Caraway Speedway fans and racers have spoken and Caraway Speedway promoter Darren Hackett has listened.
Starting with next Friday night, April 27th Lowder Construction Night at the Races, “Russell Hackett’s Fun Friday’s” are back at Caraway Speedway. The program returns for the first time since 2010 and will be named in honor of Russell Hackett, the late promoter of Caraway Speedway who started the program during the 2000’s before handing the reigns of the track to his son Darren.
The second generation promoter is looking to give the fans and teams what they’ve asked for while also helping to rebuild car counts and dwindling fan counts.
“Everyone has been asking for cheaper admission prices, so as a promoter I think it’s time to deliver,” said Hackett. “With the current state of racing and almost every track struggling to get cars, teams, and fans in the gates, it’s time for a change in the way we do business. What we were doing wasn’t working, so we must revamp our program to keep the track open and get people back to the track to enjoy this sport.”
General admission tickets will be lowered to $10 for adults and the pit pass prices will drop to $25 for NASCAR Licensed members and $35 for non-members. The on-track program will also be changed to offer the fan and the racer more on track activity. Twin features will headline Fun Friday’s with Limited Late Models, Sportsman, Chargers, Mini Stocks and U-Cars all racing twice each night.
“We can all see that since the late 1990’s or early 2000’s the stock car racing industry and especially short track racing has seen a steady decline in attendance and participation. We’ve got to adapt to make both of those flourish and we’re ready to start doing that now.”
Dates for the Fun Friday program will be April 27th, May 11th, May 18th, June 1st, June 15th, June 22nd and July 20th.
Hackett is also trimming and streamlining the show so that fans can be home at a decent hour. Races will start at 8pm on Friday nights and are expected to be over by 10:30pm with all 10 feature races being completed.
“We’re going to deliver a product that fans and teams will be happy with. No spending all night at the track and prices that don’t break the bank. Now we need the fans and the teams to do their part and come and support the show or eventually, there won’t be a race track for them to enjoy the sport they love.”
In addition to the lowered general admission tickets, Hackett is also giving fans two nights that will be just $5 to get in the gate. Those races will take place on June 1st and July 20th.
“We want the fans and teams to know we appreciate them and without them, there’s no need to open the gate. First and foremost we want to be a very driver, team, and fan-friendly facility.”
Lowder Construction Night at the Races on April 27th, which is the next race on the schedule, will begin the new program.
For more information on Caraway Speedway, visit their newly redesigned website at www.CarawaySpeedway.com or visit them on Facebook at @caraway.speedway. You can also call the track office at 336.629.5803
