STEWART CONTINUES PLEDGE TO FAN SAFETY THROUGH WEATHER ALERT SYSTEM
Grant Assistance from Darke County Emergency Management Agency Makes Project Possible
ROSSBURG, OH (Feb. 5) – Fan and participant safety continues to be a high priority at Eldora Speedway for owner Tony Stewart, as reinforced by this week’s announcement that an outdoor weather alert system will be placed on the grounds of the famed speedway. The unit, which will be unique to the area, will be erected within a month and will be fully functional prior to the 59th season opener on Saturday, April 14.
The placement of the multiple purpose alert system was made possible through ongoing efforts of Larry Kemp, Eldora Speedway senior adviser and Rick Lee, Darke County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) director, after Lee made the popular destination aware of an available Special Project Grant through the Ohio EMA.
Kemp approached Stewart with the concept, who gave immediate approval to proceed.
“Eldora Speedway wants to continue its position as role model when it comes to safety for fans and participants,” stated Kemp. “The completion of this exciting project emphasizes the concern that we have for not only our race fans, but for our neighbors.”
Purchased through Whelen Engineering of Chester, CT, the alert system has an audible circumference range of one mile, and is equipped with a public address system to aid in special instructions to the patrons following the activation of the alert siren.
The audio capability is unique to the area and is considered a plus by Lee. “We are excited about the capabilities this Whelen unit has to offer. Our primary focus with this system is to offer advance alert to the many campers that populate Eldora during its major race weekends. Not only will the system warn the campers and fans of impending severe weather conditions, but collaborative efforts between our offices, the Darke County Sheriff’s Office and the Eldora Speedway officials to offer evacuation and sheltering instructions can be delivered.”
In addition to the race fans, neighbors of Eldora Speedway will be afforded an extra level of protection from severe weather, as the alert system will complement existing units in Rossburg and Burkettsville and will be fully functional 365 days a year, not just on race populated weekends.
Lee credited Stewart for his concerns, “Eldora Speedway is a key player in putting Darke County on the map, and annually brings thousands of people into our community. Our office is here to assure that in the event of an emergency, we can offer assistance. Tony Stewart exemplifies true allegiance to safety for his patrons through this project, one which offers us another level of preparedness.”
Erection of the system is expected to be completed in mid-March with the unit to be fully operational within a few days of the completion of that construction.
Activation of the unit will be primarily through the Darke County Sheriff’s Office based upon weather alerts issued by the National Weather Service; however, the Eldora Speedway officials will have the ability to issue alerts and public address instructions as well.
Kemp added, “On our major event weekends, we virtually become another city within Darke County, and we feel the need to provide as much safety and concern for our citizens as any other municipality.”
And while Lee expressed his excitement of Eldora Speedway’s cooperation, he was quick to offer that “the alert system is in place to offer another level of caution. The race fans need to be continually aware of impending weather situations, and monitor NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and National Weather Service issued alerts and warnings.”
Eldora Speedway’s season swings open Saturday, April 14, with tripleheader program featuring the Sunoco sponsored American Late Model Series, UMP DIRTcar Modifieds and Stock Cars. Complete event information and a full schedule of race dates may be downloaded from the track’s website www.EldoraSpeedway.com.