Open Wheel Shootout postponed to May 30 at Independence
INDEPENDENCE, Iowa – A lightning strike at the Buchanan County Fairgrounds has forced the postponement of the season opening Open Wheel Shootout at Independence Motor Speedway. Originally scheduled for Friday, April 18, the event has been pushed back to Friday, May 30.
“It affected a lot of stuff,” stated promoter Todd Summers of the lightning strike, which occurred late last week. “It hit the main power system and blew the door off the control panel.”
Lights and power in the infield, concession area and other areas of the fairgrounds were affected, including the Musco track lighting. The time table to correct the problem is what forced officials to postpone the season opener.
“It fried every breaker and we’re still investigating to see what all was affected,” said Summers.
Officials were aware of the power concerns during this past weekend’s practice, however it wasn’t until early Tuesday when they were able to assess the severity of the situation.
“A lot of parts will need to be replaced and there simply isn’t enough time to get the necessary parts ordered, delivered, installed and tested by this Friday,” said Summers. “We’ll have everything ready to go by the April 26 weekly opener, but it isn’t feasible to have everything ready by this weekend.”
The rescheduled Open Wheel Shootout will still feature the Brockway Mechanical & Roofing Sprint Invaders, plus unsanctioned Modifieds and SportMods on May 30.
Weekly points racing is set to begin April 26 for IMCA Late Models, Performance Bodies IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sunoco Stock Cars, Karl Chevrolet Northern SportMods and IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stocks.
Grandstand and pit gates open at 4 p.m. weekly, however the pits will open one hour early April 26 to accommodate those drivers who still need to register for the upcoming season. A drivers meeting will be held at 5:45, with hot laps at 6 and racing to follow.
Grandstand admission is $10 for adults and $8 for seniors 62 and older and students ages 12-17. Kids 11 and under will be admitted free if accompanying a paid adult. Pit passes are $25.
For more information, contact Ryan Clark at (319) 361-3795 or indeeracing@gmail.com. On race day, call the track phone at (319) 334-9287.
For the latest speedway news, visit www.independencemotorspeedway.com. To sign up for weather text alerts, text INDEE to 84483.
Category: Independence, Iowa
