Kevin Ramsell/American Speed Association PR
DAYTONA BEACH, FL (Tuesday, February 8, 2011) – Last year, the Willard family, re-opened the famous I-44 Speedway, an ASA Member Track, located north of Lebanon, MO, as an asphalt track with enthusiastic support from competitors and fans. In 2011, they are making more improvements to the facility along with an opportunity for someone interested with a career in sports marketing.
Last season, I-44 Speedway returned as an asphalt track after operating as a dirt track in 2003. Race fans and competitors returned to the track under their first season as an ASA Member Track. “We did alright, and we survived,” David Willard, I-44 Speedway Owner said. “We have very high expectations going into 2011.”
The family is not just going to sit on their hands and see what happens, they are already making more improvements to the facility. Last year, they put new asphalt on the track. This year, they are replacing buildings and doing more to increase their car count and fan base.
“We look forward to improving our car count and our fan base,” Debbie Handley, I-44 Speedway Track Manager said. “We are continuing to make improvements around the track with the addition of a new announcers’ booth & scoring booth along with adding VIP suites. We look forward to having something new and different for the fans each week.”
David Willard realizes that it will take a lot of work on the marketing side to achieve the goals they have set for this season. “We realize that we need someone dedicated to the marketing and promotion of I-44 Speedway,” Willard said. “Most of our family dedicates their time to our quarry business, and we are opening up a position for someone to come on board full-time and do the marketing for the Speedway itself.”
While they prefer someone with a solid background in racetrack marketing, they also realize that there can be an opportunity for a young person to develop their career at I-44 Speedway. “This could be a perfect place for a recent college graduate to start their career, and we are open to that idea. Everyone needs a starting point,” Willard said. “The person we hire will be working at a track with a great history. We are ready to take it to the next level.”
“We are grateful to work with the Willard family and staff at I-44 Speedway,” Dennis Huth, ASA President said. “They are a welcome addition to our ASA Member Track family. The Willard family is a great example of what many short tracks are like in the United States, they are family owned with a lot of pride operating it.”
Those interested in the marketing position should send their resume and cover letter to Debbie Handley at lebanoni44speedway@yahoo.com.
Bill Willard opened the Speedway in 1983 as a dirt track and changed it to an asphalt track in 1988. During that time, drivers like Mike Wallace, 2010 Daytona 500 Champion Jamie McMurray, Rich Vogler, Tony Stewart, Carl Edwards, Larry Phillips, Steve Butler, and Steve Carlson competed at the 3/8-mile facility. The track went back as a dirt track in 2003 and then re-opened in 2010 under its current configuration.
Their Saturday night racing program opens on Saturday, April 7. Weekly divisions include Late Models, Modifieds, Street Stocks, Pure Streets, Chargers, and Baby Grands.
To learn more about Lebanon I-44 Speedway, please visit their website at www.i44speedway.net.
To learn more about the ASA Member Tracks and Sanctioned Series in your area, please visit www.asa-racing.com.
The American Speed Association started as a single racing series in 1968 and is a fast growing racing sanctioning body today. The ASA Member Track program sanctions dirt and asphalt short tracks along with road courses around the United States, as well as a variety of regional and national touring series. For more information call (386) 258-2221, or send an email to info@asa-racing.com. The latest news and information from all the racetracks and tours involved in the ASA can be found by visiting www.ASA-Racing.com.
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