Thanks for the Memories

[66 Chevelle]

:( It is with a sad heart that I type this information. For the drag racing community a great loss is coming in 2005 with the closing of Mid America Raceway in Wentzville. This track has been a landmark since the 60's but now due to insurance I was advised that the track will not open in 2005. Too many updates were being required and all of us that loved that track will miss it greatly. As I understand it the current owners would entertain leasing the track but they will not put the needed money into the upgrades for another season. I will really miss the Nostalgia Rod Runs!

[Brandon Paul]

Wow, I think we all figured MAR was endangered, but because of the town of Wentzville's commercial buildup, not insurance.

Hopefully Gateway will pick up the Nostalgia drags and Ozark Super Shifter dates. It won't be the same, though. Gateway is too cookie cutter.

[66 Chevelle]

I think instead of Gateway I would rather see someone build a new track a little farther west of Wentzville. Even an 1/8th mile to start with. Gateway from what I hear and have seen is very racer unfriendly as far as personality of the promotor and such. Nostalgias needs that personal and friendly touch if you know what I mean. There is no doubt that Gateway is a class track as far as the facility, but it takes more than concrete and blacktop to have a "nice" place to race.

[racin#1beer#2]

Any truth to the rumor that montgomery county will build a raceplex where the dirt track is located? A friend of mine heard that they bought all the timing lights from MAR.

[Lone Wolf]

Any truth to the rumor that montgomery county will build a raceplex where the dirt track is located? A friend of mine heard that they bought all the timing lights from MAR.
Yes and no. They are considering building a 1/8th drag strip. As for buying the timing lights I have not heard this, But that dont mean it didnt happen.
I will be racing GWIR and not Montgomery if they build a track. Sorry I prefer 1/4 mile and not 1/8 (just my 2 cents).
We have never had a problem with GWIR when we attend Monster Mopar Weekend. They have always been very friendly to all of us.
And from what I have heard MAR was sold (again rumor), I was told look for it to be a new sub-division in the next few yrs.

MAR will go down in the history books like Alton, Pacific, Sullivan, Rolla drag strips did.

GOOD BYE FRIEND....I WILL MISS RACING THERE.:(

[PITDRIFTER]

from what I have heard MAR was sold (again rumor)

THATS WHAT I WAS TOLD ALSO BY A BUDDIE OF MINE THAT RACED THERE. HE SAID IT SOLD FOR SEVERAL MILLION.

[Brandon Paul]

MAR will go down in the history books like Alton, Pacific, Sullivan, Rolla drag strips did.



Don't forget Pevely's strip.

[Brandon Paul]

I think instead of Gateway I would rather see someone build a new track a little farther west of Wentzville. Even an 1/8th mile to start with.

During the Nostalgia Drags the last couple of years at MAR the exhibition cars only ran 1/8th mile anyway. Plus, from a spectators standpoint, 1/8th mile is preferable when they run bracket racing because you can sit relatively close to the starting line and still be able to see the finish line "games."

[66 Chevelle]

According to the sources from MAR, Montgomery is not doing anything like this at this time. I spoke with Mike and no one has purchased any of the equipment from the track yet. He did say that the Nostalgias will be held this year only they will be in Kansas City.

[GBUICK]

Lots of different storys floating about. I have a very reliable source and the story I was told is Mel Kinnard and Dave Hemsath are going to build a drag strip and have purchased 170+- acres next to MCS. Also much of the usable guardrails and bleachers have been purchased from MAR. A 1/8th mile strip would be cool and much easier on equipment. I hope this happens soon as I would love to run there.

[jastone69]

Hear lots of storys over the years. Just hoped that it wouldn't happen. Very dissapointed that the Mar track is not going to be open for the 2005 season. Starting to limit the Places to go Race. Was A long drive just to mar but now Midstates I Havana is the closest Track to me. Gateway is a great place but runs way to late for a 2--3 hour drive home. Also have Heard the Mobey MO is looking into the Drag race bussiness. But probly 1/8 mile due to the expence of 1/2 mile or more of surface that it would take to build a 1/4 mile track. I sure wish someone some where would look at the drag track map and put a quallity track in north of i 70 area in MO. maybe 0n 61 near tory. just sad to see another fun filled, famly track close.

[jastone69]

found a website to show old pictures of MAR. check it out. also has pictures of other closed down tracks in the area. http://www.freespaces.com/fadedmemories/ (http://www.freespaces.com/fadedmemories/)

[racin#1beer#2]

Heard through the grapevine that by 2006 Montgomery county will have an 1/8 mile track. Any truth to this?

[jastone69]

no I don't know, but have heard the moberly is looking for investers.