CARSON CITY, Nevada-- Henry Hodges and Jim Bawden of Champion Speedway have announced that Jeb Onweiler of Boise, ID will become the new General Manager effective October 1, 2002. Over the past several years, Onweiler has operated speedways in California, Idaho, North Carolina, South Carolina, Oregon, and most recently in Hawaii.
Kris Martin, the interim General Manager for the 2002, has chosen to spend more time with her family and pursue new interests and opportunities.
Said Martin, “My position as GM this year has been an interesting and challenging experience. Last winter my husband Jim, who serves as business manager for the track, asked me to operate the track. I really enjoyed the experience and made close friendships with many of the drivers, staff members and race fans. It takes a dedicated staff and loyal fans to make it work – and Champion Speedway has both. Special thanks needs to go out to our great sponsors, because without them, we wouldn’t be able to produce quality events at the speedway. I’d also like to thank Jim Bawden and Henry Hodges for giving me the opportunity to contribute and I’ll continue to support the speedway in any way I can. I look forward to working with Jeb during this transitional period and wish him and everyone associated with the Champion Speedway the very best of luck in 2003 and beyond.”
From March through October, Champion Speedway offers a wide variety of stock car and open wheel racing every Saturday night. Future improvements at the high-banked 1/3-mile oval will include new racing divisions, improved lighting, public address system, VIP hospitality village, along with bicycle races, playground, and junior fan club for the kids.
Stated Hodges; “We feel Jeb’s experience in the motorsports industry will prove to be a positive asset for Champion Speedway. Jeb has over 20 years of NASCAR and NHRA motorsports and promotional expertise. With the rapid growth and tremendous popularity of auto racing over the last several years, his knowledge and creativity will help Champion Speedway continue to offer the best in racing and entertainment. Kris and Jim Martin have done a tremendous job this year looking after the fans, drivers and staff. Their hard work and dedication has provided an excellent basis for continued racing success in Carson City.”
Bawden added; “Jeb feels it’s important that we continue to provide genuine, affordable family-oriented racing on Saturday nights. We all agree that there needs to be non-stop fun and excitement for the entire family. Jeb has a wide variety of new racing and family-oriented entertainment ideas that we look forward to implementing next season. We feel certain that 2003 will be a banner year here at Champion Speedway. I’d also like to thank Kris and Jim for their tireless efforts this year and wish them nothing but the best of luck.”
Onweiler concluded with; “Kris and Jim have done a great job with the track this season and have handed me a solid foundation to build on. As a result, I’m real excited to have the opportunity to promote motorsports at Champion Speedway in 2003. I’ve always enjoyed spending time in the Carson City area, and I feel confident that we’ll be able to produce strong entertainment value for the northern Nevada region. Champion Speedway is a fantastic facility - with a friendly and accommodating staff. Carson City is a fun place to play with lots of great shopping, restaurants, and casinos to choose from. And of course, beautiful Lake Tahoe - and everything it has to offer - is only 15 miles up the highway. In my opinion, Champion Speedway and Carson City truly does have it all.” Be sure to include Champion Speedway on your 2003 motorsports itinerary. For more information, please on log on at www.ChampionSpeedway.com or call the 24-hour Racin’ Hotline at (775) 884-3045.
