MIDLAND, Texas -- Murray Erickson of Odessa, TX announced today that Jeb Onweiler of Eagle, Idaho has become the new co-owner and operator at Champion Motor Speedway (formally Midessa Speedway). Onweiler, a veteran motorsports promoter, has operated raceways in California, Idaho, North Carolina, South Carolina, Oregon, Hawaii, and Nevada.
The new Champion Motor Speedway (CMS) will offer a wide variety of entry-level to feature series racing on Saturday nights. Future improvements at the progressively banked 3/8-mile clay oval will feature new racing divisions and expanded operations including: improved grandstands, trackside tailgating, remodeled restrooms, facility lighting, public address system, beer garden, band stand area, and VIP hospitality village
Kids activates will also play an important role at all CMS events. The adult-supervised Earnhardt Memorial Park™ will be introduced featuring the ‘KidsZone Klub’ playground, along with Bounce houses, Bicycle races, EconoBox drags, Kiddy Karaoke, and more.
Stated Erickson; “Midland-Odessa needs and deserves a first-class racing facility. I feel Jeb’s experience in the motorsports industry will be a great asset at Champion Motor Speedway. Jeb has over 25 years of NASCAR, NHRA, SCCA, and AMA motorsports expertise. With the rapid growth and tremendous popularity of auto racing over the last several years, his knowledge and creativity will help us offer the best in racing and family entertainment.”
“I’m real excited about this new venture, said Onweiler. I feel confident that we’ll be able to provide strong entertainment value for the west Texas region. The track is situated less then 10 miles from two major cities, Midland and Odessa. Including the other surrounding communities, we have over 250,000.00 people living within a 50-mile radius of CMS. The local economy is vibrant and indicators point towards long-term stability. The local race fans have expressed strong interest in our family-oriented racing program. In fact, the number one concern I hear from many folks is the lack of family entertainment in the area. So we’ll work diligently to fill that important void in the market place.”
Onweiler continued, “The local business and media outlets have also expressed interest in partnering with us. And most importantly, Murray is willing to invest what it takes to get this project on solid ground. So we’re both committed to the future at CMS, and we both have a vested interest in the outcome. In short, I think we have the necessary resources in hand to produce success in west Texas.”
Erickson concluded; “Jeb feels it’s important that we focus on providing genuine and affordable family-oriented entertainment. We both agree that there needs to be non-stop fun and excitement for everyone in attendance. Jeb has a wide variety of new entry-level and feature racing divisions that we plan to implement next season. 2007 should be a banner year here at the new Champion Motor Speedway.”
A “meet the manager” drivers day will be held at CMS on October 5 at 6:30pm. All racers and team owners are encouraged to attend, as they’ll have the opportunity to meet Onweiler and offer their opinions about the new racing program.
CMS is located halfway between Midland and Odessa, just off Business Route 80. The official CMS website will be www.ChampionMotorSpeedway.com and should be online in the next few weeks. For more information, please contact Jeb Onweiler at 1.432.272.0325 or at JJO@grandecom.net
