all four rule books to common ground, with the goal of increased participation at all events.
Track Enterprises President, Bob Sargent spoke on the importance of bringing the Street Stock Series rule book more in line with the tracks that they visit throughout the season.
“CRA has been fortunate in having a strong Street Stock class for many years and I think it can get even stronger with some of our staple tracks working together for unified rules,” Sargent said. “This should really help build toward having bigger car counts for their weekly events in addition to our CRA races on their schedule,” stated Sargent.
While the Street Stock Rules Alliance took some time to put together, the outcome should benefit not only the drivers, but also the tracks, and ultimately the fans as races will be easier to organize, and should produce more participation from drivers across the region. That idea was echoed by Salem Speedway Fueled by the Hoosier Lottery owner, Nick Bohanon. Salem Speedway hosts racing for their Diesel Boys Great American Stocks (GAS) on a regular basis, including high paying shows that put GAS head-to-head with CRA like King of the High Banks and the Five Crown Firecracker 200. Plus, Salem’s staple standalone fall special, the Halloween 200.
“Having a Street Stock Rules Alliance package is something that has been needed for a while,” Bohanon commented. “This should be a good deal for all of Street Stock racing in our region. I hope the competitors understand that this was a big undertaking and there was a lot of give and take from all sides to make this happen,” Bohanon finished.
The furthest track to the north of the alliance, but also the birthplace of Champion Racing Association, Anderson Speedway will again host street stock racing nearly weekly, plus their involvement with CRA Five Crown events offers the chance for their weekly supporters to try and spoil the party for the CRA regulars.
“We are very excited to officially bring street stocks back to Anderson Speedway as a full-time division,” said Speedway VP of Operations, Jared Owen. “It was important for us to have a collaborative rules package for street stock teams to be able to compete at various race tracks throughout the 2024 season,” Owen concluded.
Finally, Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway makes up the fourth part of the Alliance equation. Running on a more part-time schedule, the Nashville street stocks also find themselves racing on the ¼-mile bullring and the ⅝ mile high bank track configurations. The sanctioned CRA Street Stocks races, though, race on the historic highbanks when they visit for the CRA Five Crown and during All American 400 weekend.
The new Street Stocks Rules Alliance will be on display for the first time this season when the CRA Street Stocks unload for the Short Track US Nationals at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday, April 6th.
For more information on Anderson Speedway, log onto www.AndersonSpeedway.com. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
More on Salem Speedway can be found at www.SalemSpeedway.com. Like them on Facebook.
Learn more about Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway at www.NashvilleFairgroundsSpeedway.Racing. Also online on Facebook and Twitter.
Keep up with Champion Racing Association by logging onto www.CRA-Racing.com. Find CRA: Champion Racing Association on Facebook, and follow @CRARacing on X.
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Salem Speedway
December 6, 2023
Salem Speedway Fueled by the Hoosier Lottery Releases 2024 Schedule
Salem, IN (December 6, 2023) – Salem Speedway Fueled by the Hoosier Lottery officials have released the 2024 oval track racing schedule going into the track’s second year of ownership under Nick Bohanon. The track features the historic 555-mile oval that features imposing 33-degree banked turns that first opened in 1947 and a ¼ mile short track inside the half mile oval.
The 2024 schedule is a mix of traditional events and a huge new event and the return of a historic event to the legendary High Banks!
The season will open on Sunday, April 14th with action on the big track from the Salem Super Cars and Mike’s Muffler & Brakes Crown Vic Big Track Series, and racing on the short track that day from the On-Site Plumbing Heating & Air Crown Vic Short Track Series, Diesel Boys Race Parts & Karts Legends, and Scrappers.
The Derby Hangover Duel 75’s will take place on Sunday, May 5th with Diesel Boys GAS Series and Mike’s Muffler & Brakes Crown Vic Big Track Series racing in 75 lap features. Also racing that day will be the Salem Super Cars, On-Site Plumbing Heating & Air Crown Vic Short Track Series and Diesel Boys Race Parts & Karts Legends.
The King of the Highbanks, an exciting new event added to the schedule for 2024, will take place on Saturday, June 8th featuring the Midwest Modifieds Tour Presented by Wheeler Trucking, the Vore’s Compact Touring Series and the CRA Street Stocks/Diesel Boys GAS Series Challenge.
The Semi’s High Banks Challenge will return on Saturday, June 22nd for the American Big Rig Racing Series, which put on a great show this past season battling on the High Banks! Also, racing that day will be the Mike’s Muffler & Brakes Crown Vic Big Track Series, On-Site Plumbing Heating & Air Crown Vic Short Track Series and Scrappers.
The traditional Firecracker 200 Weekend is up next, with racing on both Friday, July 5th and Saturday, July 6th , with Sunday, July 7th as the rain date if needed. On Friday the Diesel Boys GAS Series will have open practice. Racing on Friday will feature the Mike’s Muffler & Brakes Crown Vic Big Track Series in their Big Bang 100, the Salem Super Cars, the first race of the season for the On-Site Plumbing Heating & Air Crown Vic Figure 8 Series and Diesel Boys Race Parts & Karts Legends. On Saturday the On-Site Plumbing Heating & Air Crown Vic Figure 8 Series and Diesel Boys Race Parts & Karts Legends will complete their double header weekend along with the On-Site Plumbing Heating & Air Crown Vic Short Track Series. Saturday night’s main event will be the traditional Firecracker 200 for the Diesel Boys GAS Series with a huge fireworks show after that main event.
The ARCA Menards Series 200 lap event will be held in 2024 on Saturday, July 27th. That race will be the 110th ARCA Menards Series event held at Salem Speedway. The Diesel Boys GAS Series will also be in action that night.
The Cruisin the High Banks event Presented by ACE Hardware of Salem will be on Saturday, August 17th. The Vore’s Welding CRA Late Model Sportsman will be in action that night along with the Diesel Boys GAS Series, Salem Super Cars and Mike’s Muffler & Brakes Crown Vic Big Track Series. There will also be a Classic Car Cruise-In that evening with those cars making laps on the legendary High Banks!
The previously announced return of the Joe Kames/Pat O’Connor Memorial with the Auto Value Bumper to Bumper 500 Sprint Car Tour on Saturday, September 7th will be up next. The Kenyan Midgets and Diesel Boys Race Parts & Karts Legends will also race that night. The Midwest Vintage Racecar Club will also be on hand that night with their cars on display and making some laps on the High Banks!
The first ever Salem Fall Brawl will take place on Saturday, September 21st featuring the Diesel Boys GAS Series, Salem Super Cars, Mike’s Muffler & Brakes Crown Vic Big Track Series On-Site Plumbing Heating & Air Crown Vic Short Track Series, Diesel Boys Race Parts & Karts Legends and Scrappers. Feature winners will receive a pair of boxing gloves as part of their winner’s trophy for this event!
The huge season finally, the 36th Annual Halloween 200 Weekend, will take place on Saturday, October 19th, and Sunday October 20th . On Saturday, Halloween 200 Street Stocks will have open practice. The 3rd Annual Spooky 200 for the Mike’s Muffler & Brakes Crown Vic Big Track Series will take place on Saturday along with racing action from the Salem Super Cars, On-Site Plumbing Heating & Air Crown Vic Short Track Series and On-Site Plumbing Heating & Air Crown Vic Figure 8 Series. Sunday will be headlined by the 36th Annual Halloween 200 along with racing action from Diesel Boys Race Parts & Karts Legends and the Scrappers. There will be an open practice for all divisions on Friday, October 18th .
More detailed information on the 2024 schedule will be released in the near future. More information on Salem Speedway Fueled by the Hoosier Lottery is available on the track’s website at www.salemspeedway.com and with social media posts on the track’s Facebook page.
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Salem Speedway
December 6, 2023
Blockbuster Three Race Collaborative ‘King of the Highbanks’ Features CRA Street Stocks, Midwest Modifieds, Vore's Compacts
Nashville, TN - Officials with Champion Racing Association Powered by JEGS (CRA), Midwest Modifieds Tour Presented by Wheeler Trucking (MWMT), and the Vore’s Compact Touring Series (VCTS) are pleased to announce initial details of the King of the Highbanks Series, featuring three of the Nation’s most iconic and historic high banked ovals. Events that will be prominent on the schedule for the CRA Street Stocks Powered by JEGS, MWMT, and VCTS will be Saturday, April 6th at Bristol Motor Speedway for the 5th installment of the Short Track US Nationals, then Saturday, June 8th at Salem Speedway, and Labor Day Weekend at Winchester Speedway as part of the World Stock Car Festival.
Three of the Midwest's most recognizable short track touring series have partnered with the speedways to showcase the talent and racing craft of the local weekly racer. Starting at Bristol Motor Speedway, a typical home for top racers in NASCAR, the three divisions take ‘one more lap’ around ‘The Last Great Colosseum’ to kick off the three-race collaboration. The first Short Track Nationals went off in 2017 and returns after a three season hiatus. The return of this event was announced during the All American 400 weekend in Nashville, TN, and all parties involved are eager to return.
“On behalf of Bristol Motor Speedway, we’re excited to have these great partners,” said Bristol Motor Speedway’s Trey Hatcher.
Salem Speedway Fueled by the Hoosier Lottery will be the pivot point of the collaboration on June 8th. The Speedway has taken on new life and increased excitement since being acquired by new owner Nick Bohanon this past January, with new General Manager Glenn Luckett. With continued facility upgrades and track surface improvements, the historic Salem Speedway continues to challenge drivers from across the country.
"We are very happy to partner with Bristol Motor Speedway and Winchester Speedway on the King of the Highbanks,” Said Bohanon. “It is awesome to have these three iconic high banked racetracks involved together and is a great opportunity for racers to really challenge themselves and become known as the King of the Highbanks.”
The CRA Street Stocks will be paired with the Salem Speedway Great American Stocks Series at the Salem Speedway event.
The highbank monarch will have their coronation during the World Stock Car Festival at Winchester Speedway as part of Labor Day Weekend. With the reminder above the front stretch crossover, ‘through these gates pass the greatest drivers in the world’, arguably the biggest test of the three races could offer the greatest reward. Three new members of royalty will sit upon the throne if they can master the last phase of the process.
“Our team at Winchester Speedway Is looking forward to being part of this trio of celebrated speedways, as together we host a unique challenge to the racers in their quest to become King of the Highbanks” remarked Charlie Shaw, Winchester Speedway track owner.
Additional information for the King of the Highbanks, including pay structure, format, and other details will be released in the coming weeks.
For more information on the CRA Street Stocks or Champion Racing Association, log onto www.CRA-Racing.com. Find CRA: Champion Racing Association on Facebook and follow @CRARacing on X (formerly Twitter).
Find more on the VCTS… Facebook and www.vctsracing.com
Learn more about the Midwest Modifieds Tour by finding them on Facebook and X.
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Salem Speedway
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Jared Owen
Anderson Speedway
(317) 258-6406
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Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial to Return to Salem
Officials with the 500 Sprint Car Tour, in conjunction with Salem Speedway, have announced that the series will make its first trip to the historic Southern Indiana track in 2024. The event will also see the return of the Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial to Salem Speedway after a short hiatus that saw the event being held at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. The event is set for Saturday, September 7th.
“We are really excited and honored to be able to have the Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial return and have the 500 Sprint Car Tour at Salem Speedway in 2024,” remarked Salem Speedway owner Nick Bohanon. “I’m an open wheel racer, so it was one of my priorities when I purchased Salem to get Sprint cars and the Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial back to the High Banks! We appreciate the 500 Sprint Car Tour giving us the opportunity to host one of their events, Sprint cars and open wheel racing are a huge part of the history here at Salem!”
The Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial is the second longest running pavement sprint car race in the world behind the Little 500. After traditionally being held at Salem Speedway, with the exception of a few years when the race was held on dirt, the race was held this past season at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park as a 500 Sprint Car Tour sanctioned event. The series will continue to sanction the historic event as it goes back to its home track for the first time since 2020.
“We are very excited to not only be going to Salem Speedway, but to be bringing the Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial back to Salem, Indiana,” said Jared Owen - 500 Sprint Car Tour Series Director. “We can't say enough thanks to everyone at Lucas Oil IRP for their willingness to continue the history of this great event. With that being said, we are beyond excited to have the two most historic pavement sprint car races in the world on our schedule, and to be running them, now, at their home tracks.”
Salem Speedway has undergone major improvements since the last time the Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial was competed there. Some of the improvements include new safety lights around the track, a new scoreboard, as well as major improvements to the racing surface and the track lighting. Salem’s continued commitment to not only non-wing pavement sprint car racing, but to preserving the history of their facility, has driven the desire of fans and drivers alike to return to the high banked oval.
Continuing on a trend set in 2023, the USSA Kenyon Midget Series will once again be traveling with the 500 Sprint Car Tour as a companion series. Competing on the smaller, quarter mile configuration at Salem, the Kenyon Midget group will make their debut at the track as the series continues to further the development of open wheel talent across the Midwest. This will be one of many events in 2024 that the Kenyon Midget Series will run in conjunction with a 500 Sprint Car Event.
Once available, more information on the 500 Sprint Car Tour 2024 season can be found online at 500SprintCarTour.com and via social media on Facebook, Twitter (X), and Instagram. Furthermore, more information and updates on the 2024 season at Salem Speedway can be found online at SalemSpeedway.com and via social media posts on the Salem Speedway Facebook Page.
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Salem Speedway
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Contact: Glenn Luckett
Hoosier Lottery Returns as the Naming Rights Sponsor of Salem Speedway for the 2023 Season
Salem, IN (April 19, 2023) – Salem Speedway is pleased to announce that the Hoosier Lottery will return as a Corporate Sponsor of the track and will continue as the Naming Rights Sponsor of the track for the 2023 season. The track will continue to be named Salem Speedway Fueled by the Hoosier Lottery for the upcoming 2023 season.
“We are very happy to have the Hoosier Lottery back as a marketing partner for the 2023 season,” remarked new Salem Speedway Owner Nick Bohanon. “The Hoosier Lottery has been a huge supporter of Salem Speedway for several seasons, we are honored that they will continue that support with us for the upcoming season. With the support of great sponsors like Hoosier Lottery we have been able to do several improvement projects around the track including new pavement on the front stretch and back stretch, reconditioned restrooms and all new equipment in our grandstand concession stand!”
The Hoosier Lottery will have a visible marketing presence throughout the track during the entire 2023 season and will have some special promotions at selected events.
After a poor forecast for this past Sunday postponed the tracks scheduled season open, the track will now kick off its 2023 oval racing season on Sunday, May 7th with the Derby Hangover Twin 75’s Presented by Cooley’s Heating & Air, featuring racing action from the Diesel Boys GAS Series, the Mike’s Muffler & Brakes Crown Vic Big Track Series, On-Site Plumbing Heating & Air Crown Vic Short Track Oval Series, Mack’s Auto & Scrap Recycling Legends and the Salem Super Cars.
More information on Salem Speedway and the 2023 season is available on the track’s website at www.salemspeedway.com and with social media posts on the track’s Facebook page or contact the track office at 866 2GO-RACE.
ABOUT THE HOOSIER LOTTERY: For over 30 years, Hoosier Lottery distributions have benefited every county throughout Indiana. The Hoosier Lottery has contributed more than $7 billion to good causes, including $30 million to local police and firefighters’ pensions and $30 million to the Teachers’ Retirement Fund annually. The Hoosier Lottery has earned World Lottery Association Level 4 Certification through 2024 for achieving the highest level of responsible gaming. To learn more about the Hoosier Lottery, visit HoosierLottery.com/GivingBack and follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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Salem Speedway
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Contact: Glenn Luckett
Salem Speedway’s Season Opener Postponed
Salem, IN (April 14, 2023) – Salem Speedway officials have announced that this Sunday’s Re-Grand Opening event has been postponed until Sunday, September 3rd. With a forecasted 90% chance of rain, dropping temperatures throughout the day and winds from 15 to 25 mph with 40 mph gusts, the decision was made to postpone the event until Sunday, September 3rd. The track will still have its scheduled open practice this Saturday, pits open at 11am with rotating practice from 2pm to 6pm.
The first racing event of the season for the High Banked ½ mile and the ¼ ovals will now be the Derby Hangover Twin 75’s event Presented by Cooley’s Heating & Air on Sunday, May 7th. The first Riverside Drifting event of the season will take place next Friday and Saturday April 21st and 22nd.
More information on Salem Speedway and the 2023 season is available on the track’s website at www.salemspeedway.com and with social media posts on the track’s Facebook page or contact the track office at 866-2GO-RACE.
Salem Speedway
For Immediate Release:
Contact: Glenn Luckett
Impact Rescue Delivers Holmatro Rescue Tools for Salem Speedway Safety Team
Salem, IN (March 24, 2023) – On Thursday, Martin Price with Impact Rescue, delivered the Holmatro Rescue Tools that will be provided to the Impact Rescue Salem Speedway Safety Team for the upcoming 2023 season. These tools will be deployed when an auto extrication is needed on the track. Impact Rescue stepped up to provide these tools at no cost to the track to improve the ability for the Impact Rescue Salem Speedway Safety Team to safely extricate drivers from their damaged racecars when needed.
“I have used Holmatro Tools ever since my start in fire and EMS,” remarked Jonathan Sears, Safety Director for Salem Speedway. “While I was working track rescue at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, we had always used Holmatro Tools. In my opinion these are some of the best tools on the market and I’m proud to have them at my home track! Thanks again Martin Price and Impact Rescue for supporting us!”
In February, it was announced that Impact Rescue will sponsor the Salem Safety Team in 2023.
“We are very happy to have the support of Impact Rescue and Holmatro Tools for our Safety Team for the 2023 season,” remarked Salem Speedway Owner Nick Bohanon. “We are very lucky to have a very dedicated and professional Safety Team that looks out for all the participants at Salem Speedway. The Safety Team takes their jobs very seriously and we appreciate all their work and support of Salem Speedway! We appreciate Impact Rescue and Holmatro Tools for supporting Salem Speedway!”
The Salem Speedway 2023 season will kick off on Saturday, April 8th with the traditional Easter Egg Hunt followed by an open practice for all divisions competing at Salem Speedway in 2023. The racing season will kick off on Sunday, April 16th with the Salem Speedway Re-Grand Opening Presented by Washington County Tourism, featuring racing action from the Diesel Boys GAS Series, Crown Vic Big Track Cars, Crown Vic Short Track Oval Cars, Mack’s Auto & Scrap Recycling Legends, and the exciting Scrapper division.
More information on Salem Speedway and the 2023 season is available on the track’s website at www.salemspeedway.com and with social media posts on the track’s Facebook page. Anyone interested in becoming a marketing partner with Salem Speedway in 2023 can email the track at office@salemspeedway.com or contact the track office at 866 2GO-RACE.
Salem Speedway
For Immediate Release:
Contact: Glenn Luckett
Diesel Boys to be Title Sponsor of Salem Speedway’s GAS Series in 2023
Salem, IN (February 3, 2023) – Salem Speedway officials, in conjunction with Diesel Boys LLC, have announced that Diesel Boys will be the Title Sponsor of the GAS Series for the upcoming 2023 season. This will be Diesel Boys first season as the Title Sponsor of the GAS Series.
“I’m really looking forward to the 2023 season at Salem Speedway,” remarked Brandon Hooker, owner of Diesel Boys LLC. “This is really a cool deal being able to be the title sponsor of the GAS Series, those guys always put on a great show at Salem, and they are well supported by the fans. I’m looking forward to working with new track owner Nick Bohanon and can’t wait to see the improvements and everything he’s going to make happen at Salem Speedway!”
“We really appreciate Brandon and Diesel Boys coming on board to support the GAS Series and Salem Speedway,” remarked Salem Speedway owner Nick Bohanon. “Brandon was one of the first people to call me after we announced the ownership change and told me he wanted to support the track and be the title sponsor of the GAS Series! Brandon has been a big supporter of local racing for many years, people like him are the reason why I jumped on board to purchase the track and see what we can do to take it to another level for the racers, fans and sponsors!”
The Diesel Boys GAS Series will have eight points events during the 2023 season at Salem Speedway, with the 2023 season opener on Sunday, April 16th and the 2023 Season Championship event on September 30th with the ARCA Menards Series event.
More information on Salem Speedway and the 2023 season is available on the track’s website at www.salemspeedway.com and with social media posts on the track’s Facebook page. Anyone interested in being a marketing partner with Salem Speedway in 2023 can email the track at office@salemspeedway.com.
Salem Speedway
For Immediate Release:
Contact: Glenn Luckett
Kentuckiana Ford Dealers and Eddie Gilstrap Motors Return to Support Salem Speedway in 2023
Salem, IN (March 6, 2023) – Salem Speedway officials are happy to announce that the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers along with Eddie Gilstrap Motors will return to support Salem Speedway for the upcoming 2023 season. The Kentuckiana Ford Dealers will be the title sponsor of the 35th Annual Halloween 200 Weekend on Saturday, October 21st and Sunday, October 22nd. The Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 35th Annual Halloween 200 Weekend will feature a full schedule of racing action on both Saturday and Sunday of that weekend including the running of the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 35th Annual Halloween 200 on that Sunday, one of the highest paying Street Stock events in the country.
The Kentuckiana Ford Dealers will also be the Presenting Sponsor of the TLG Peterbilt - Louisville Semi’s on the High Banks Challenge on Saturday, June 17th, featuring the return of full-size semi-truck racing on the High Banks of Salem Speedway, which drew huge crowds when they competed there in 2020 and 2021.
Eddie Gilstrap Motors will furnish Salem Speedway with a Pace Truck for the entire 2023 season to pace all the exciting feature events on the famous High Banks!
“We are very excited to bring the support of the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers and Eddie Gilstrap Motors back to Salem Speedway for the upcoming 2023 season,” remarked Steve Motsinger with the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers and Eddie Gilstrap Motors. “This track has so much great history and is known throughout the country. We look forward to working with new owner Nick Bohanon to keep racing happening at Salem Speedway well into the future!”
“What a terrific boost for Salem Speedway to have both the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers and Eddie Gilstrap Motors back to support the track again this season,” commented Nick Bohanon, Owner of Salem Speedway. “No one has supported this track over the years like the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers and Eddie Gilstrap Motors, we appreciate their support and look forward to building a great relationship with them for years to come!”
The Salem Speedway 2023 season will kick off on Saturday, April 8th with the traditional Easter Egg Hunt followed by an open practice for all divisions competing at Salem Speedway in 2023. The racing season will kick off on Sunday, April 16th with the Re-Grand Opening event featuring racing action from the Diesel Boys GAS Series, Crown Vic Big Track Cars, Crown Vic Short Track Oval Cars, Mack’s Auto & Scrap Recycling Legends, and the exciting Scrapper division.
More information on Salem Speedway and the 2023 season is available on the track’s website at www.salemspeedway.com and with social media posts on the track’s Facebook page. Anyone interested in becoming a marketing partner with Salem Speedway in 2023 can email the track at office@salemspeedway.com or contact the track office at 866 2GO-RACE.
Five-Star RaceCar Bodies to Support Salem Speedway GAS Series in 2023
Salem, IN (January 25, 2023) – Salem Speedway officials, in conjunction with Five-Star RaceCar Bodies, have announced that Five-Star RaceCar Bodies will be a Contingency Sponsor of the Salem Speedway Great American Stocks (GAS) for the upcoming 2023 season. The GAS Series will have eight-point events during the 2023 season at Salem Speedway, starting with the season opener on April 16th, plus the running of the 35th Annual Halloween 200 on Sunday, October 22nd.
Five-Star RaceCar Bodies will sponsor the Five-Star RaceCar Bodies Hardcharger Award at each GAS Series
event during the 2023 season, which will be a $75 Product Certificate to the driver advancing the most positions from their scheduled starting position. In addition, Five-Star RaceCar Bodies will award the 2023 GAS Series Champion with a $500 Product Certificate and will award a $750 Product Certificate by random draw of the top ten in final GAS Series points.
“We greatly appreciate the support of Five-Star RaceCar Bodies for the 2023 season,” remarked Salem
Speedway General Manager Glenn Luckett. “This is just the first sponsor that we will be announcing that will be supporting the very popular GAS Series at Salem Speedway in 2023. The GAS Series has some of the best Street Stock drivers in the country and they prove it each and every race!”
More information on Salem Speedway and the 2023 season is available on the track’s website at
www.salemspeedway.com and with social media posts on the track’s Facebook page.
Glenn Luckett Hired as New General Manager at Salem Speedway
Salem, IN (January 3, 2022) – Salem, Indiana native Glenn Luckett has been hired by new Salem Speedway owner Nick Bohanon to help manage the iconic racetrack located in Salem, Indiana. Luckett started his Motorsports Management career at Salem Speedway in 1995. He remained at the track as the General Manager through the 2000 season before leaving to work full-time for Champion Racing Association, which he co-owned with partner R.J. Scott until selling to Track Enterprises last January.
“I’m really excited to return to my home track,” remarked Luckett. “Nick contacted me to see if I had an interest in coming back to help him manage the track. It was a great opportunity for me to return to where my Motorsports Management career started. I’ve been on the road each season for the past 26 years with CRA, now I can continue to be involved in Motorsports, but have more time to spend with my family. I look forward to working with Nick to keep Salem Speedway one of the iconic short tracks in America!”
Luckett added, “Salem Speedway has always had a special place in my heart, even after I left to run CRA full-time. Asphalt Short Track racing needs the continued support of its racers, fans, sponsors, and officials, I look forward to working with all four at Salem Speedway in 2023 and beyond!”
Salem Speedway opened in 1947 providing fans with exciting fast paced racing on the .555-mile oval that features imposing 33-degree banked turns that were built strictly for speed! Salem is a track steeped in history with many of the giants in auto racing having competed on the treacherous “hills” at some point in their careers, Names such as Ruttman, Carter, Sweikert, O’Connor, Jones, Foyt, Unser, Andretti, Vogler, Allison, Parsons, Waltrip, Schrader, Gordon, and Stewart are just a few names from the past that grace the list of past winners. Current NASCAR Stars Chase Elliott, Christopher Bell, Erik Jones and Mitchell, Indiana’s own Chase Briscoe have also competed on the High Banks while advancing their careers.
More information on Salem Speedway and the 2023 season will be posted on the track’s website at www.salemspeedway.com and with social media posts on the track’s Facebook page.
Nick Bohanon Takes Over Ownership of Salem Speedway
Salem, IN (December 30, 2022) – Former USAC Midget racer Nick Bohanon has taken over ownership of the iconic Salem Speedway Fueled by the Hoosier Lottery, located in Salem, Indiana. Bohanon, a Southern Indiana native, has raced on the famous High Banks of Salem Speedway and looks forward to shaping the track's future.
“I’m really excited about acquiring Salem Speedway and looking forward to what the future entails for this historic track,” said Bohanon. “I definitely want to clean the place up, paint it, do something with the signage out front. There are improvements that I want to make to the pavement, the pit area, lighting, infield concessions, infield restrooms and the scoreboard. It will be a process of getting those done over the next several years. I’m ready to get started on making improvements as soon as the weather lets us. It is definitely going to be an investment, but this place has such a great history that I think it can still be one of the nicest short tracks in the country!”
Bohanon added, “We want to continue our Great American Stocks series, they have a great following and put on great racing. We will keep the other local divisions that have been running at the track and plan to continue to bring in some additional outside touring series to keep fans interested in coming to all our events. We want all of our events to be big shows. We are in the process of finalizing our 2023 schedule and will have that out next week!”
Salem Speedway opened in 1947 providing fans with exciting fast paced racing on the .555-mile oval that features imposing 33-degree banked turns that were built strictly for speed! Salem is a track steeped in history with many of the giants in auto racing having competed on the treacherous “hills” at some point in their careers, Names such as Ruttman, Carter, Sweikert, O’Connor, Jones, Foyt, Unser, Andretti, Vogler, Allison, Parsons, Waltrip, Schrader, Gordon, and Stewart are just a few names from the past that grace the list of past winners. Current NASCAR Stars Chase Elliott, Christopher Bell, Erik Jones and Mitchell, Indiana’s own Chase Briscoe have also competed on the High Banks while advancing their careers.
More information on Salem Speedway and the 2023 season will be posted on the track’s website at www.salemspeedway.com and with social media posts on the track's Facebook page.