DAVENPORT, Iowa — As the new promoter at Davenport Speedway, Jeff Struck can put a check on his bucket list this season.
The former driver and now Davenport business owner takes charge at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds venue, where IMCA Sunoco Late Models, Friesen Performance IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stocks and Friesen Performance IMCA Northern SportMods will run on Friday nights.
The 2024 point season at Davenport runs from April 12 to Aug. 23.
“I’ve been impressed by the number of local drivers and local businesses that support racing,” Struck said. “The community has shown that Davenport is a racing staple, locally, regionally and nationally.”
Sanctioned late models have proven to be a weekly staple there since 1998, joined by modifieds in 2009, Northern SportMods in 2013 and the Hobby Stocks this season.
“What I like most about IMCA is that their rules keep everyone on the same level. I think IMCA racing is closer than open-style racing,” said Struck. “Open-style does have its share of good, side-by-side racing but it seems more often that one guy can dominate week after week.”
“IMCA brings more thrilling racing more consistently,” he added. “I believe we’ll see that in the new Hobby Stock division as more people get cars built. It’s a competitive class and it’s economical.”
Struck is putting final touches on the 2024 schedule and will announce dates of events paying modifieds and Northern SportMods $1,000 to win. The Sunoco Race Fuels Bonus Night for late models is Aug. 9.
“I grew up going to races with my dad and racing was something I always wanted to do myself,” said Struck, who drove a tow truck at Davenport before he was old enough to get his driver’s license. “I ran in the open street stock class here, then in an IMCA Stock Car and IMCA Modified and was too competitive for as smart as I was.”
“Promoting was another thing I have always wanted to do,” he continued. “When this opportunity came up, I was in position to hold my hand up.”
Struck has also announced that Bret Sievertsen will be the race director at Davenport.