With the racing world paused amid the COVID-19 outbreak, SPEED SPORT is highlighting race tracks around the United States. This is part of that ongoing series.
Track of the Day: Kalamazoo Speedway
Address: 7656 Ravine Rd., Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Website: www.kalamazoospeedway.com
History: Kalamazoo Speedway has been a staple of the Michigan auto racing scene since 1950, when farmer Bob Kitzmiller opened the gates to the track for the first time to 16 cars and 300 fans according to a story about the track that appeared in the Performance Racing Industry Magazine.
The three-eighths-mile paved oval has been in operation ever since with various owners. The current owners are Gary and Donna Howe, who acquired the track in 2001 after Gary Howe spent 23 years as a competitor at the track.
Dubbed “The Zoo” by locals, the track holds more than 6,000 fans and annually hosts racing from April through September, headlined by the popular outlaw super late model division that is unique to the region.
Though a complete history is lacking, the outlaw super late model division at Kalamazoo has been the playground of Andy Bozell. Beginning with his first track title in 1994, Bozell has won 12 track championships in the class. Other track champions include Terry Senneker Jr., Brian Bergakker, Fred Campbell, Mike VanSparrentak and most recently Adam Terry.
The track plays host to a number of special events, headlined by the Kalamazoo Klash and Super Shoe Nationals. The ARCA/CRA Super Series is also a regular visitor to “The Zoo.”
