CRESCO, Ia. (Dec. 5, 2001) - Weekly racing will return to Cresco Speedway in 2002, as approved at the December meeting of the Howard County Fair Board. Several outside parties were interested in running the track, but in its final deliberation of the future of the speedway the Fair Board voted to operate the speedway itself.

"Basically the Board made the decision to again operate the speedway for several reasons, but its foremost thought was the need for additional renovations to the facility, including a rebuilding of the main amphitheater and the south bleacher section," stated Tom Barnes, Executive Secretary of the Board. "There were a couple of interested parties seeking the lease of the speedway. However, in negotiation with these parties the Board realized that income from an outside promoter would not be enough to do the improvements needed. The Board is looking at spending a lot of money in renovation of the main grandstand and south bleachers, probably close to $100,000 before it is done. The additional income that will be realized by the Board operating the speedway will go a long way in paying for the renovations." Barnes added. All profits the Fair Board receives from the operation of the speedway are used to fund its upkeep and capitol improvements.

Barnes has been selected by the Board to manage the speedway. The other workers needed are currently being sought. "We intend on using some of the existing speedway team that has worked here for the past several years. They are very good folks and they know our operation very well." Barnes stated. "And we will be some new faces on our team."

The 2002 season will start the first part of May, racing weekly on Sunday nights. The weekly program will continue into early September. The classes that will be competing, specific class rules, and other procedures will be decided by the first of January. "We know that three of the classes competing will be Modified, Stock Car and Hobby Stocks. Beyond that we are still undecided," added Barnes.

Barnes did say that the Board is excited about hosting several special events, including two outlaw sprint shows in 2002, with one on Sunday of Memorial weekend and the other on Sunday of Labor Day weekend. "We have had our traditional IRA Outlaw Sprint Series race on Labor Day Sunday for the past several years, which has proven to be very popular. Steve Sinclair, IRA President, asked us to host another date that will tie in with the their series racing at a facility in Minnesota on Saturday over Memorial weekend. The Sunday show at Cresco is a natural, as we will catch the group on their way home. It will be a win-win situation for those associated with IRA and our Cresco Speedway fans." Barnes said.

He also added another large touring series is being negotiated with for a stop during the Howard County Fair or other dates if possible.

The Board is completing a major renovation to the track, started in July of this year. Along with finishing the drainage system of the track itself, the Board has a few other areas of the speedway to finish. These include infield shaping, additional lights, relocation of the official's tower, adding additional wheel/debris fencing and completing an exit from the track on turn three directly to the pit area. The main grandstand is currently receiving work, as the main aisles have been torn out and are being replaced with new materials. This will be completed early this winter, weather permitting.

The speedway will be hosting a meeting for racers, crews and interested parties on Saturday December 29, at 1:30 p.m. in the Expo Center. The classes and specific rules and regulations for the 2002 season will be set at this meeting. All interested persons are encouraged to attend this meeting.