Racing is returning to Charlotte County, Florida.
The Punta Gorda Airport Authority reached an agreement with Joe and Janet Gentry to lease the racetrack on the grounds. The terms call for a five year lease with a one year option. The Gentrys wanted a 20 year lease but settled with the current agreement. They are from the area and are local business owners with a passion for racing.
The name of the new speedway will be 4-17 Southern Speedway. Contrary to rumors (4 children and living along route 17) the name comes from the day Joe and Janet met hence the name 4-17 Southern Speedway.
The track will be very family oriented, keeping prices low for families to attend. 4-17 Southern speedway will also run only 5 divisions to move the show along. Joe stated there is other things he is going to follow like a set schedule of the evening.
Since taking the keys to the facility the Gentrys have spent close to a half a million dollars to upgrade the facility. The biggest expense is the addition of aluminum bleachers. The bleachers came from the back stretch at Daytona.
Other improvements are sound system in the pit area, upgrades to the kitchen area, painting and many more.
The Gentrys have also put a dirt track in the infield to race go carts and racing lawnmowers. This track goes by the name Victory Speedway. The addition of this is bring in another form of entertainment which down the road will include concerts also.
Looking into the future, Joe Gentry wants to make a tail gate area outside turn three where a patron can park their vehicle and entertain a group of people. he also has other plans for the future.
The dirt track has had several events already.
The soft opening will be January 7th and 8th. The Grand Opening will be January 21st with the Leroy Davidson Memorial. The event will be a 100 lap Super late Model race. The event is named after the man that built the original speedway.
More events are planned throughout the year, Jack Smith and Randy Fox Memorials are some of the races planned.
4-17 Southern Speedway is located at 8655 Piper Road, Punta Gorda, FL.
For a complete schedule and more information visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/417SSE/ or call (941) 628-8128 for more information.
