Steady Progress at Speedworld

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1

I had a nice chat with Donnie, the Speedworld manager this week. He doesn’t pat himself on the back, but I can tell you that he is making steady progress on the physical plant, and the Friday night show at Speedworld.

If you have been paying attention, you have heard that they recently paved the center section of the infield, so look for figure 8 racing to return to Orlando. The old “X” was very narrow and rough. In the process of paving this area, they also repaired the infield drains, so we won’t lose any more shows due to that problem. Yes, the drainage outside the walls has not been addressed yet, “but wait there is more!”

Other projects are underway to make the experience a little less “rustic” for the fans and participants. A grader/loader is in route to smooth out the trenches, holes and hazards in the parking lot and dirt roads. There is also a lift truck coming to tackle a massive repair or replacement of lights and bulbs. The stands have been partially blasted and repainted, but that project is coming up for completion too.

I’ve been enjoying the show and the atmosphere in the pits at Speedworld. Both are much improved! Why not come out and see for yourself?

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This sounds very much like the workings of someone who is in this for the long haul. Phil and Liz went about their taking over North Florida Speedway in much the same way. Every year they made notable improvements to the track and the overall facility and continue to. They have experienced solid car counts and fan support. One law in business that will never change, you have to spend money to make money. While not on the best side of town OWS has always been the most centrally located track in the state and will hopefully return to the glory days of the past.

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Donnie has plenty of experience in making something from nothing. He took CFR from a field to a full blown race facility. He’s got a ways to go at OSW, but it sounds like he’s off to a good start. Let’s just hope the money and commitment from Ozzy hold out.
Desoto has gone from a bad joke to one of the top short tracks in Florida in just a few months, so if OSW can follow their lead the outlook for short track asphalt racing in this state is very good.

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This is good to hear about both Orlando and DeSoto, and Florida racing in general.
Now if only some one could figure out how to get Columbia/Ellisville back on her feet…