By Ken de la Bastide
Kokomo Speedway has been a fixture on the city’s northwest side since 1947 and the start of the 63rd season is set for April 18.
On opening night, the speedway will host the “Thunder and Lightning” division of United States Auto Club Sprints, Street Stocks and Thunder Cars.
In honor of the track’s upcoming season opening, the Kokomo Event Center will sponsor a special event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
The “Race Car Showcase” will allow fans the opportunity to get an up-close look at a variety of race cars, including dragsters, sprints and street stocks, according to Tiffany Damitz, executive director of the Kokomo Event Center.
“We wanted to arrange the event around the opening of the speedway,” she said. “We hope to make this an annual event. It should be fun for the community as the teams and speedway prepare for the race season.”
Damitz said the race cars will be parked outside the Event Center. She said fans will have the opportunity to sit in some of the cars, get autographs and handouts from the teams.
The event is free and there also will be free admission to the Automotive Heritage Museum.
The band Post Script will perform classic rock and food will be available. Damitz said Kokomo Speedway will have an information booth.
“The drivers and owners are excited about the opportunity to meet with fans,” she said.
Some of the drivers scheduled to appear include: Josh Spencer, Jamie Fredrickson, Sam Walker, Dede Grams, Robert Smith, Monte Edison, Kevin Mullins, Brandon Roundtree and Dennis Freeland.
If you go
• WHAT: Race Car Showcase
• WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
• WHERE: Kokomo Event Center
• CONTACT: For more information, call 765-454-9999.
