With a little dust in the air and those familiar smells the 64th anniversary season of racing at Chateau Speedway inched a little closer to reality as the track held the first of two test sessions Thursday night. Around 50 cars showed up to shake out the cobwebs, renew old friendships and get acquainted again with the track that has sat on the banks of the Cedar River in Lansing since opening in 1956.

Drivers and fans alike saw several changes that have taken place since last fall, and with the delayed start to the season several more changes and updates were made this spring. The beer stand got a face lift with a new roof and siding, and a brand new four-level deck with 10 private 8 x 10 boxes is nearing completion. The final touches on the handrails is yet to be completed but should be in place before the season opener.

Not all of the premium box seating has been claimed yet so anyone interested in purchasing one for the season should contact owner Mark Wytaske for details and pricing on these. Interested parties can contact the track through Messenger on the track's Facebook page or email chateauspeedway@gmail.com.

New fencing has also been added in spots, the ticket window for the grandstand was rearranged to take better advantage of both windows to try and facilitate better entrance to the facility and the grandstands that sat where the new deck sits were moved down closer to the track to get fans a closer look. Lots of fresh paint as well, as Wytaske, who starts his third season owning the track, continues to upgrade the facility each season.

A second test session will be held next Tuesday, June 23, before the season opener Friday night. The first green flag of the season will fly at 7:15 p.m. Seven classes of cars will be featured every Friday. Back again this year will be the USRA Modifieds and USRA B-Mods competing for track, regional and national points in the Summit USRA Weekly Racing Series. Super Stocks, Hornets, Pure Stocks, Street Stocks and Midwest Mods are also part of the programs.

With the late start to the season after the shut down in Minnesota, the planned schedule for the season has taken a beating. The track will be announcing the changes and promotions on a week to week basis. Some of the events lost include the kids night bike giveaways and the track wants it known that will be put back on the schedule somewhere along with the kids car rides.

Also lost was the Memorial Day Weekend marquee event Spirit of 83 Memorial—the race in memory of track legend Mike Guttormson and also those who shared his spirit and love for the track will be added back in somewhere during the year. The two traditional sprint car specials are still on the schedule at this time.

The one sad note is the 2nd Annual Chateau Speedway Hall of Fame Induction Night is being put off for the season. In difference to the COVID-19 virus and its effects on the older adults, it was decided having them all together might not be the best plan for them. The voting and selection process never got started for the second class anyway as the uncertainty of the season loomed over the track.