MERIDIAN, Idaho — For more than half a century Meridian Speedway has been a landmark facility nestled in the heart of the local business community of Meridian, Idaho. For countless race fans, it has been a place where families gather and memories were created. For racers, it has been the weekend oasis away from everyday life for in those few precious hours on a Saturday night heroes were born and legends made.
Originally opened as a dirt track in 1951, Meridian Speedway has stood the test of time where others have ceased to exist. Meridian Speedway continues to shine and that light will shine a bit brighter in 2009 with a new ownership group at the helm. Two local area businessmen in Don Newman along with his wife Bobbi and Al Russell have joined forces with Adam Nelson under the HWY16 LLC banner to ensure the racing tradition continues in the Treasure Valley.
Don Newman was a staple at the track in the early years winning the championship in 1960. Newman left competitive racing in 1965 going on to start several successful businesses in the area. Even though he was not behind the wheel he was still involved in various capacities at the track in those early days. Most recently, Newman has been barnstorming the Western United States with his West Coast Vintage Sprint Car organization.
"I really wanted to stop traveling and race at home," Newman stated. "We had started a deal to acquire the rights to operate the old Chaparral Speedway of highway 16 near Emmett but discussions with the principles at Meridian Speedway and the Dairy Board quickly took off and here we are. I could not be more excited about the team we have assembled and future of the track."
Al Russell, a partner in the new ownership group and who still operates a Yamaha and Honda dealership down in Twin Falls, started racing open wheel race cars at Meridian Speedway in 1965. "We called them Jalopies back then but boy did we have a lot fun," Russell said. "We would race a few times a week and run over in Ontario (OR) as well. I have always raced the open-wheel type of cars and I am thrilled to be able to give back and bring back to a place that has been a big part of my life."
"We really need to thank John Wood for leading the negotiations with Ken Hamilton Promotions and the Meridian Dairy Board," Russell said. "John worked real hard to get this deal closed quickly and we really appreciate his support."
Ken Hamilton promoted the facility from 1989-1998 and again from 2001-2008 and has become one of the living legends of asphalt Sprint Car racing, not only in the local area but around the United States.
Assuming the full-time promotion and general management duties at the famed quarter-mile paved oval is Adam Nelson who is no stranger to the track. "I grew up at the place as a kid," Nelson said. "This is really a homecoming of sorts for Kelly (Spouse) and me. We have been promoting a track in western Oregon for a few years and the opportunity to come home to Meridian is a dream come true."
Nelson, whose father Leroy promoted the facility from 1981-1988 and whose grandfather was involved with the track at the beginning, is quick to point out that even though some things will naturally change, many of the traditional events will be in place for 2009. "We have twelve racing classes at the track and we plan to make only subtle changes," Nelson stated. "The track has always had a traditionally strong Winged Sprint Car contingent we will highlight and honor this class throughout the season along with four special events including the Annual Diamond Cup in June."
"We are also bringing back the popular and successful Rocky Mountain Challenge Series twice this year. The series will headline our Fourth of July event. The race already has people talking and could become one of the biggest Late Model events in the region. The rest of our regular divisions will be on the schedule 10-12 times throughout the year along with a sprinkling of special events like the Eve of Destruction and several non-race night events supporting the Meridian Dairy Board and the local community."
While much of the schedule stays the same for 2009, there will be plenty of new on top of the old. Work has already begun at the track to replace aging concrete and asphalt in the pit area. A new VIP suite will be relocated to a more advantageous viewing area, updates and fixes to all the restrooms, along with repairs to the fan favorite North grandstands. The team is also busy updating the track menu and concession program.
While many changes are in store for fans and competitors alike, much will stay the same. "Our ticket prices, pit passes and competition costs are essentially staying the same," Nelson said. "We really want to increase the entertainment value for all our fans and competitors creating a place where families can be together and enjoy a great evening of fun and excitement. Competitors can expect a firm and fair officiating staff while fans are ensured a family friendly atmosphere. We also will continue to be good neighbors and stewards in the community with our race night events starting by 7pm and ending by 10pm."
Current plans call for a racing schedule consisting of 24-26 events commencing on Saturday, April 25 and continuing through early October. The track will continue its American Speed Association Member Track alliance (ASA) with the popular Modified cars and drivers competing for national honors in the program. For all the latest news, information, and complete racing schedule at Meridian Speedway log on to the new look website at www.meridianspeedwayonline.com.
About HWY 16 LLC
HWY 16 LLC is a collaboration among Don and Bobbi Newman, Al Russell along with Adam Nelson. The group has signed a two-year agreement with the Meridian Dairy Board to operate the race track with an option through 2015.
About Meridian Speedway
Meridian Speedway was originally constructed as a quarter-mile dirt track in 1951. The track was paved in the latter half of the 1962 racing season and has been operated continuously since inception. Davey Hamilton, Indianapolis 500 and Indy Racing League competitor and Randy Tolsma, former open-wheel standout and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series competitor are two notable drivers who started their racing careers at Meridian Speedway. The track long known for its open-wheel and Super Modified racing heritage features one of the most diverse racing programs in the country.
