Salina Speedway Plans Pre-Season Car Show to Attract New Fans

SALINA, Kan. — Salina Speedway is planning a pre-season car show to draw new fans to the track and celebrate its racing community, organizers announced this week.

The event is scheduled for the morning before the track's season opener, according to Robert Bennett, one of the organizers. "Cars from all five classes and hopefully the new Crown Vics will be on display," Bennett said. "The drivers will be there to meet the fans."

Bennett said the car show is designed to introduce the sport to people who have never attended a race. "We're going to have some things to give away, Salina Speedway merchandise, tickets to the track, and hopefully we can help some people who have never been to the track an opportunity to see what's right in their backyard," he said.

Bennett discussed the genesis of the idea in a Facebook post, explaining his motivation stems from his personal connection to the sport. "I love the time that my daughter and I spend at the track," Bennett wrote. "I want to continue to make new friends, who become family, and I hope that there are more people who get the opportunity to feel that same beautiful connection with the racing community."
He said he consulted with other track leaders about the concept, including Chuck Fairchild, who enthusiastically endorsed the initiative. "He said that he loves the idea and that I have a green flag to go with this," Bennett said.

The organizer acknowledged the challenges facing tracks throughout the nation. "We all know that there are many uncertainties in racing, car counts, weather, infield tractor tires jumping at ya, etc.," Bennett noted. However, he expressed gratitude for the track's resilience. "We are so blessed at Salina Speedway that the biggest challenge faced is Mother Nature."

Bennett called on the community to support the initiative. "I hope that you all come out to support this. And bring a friend or two that's never been to the races. Let's help keep the best racing experience in Kansas going for the future!" he said.
For more than half a century, Salina Speedway has served as a hub for dirt track racing in central Kansas, hosting thousands of fans and drivers eager to experience the roar of engines and the thrill of competitive motorsports.

Salina Speedway opened in 1970 and operated under various names including Salina County Speedway, Tri-Rivers Speedway, and Salina Raceway before suspending operations in 2007. The closure reflected a nationwide crisis affecting independent dirt tracks, as venues across America faced declining attendance from competing entertainment options, rising operational costs, suburban development bringing noise complaints, and increasingly valuable land attracting developers. Hundreds of established racing facilities from Kentucky to Arizona have permanently closed over the past two decades, with few new tracks opening to replace them, forcing drivers and fans to travel hours to the nearest facility or abandon the sport entirely.

The speedway has since reopened and now operates as Salina Jaxson Memorial Speedway, serving both as a racing go-cart track and hosting traditional dirt track racing on Saturday nights during the season. Today's racing divisions include IMCA Sport Compacts, Hobby Stocks, Northern Sport Mods, Stock Cars, Modifieds, USRA Heartland Mod Tour, Late Models, RaceSaver Sprint Cars, and Dirt Super Late Models, along with special events that draw fans from across central Kansas. The track's continued operation stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of grassroots American motorsports and the track's commitment to serving as a gathering place for racing enthusiasts of all ages in rural America.

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