Bill Suckow (left) and Jon Francis show off the new sign at the middle entrance of the grandstand that honors the sponsors of the Fayette County Speedway. The generous contributions by the sponsors allow the constant upgrades to the track and the fan experiences, and no racetrack can survive without them. (Jerry Wadian photo)

Excitement prevails as FCS opens

By Jerry Wadian
jwadian@thefayettecountyunion.com

“We’re excited” is the way Racing Committee members Bill Suckow and Jon Francis about the upcoming season at the Fayette County Speedway in West Union.

The Fair Board created the Racing Committee last fall. Since then, the 10-member committee has been busy.

According to Suckow, “We spent a lot of time talking to a lot of different people –  drivers, ex-drivers, fans, promoters, and former promoters – to see how we could make the races better for both drivers and fans.”

“We wanted a wide variety of views on what might be possible now and in the future,” added Francis. “We couldn’t address everything, so a number of possibilities will have to wait awhile.”

However, the committee is excited about what has already been achieved.

For instance, the women’s restroom has finally been completely refurbished, and a new chain-link fence surrounds the area behind the grandstand to help in crowd control and to make the area look better.

The Fair Board authorized the purchase of a grader to help keep the track smoother ,and the fence around turn one has been modified to eliminate the glare of the lighting system.  Also a sheep’s foot has been added for track preparation.

In order to keep the track’s family- friendly reputation, the Racing Committee is keeping the $5 admission price with kids 11 and under free with a paid adult.

There will also continue to be special promotions like the Candy Dash for the kids.

In addition, this year there will be a free FCS Kids Club, in which children can get some special perks. Some of the possibilities are drawings for prizes at intermission, a place to meet and talk to drivers, and the potential for riding in the pace car.

Another change will be for the sponsors.

“Racing can’t exist without sponsors” noted Suckow. “In order to give them some recognition, we’ve erected a large board as you enter the grandstand from the new middle entrance with all of their names on it.”

Fans and drivers will notice other changes over the course of this season.

Friday is Test & Tune Night; pit gates open at 5 p.m. with the track opening at 6 p.m.

Regular season points racing begins Friday, April 29, with gates opening Sat 4 p.m., hot laps at 7 p.m., and the new season starting at 7:30 p.m.