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: Kokomo Speedway
Address: 2455 North Davis Road, Kokomo, IN 46901
Website: www.kokomospeedway.net
History: Kokomo Speedway has been in operation since 1947, when it was built by partners Albert Miller and John Rose. The track opened for the first time on July 6, 1947, with Ralph Purnell winning the first race.
Over the years the track has changed hands a few times, with promoter Bill Lipkey taking ownership in 1952. He owned the track for more than 40 years before handing it over to Kent Evans in 1994.
Evans remained in control of the track until the winter of 1999 and 2000, when Dick Bronson and Mark Owsley partnered to buy the track. Bronson sold his shares of the track to Owsley shortly thereafter due to health concerns.
Dave Duncan leased the track from Owsley from 2001 through ’02 before Owsley took the reins back. In 2004, Owsley sold the track to the O’Conner family, which continues to operate the track to this day.
The track has seen a number of top stars walk through the gates over the years, including the likes of A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, Pancho Carter, Parnelli Jones, Steve Kinser, Jack Hewitt and Rich Vogler to name a few.
The track’s weekly racing lineup is spearheaded by the non-winged 410 sprint car class. Among those who have claimed track titles at Kokomo are Bob Kinser, Kelly Kinser, Randy Kinser, Tony Elliott, Dave Darland, Jon Stanbrough, Cole Whitt, Bryan Clauson and, most recently, Justin Grant.
The three-eighths-mile dirt track is one of the top dirt tracks in the Midwest and annually plays host to a bevy of USAC National events, including the Kokomo Grand Prix for the USAC NOS Energy Drink National Midget Series and the Sprint Car Smackdown for the USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car Series. The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet All Star Circuit of Champions are also regular visitors.
The track also hosts a number of major events for weekly racers, including the King of Kokomo, the Kokomo Klash and the Bob Darland Memorial.
