Renovation designs were unveiled for the new 81 Speedway

There’s a new owner racing through 81 Speedway in Park City, Kansas. On Tuesday, FOE Enterprises LLC announced the purchase of the 65-year-old track from the Hall family.

The new owners are looking to make 81 Speedway a family destination that includes improvements such as new stadium seating and other enhancements.

FOE Enterprises plans to reveal building plans and a new logo on December 18. Staff say they are excited for the future of the racetrack.

“Just continuing the tradition of auto racing here in Wichita,” said new 81 Speedway promoter John Allen, a legend in dirt track racing. “It’s been really strong here for a long time and I just want to keep that and continue it, grow it and try to bring in outside spectators and competitors and bring them here to Park City.”

Soon, the track will get a face lift, said J.R. Sartain, one of the new owners of the 65-year-old track.

In the first year, the goal is to add new stadium seating, replace all the restrooms, upgrade concession stands, the ticket office and, of course, make improvements to the track.

“We want to get those up to par so the environments better for all the fans that come out,” said Sartain.

Hundreds of interested fans, competitors, officials and local residents attended the track's informational meeting at city hall.

In the second phase, they will look to add suits and conference rooms. He’s hoping the upgrades will bring racing fans from all over the region.

It’s got city leaders excited. They believe it could help bring other opportunities to Park City.

“We are really looking forward to that part of our city to have more economic development more businesses that could come in and be a perfect fit for that type of a venue,” said Dana Walden, Assistant City Administrator of Park City.

Sartain wants to make it a family destination as 81 Speedway is what put him on the fast track to finding his soul mate.

“My wife and I’s first date was at 81 Speedway. Twenty-five years later and here we are we were able to purchase the speedway. Family is what racing is all about and that’s what brought us to racing. My family was involved in motorsports my entire life.”

Sartain estimates the cost of renovations to be between $3 to $5 million. He feels it’s worth it to keep the stands packed for another 65 years.

“We just want to take what the prior owner did and improve upon that and make it a community sport.”

The owners said the racetrack will remain open during renovations. The season opens in April.

Located at 7700 N. Broadway St. in Park City, the 81 Speedway will host two events for the Summit USMTS National Championship fueled by Casey’s and will sanction USRA Modifieds and USRA B-Mods in the Summit USRA Weekly Racing Series on Saturday nights. Drivers will earn track and nationals points as well as the CP-Carrillo Central Region presented by MVT

For more information, check out race81speedway.com.