MADERA, California -- The Madera District Fair Board announced on Tuesday, November 16, 2004, that they were awarding a contract to operate the Madera Speedway to a new Promotional Group. Effective with the 2005 Racing Season, Bright Star Promotions will be operating the 1/3 mile paved oval at the Madera District Fairgrounds.
Bright Star Promotions management team will be headed by Miss Elizabeth Ann Williams, a very successful Northern California businesswoman. Miss Williams experience ranges from residential real estate construction and management to insurance underwriting, and private financial consulting. She is an alumna of UCLA, Stanford University, and The American College. Miss Williams is the principal owner of Bright Star Promotions and will serve as Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer.
The day to day track operations will be run by Mr. Ken Coventry. Mr. Coventry has been involved in the Central California motorsports scene since 1950. Starting out in Drag Racing in his early career, he later moved into the popular oval track scene. Ken previously promoted the Madera Speedway for the Fair Board from 1984 through 1994. Madera Speedway experienced major growth in fan participation and car count throughout Mr. Coventry’s tenure. He later promoted the Plaza Park Speedway in Visalia, California and then returned to Madera as Competition Director and Operations Manager. He then served several years as the Technical Director and Executive Director of Davey Hamilton’s Supermodified Racing League. Mr. Coventry is also a very successful engine builder who supplies engines for several stock car and open wheel race teams. Ken brings a wealth of experience to his Operations Manager Position, and will be the on site Director for Bright Star Promotions. The third member of the management team is Mr. Rick Cameron. Rick is a degreed engineer with extensive knowledge in product development. He has over 25 years experience in new business development and marketing for many of the premier high tech firms in California’s Silicon Valley. Cameron will be in charge of development and implementation of a marketing plan for the Madera Speedway, including the development of Corporate Sponsorships and local business involvement. An accomplished racer, Rick has competed in stock car and open wheel competition throughout the Western United States.
Bright Star Promotions plans to create a “fan friendly family entertainment atmosphere” at Madera Speedway. This will include affordable ticket prices, family ticket packages, a family seating section in the grandstand, a children’s entertainment area, a reasonably priced concession menu, midway exhibits and entertainment, and exciting racing programs. The group plans to align with local charitable organizations for some special promotions.
The racing program at Madera Speedway will feature weekly racing in both open wheel and stock car divisions. Open wheel divisions will include 360 Winged Supermodifieds, 360 non-winged Sprint Cars, Ford Focus Midgets, and the popular 4 cylinder Toyota Modifieds. Stock car classes will include Late Model Sportsman, Street Stock, IMCA style modifieds, and the Stock Toyota Sedans. These divisions will rotate weekly with three or more of the divisions competing each week. Madera will also feature several touring classes including the Supermodified Racing League, USAC Western States Sprint Car and Midget Series, and the SRL Wild West Shootout Late Model Series.
There are plans to invest in the physical plant at Madera Speedway as well. Plans include upgrading the facilities, expanding the midway area, and improved concessions. The pit area will also be improved to create a more comfortable situation for the competitors.
Bright Star Promotions hopes to turn Madera Speedway into the Premier Motorsports Venue in Central California.
