SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- To the people of Rock Rapids and the surrounding communities:

Let us start by thanking all of our fans, drivers, and supporters for the last five years of priceless memories at the dirt track at the Lyon County Fairgrounds. For all of us involved in the organizations that have prepared the racing programs, we truly appreciate everything you have taught us, and the great times we have had together at Rapid Speedway. Without a doubt, none of this would have been possible without your support.

For five seasons we have operated Rapid Speedway in a manner considered to be a family friendly, affordable option for entertainment each Friday night throughout the summer. We have tried to maintain ticket and food pricing despite the increase of supplies and overhead. We have also worked to make facility improvements each year. We believe that we have been fair to all who have entered our gates and it has been our pleasure to thank each and every one of you for coming each week.

Over the last two seasons the cost of fire and rescue has increased significantly; fire services were increased by 80% while the ambulance services increased by 114%. This increase was damaging, however, we elected to work through it. We have been informed that we are to experience yet another increase for the fire and rescue services this season. We, as an organization, feel that we have done our very best to welcome the community to the track each week, yet the welcome is not reciprocated, evidenced by the increase in fees for the local services. The track provides quads and fire equipment to assist the firemen, helping to reduce costs to the community, to no avail, as the cost for this service continues to increase yearly. Nearby dirt track racing promoters have shared that they pay less than half the rate requested by Rock Rapids for both fire and rescue services.

We have operated the track at a loss over the years with the intention of building for the future. It requires cooperation and community spirit to keep that goal alive!! We have been advised that there is no room for negotiation in the price set for the fire and rescue services for Rapid Speedway in 2014. While it is impossible to put a value on safety and human life, there is only so much money to go around.

It is with deep regret that we have been forced to cancel the 2014 regular season at Rapid Speedway. We would like to extend sincere gratitude to those who have supported the track. A special thank you needs to be given to the folks that worked with us each summer helping the track to give the community successful programs. Finally, we apologize with genuine remorse to the drivers and fans that have been so supportive to Rapid Speedway and the Heartland Racing Association over the past 5 years.

Bill Mellenberndt
Tim O’Banion
Jeff Davis
Anna Stoakes-Wong