KASSON, Minn. (March 3, 2001) - Dodge County Speedway will open in 2001 under the leadership of a new management team.

After the 2000 season, Mike and Cindy Schubert decided not to return at Kasson with their SMS Promotions, so the fair board there sought new promoters for the historical oval.

They found Jeff and Donna Fitzpatrick of nearby Byron, MN to take over the reigns of the track for 2001.

The track, which is located just 14 miles west of Rochester at the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Kasson, is a 1/3-mile, mildly banked clay oval that’s been operating for approximately 40 years.

The new promoters are very familiar with the race track as well as with the operation of a facility, having been involved in the sport since 1984.

“I started off as a tech inspector,” Jeff revealed, “then got to be a corner man and spent time lining cars up. I’ve been a flagman, too. In addition to that, we (Jeff and wife Donna) also have experience in scoring, points, and at the back pit gate. As a team we have covered most areas.”

For the 2001 season, the track will play host to WISSOTA sanctioned Super Stocks, Street Stocks and the new WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds every Sunday night.

The headlining Modified division at the track will no longer be sanctioned by WISSOTA.

“Driver reaction to us taking over at Kasson has been positive,” Jeff said, “and we have a number of new local drivers getting ready to run here in 2001.

The Fitzpatricks have a number of special events planned for the track in 2001, including some new events. “We’ve got good sponsorship support locally and we’ll also be having special promotions for the fans,” Jeff reported.

“It’s our intention to help promote and support racing the best way we know,” he said.

Fitzpatrick noted that will include participating in the WISSOTA annual meetings beginning in 2001.