Indiana Speedweek
 

O.K. guys, I know it may be a little early to be thinking about this but I could use some help. I’m stuck down here where people think if it don’t have fenders you can’t race it! I normally get to see between 5 and 10 sprint car shows a year, if I’m lucky. The last couple of years I have had passing thoughts about heading north for Indiana Speedweek. This year I am going to get serious about it. I would like some info about the tracks, dates, motels, etc. Do any/all the tracks allow camping on site. Is there a group of you all that follows the shows and camp at each track (that is what I would like to do)? Which tracks normally have the best racing? I can’t think of a better place to get answers than right here on IOW.

Thanks
FatHead

Re: Indiana Speedweek
 

The racing at all tracks is great. My own perferance is Kokomo, Bloomington,
Gas City.Terre Haute has good racing, but sometimes they get spread out.
It is a 1/2 mile, where the rest are 1/4 or 3/8 mile.
You will see great racing all of sprint week.


COME ON UP , AND YOU WILL BE BACK AGAIN.

Re: Indiana Speedweek
 

I know the feeling, living down here in the Houston area. I absolutely love Sprint Week, and you can see some pictures of the last two on my website. I don't camp, so I find hotels close buy. Some tracks, like Lawrenceburg, Gas City, Terre Haute, Bloomington and Haubstadt are extremely close to the tracks. In some cases, you can even see the track from the hotel.

There weren't any hotels close to Kamp, but Brownstown is now on the schedule instead. I haven't checked to see what accommodations are close yet, and I haven't been there before, either.

I do know that most allow camping in the parking lots, but also there may be limited places to tie into water and electricity.

There are most certainly a group of folks that travel to all the races and camp, and they are not hard to find.

It is hard to say which tracks are the best. I have seen good (and bad) shows at some, but I don't believe that I have ever been disappointed by the racing at Kokomo, Gas City or the new Lawrenceburg. Oh, or Haubstadt, either.

I certainly plan to be heading back up this summer. You are correct in that this is probably the best place for information. I hope to see you up there this summer.

Re: Indiana Speedweek
 

Fathead,

Welcome to the IOW. As one of many who travel and camp at the track you will find no better racing than here in Indiana for sprint week. Here is the schedule and a little information about the tracks.

7/9/10-Lawrenceburg 3/8 mile high banked track. The facility has recently undergone a facelift with an expanded track, excellent seating with modern facilities. Concessions are very good and the promoter and workers are extremely fan friendly. You can bring a cooler into the track as long as you don't bring alcoholic beverages. Located at the county fairgrounds across the street from the Hollywood casino. Camping area has some hookups with plenty of space from primitive camping.

7/10/10-Gas Ctiy/I-69 Speedway 1/4 mile semi banked track. Grandstands give you an up close experience as they are located on the front stretch. Turns one and two are open ended with no wall as well as the back stretch. Semi banked track and the promoter is also extremely fan friendly. A wide array of concessions are modestly priced. If you buy a 50/50 ticket, you can enter the pits prior to qualifying and meet the competitors. Adequate area for camping is all primitive. No coolers allowed in the grandstand area.

7/11/10-Kokomo Speedway 1/4 mile semi banked track. Recently redone from a flat track to a semi banked facility. The O'Connor family has made this an outstanding racing venue. Multi grooved racing provides an outstanding racing experience. Concessions are good with the pork chop sandwich my favorite. Primitive camping for self contained motor homes and campers. No coolers allowed in the grandstand area.

7/14/10-Terre Haute Action Track 1/2 mile semi banked track with a long history of USAC racing. It contains a large infield area where fans can bring lawn chairs and coolers to sit and watch the action. The seating area has both covered grandstands as well as open bleachers. Another fairgrounds facility located right in town close to many restaurants, shops, etc. Concessions are good and camping is primitive. Coolers allowed in the grandstand area. No carry in alcoholic beverages.

7/15/10-Brownstown Speedway 1/4 mile semi banked track. This is the newest addition to sprint week and the setting is an old fairgrounds track that has covered bleachers as well as an open grandstand. Traditionally a stock car track but the sprint car shows I have seen have been very good. Concession area is rather small but I have not be disappointed in anything that I have tried. You can take a cooler into the track but I don't remember about carry in alcoholic beverages. Primitive camping only.

7/16/10-Bloomington Speedway. This quarter mile bullring is a real treasure as you won't find many tracks like Bloomington. A bright red clay surface that has set back walls on three sides. Front stretch seating has open bleachers as well as hillside seating. Concession area is small but the food is excellent. Small primitive camping area but you need to get there early. You can also carry in food and drinks (no alchol) along with a lawn chair or blanket to "reserve" your seat.

7/17/10-Tri State Speedway in Haubstadt. The Helfrich family built this facility right on their farm property. The 1/4 racing surface is long straightaways with two tight high banked corners. The track prep is something to see as you won't believe the John Deere parade during intermission. Seating on both the front stretch as well as the back stretch is all open air bleachers. Camping is an open area with a pond that provides a rather picturesque view of the Indiana farmland. Very fan friendly and a great place for the finale of Indiana Sprint Week. Concession area on both sides of the track offers a wide variety of menu items and you can also carry in a cooler here as well.

A couple of other suggestions. If you arrive in Indiana early, a couple of places you might consider. 7/7/10 has USAC regional midget racing at the 1/5 mile pavement track known as the Speedrome in Indianapolis. 7/8/10 has the USAC Silver Crown cars racing at Illiana Speedway in Schererville in Northwest Indiana. A 1/2 mile pavement track is a nice facility and the Silver Crown cars put on a great show there. To wind up your experience, I might suggest on 7/18/10 a trip to Winchester Speedway in East Central Indiana. A high banked asphalt track is an exciting place to witness great racing. Although they won't have a sprint car show, the USA modifieds and the CRA Sportsman cars usually provide an entertaining day of racing.

Plan on coming and meeting a lot of IOW regulars and having a great time watching outstanding sprint car shows. Indiana Sprint Week is something everyone should witness at least once in their lifetime. I will forewarn that it is addictive and you probably won't be able to stay away once you have been here. I hope to see you in July. I am sure others will check in and add things I have missed.

Re: Indiana Speedweek
 

Well stated by Mud Packer. Not as well attended but in my opinion a best kept secret is usac midget week. most of the same tracks and you get a double header with local sprints cars at each show.

Re: Indiana Speedweek
 

nice informative post mudpacker. not being nit picky but just wanted to correct you on a couple tracks and carry in booze. last year you could carry in booze (no glass bottles) to terre haute, brownstown, bloomington, and haubstadt. i did it at all four tracks on a regular basis. hopefully that does not change this year.

Re: Indiana Speedweek
 

I agree that Indiana Midget Week is also a very good week to
come to Indiana as most or maybe all also run the sprints n
the same program.
All the USAC midget drivers also have their sprinters there also.
No street stock fillers all open wheel all night.

Re: Indiana Speedweek
 

jjones776,

Not nit picky at all. Thanks for the additional information. I guess I haven't tried to take beer into these tracks so I wasn't aware that you could. I also hope that this doesn't change this year.

Re: Indiana Speedweek
 

USAC Indiana SPRINT WEEK
09 - Lawrenceburg, IN - USAC Sprint Cars - ISW & AMSA Mini Sprints
10 - Gas City, IN - USAC Sprint Cars - ISW
11 - Kokomo, IN - USAC Sprint Cars - ISW
14 - Terre Haute, IN - USAC Sprint Cars - ISW
15 - Brownstown, IN - USAC Sprints - ISW
16 - Bloomington, IN - USAC Sprints - ISW
17 - Haubstadt, IN - USAC Sprint Cars - ISW
There is a group that travels and camps at the tracks, the most knowledgable member would be Sprinter, he is a little short legged and a little nervous at times(wears gloves to prevent from licking palms raw) but he has seen his share of races and would be willing to help you plan a most memorable week.:32:

Re: Indiana Speedweek
 

There is electric available at Brownstown

Re: Indiana Speedweek
 

I've not much to add as it's been very well covered, but the Hoosier Hospitality I've experienced at all the tracks I've attended is second to now. You'll have a great time! I'm coming in for both Midget and Sprint week this year from Baltimore. I can't wait!

Re: Indiana Speedweek
 

Thanks Chris. I wasn't aware of that since we haven't camped there yet. Key word there is "yet". Maybe we will see you then.

Re: Indiana Speedweek
 

My first trip to Indy last year was great, might consider some midgets this year, GO BUCKWALTER, what are the dates for this week of high speed & thrills.

Re: Indiana Speedweek
 

Yep and tie a potato chip to your ass and he will follow you anywhere!

Re: Indiana Speedweek
 

Midget Week info:
Jun 16 @ Gas City, IN Gas City I-69 Speedway 1/4 D Night
Jun 17 @ Putnamville, IN Lincoln Park Speedway 5/16 D Night
Jun 18 @ Bloomington, IN Bloomington Speedway 1/4 D Night
Jun 19 @ Lawrenceburg, IN Lawrenceburg Speedway 1/4 D Night
Jun 20 @Kokomo, IN Kokomo Speedway 1/4 D Night

Re: Indiana Speedweek
 

Not intending to pick any nits from the previous very informative posts, but if you intend to have RV hookups at Terre Haute (they have water and mostly 20 amp, but some 30 amp; no sewer or dump) in selected areas, you will probably want to call ahead for reservations during Sprint Week. See their website for phone number. They have a charge for hookups.
Lawrenceburg on the other hand has free 15/20 amp and water. Take plenty of water hose and electrical cord for either place. Also a water Y and electrical devices for any situation. You may be sharing a water spigot and electrical outlet. Have fun :8:

Re: Indiana Speedweek
 

:2: Thanks for all the info guys. As of now it looks like I will make Brownstown, Bloomington, and Haubstadt for sure. Maybe Terre Haute on the 14th. Depending on how much vacation I have left I might try to make more. I've been to Haubstadt many, many times. Always a well run show. The John Deere parade truly is impressive. Also been to Terra Haute once. Frankie Kerr put on one hell of a show. He woud work his way to the front and then get spun out, go to the back and do it again. At least two times if not three...

As far as the camping goes. The hold tankes on my camper are not very big. Any suggestions on where I might be able to empty them. I know around here Love's Travel Centers have dump stations.

I may also try and make a couple of the midget shows.

Once again, thanks for the help. I'm sure I will have a lot more questions between now anf this summer.

Fathead :32:

Re: Indiana Speedweek
 

Tuesday is an off night. Look for something to pop up for that night.
:35:

Re: Indiana Speedweek
 

Whereabouts you from anyway? Just wondering cause you said you were from a fendered area.

Re: Indiana Speedweek
 

I agree with the other posts. Midget week was great. It is not often that sprint cars are the support series.

If you are going to make the trip, you need to plan for a 1/2 day at the Indy 500. Museum is pretty neat, but the tour is really cool. With the tour you get to go to the press area, the scoring area, a drive through the pit area, and they stop on the front straight and you can kiss the bricks.

Re: Indiana Speedweek
 

I'm from Western KY. About 3 miles from Ky Lake Motor Speedway. Nothing but Late Models around here.

Re: Indiana Speedweek
 

fathead19,

Any news on the Kentucky Lake Motor Speedway? I know it was for sale but I haven't heard anything lately.

Re: Indiana Speedweek
 

She has the track for sale and will not run any races in 2010. I've heard a couple of rumors about possible buyers but nothing I can confirm. It's a shame to see that place just sit there but... I hate to say this but it's almost like the "fans" around here wanted her to fail. Nothing she did seemed to make anyone happy. Maybe someone will come in a get a fresh start and make things happen. I wish I knew what the answers were....

Re: Indiana Speedweek
 

We went to the Commonwealth Cup down there. Great camping, great facility, pretty good racing. Only down side was the rocks coming off the track in the dirt. Otherwise we really enjoyed the place. Too bad it's just sitting.

The closest dump station I can think of to Terre Haute is at the Welcome Center on I-70. It's just a bit of a pain to get to since it's in the east bound lanes. We haven't been through that one in years, so I'm not sure if it's even still there.

If you were coming from Brownstown to Bloomington and needed to dump, there are 2 parks off IN SR 446. One is Hardin Ridge, a national park http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/hoosier/recr...Vicinity%20Map

The other is Paynetown State Rec Area http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/files...recreation.pdf

Paynetown is a bit north of Hardin Ridge and both would probably charge a gate fee to enter and dump.

From Bloomington to Haubstadt the best place to stop and dump is the Flyin' J truck stop. It's on I-64 near the intersection with SR 41 http://www.flyingj.com/flyingjPortal...rtnerId=681627

Hope you're able to come up and enjoy at least a few good shows :)

Re: Indiana Speedweek
 

I wish it hit my work schedule a little differantly but that is how it is sometimes. Thanks for the info about the dump stations.

Re: Indiana Speedweek
 

koa in terre haute ,exit 11 has adump sta.

Re: Indiana Speedweek
 

So far, I have been able to move my work schedule around my racing. UNfortunately that means I miss the Chili Bowl. . . .

Re: Indiana Speedweek
 

I spent a bit of time finding some dates for Midget Week and glad I found them.

As it turns out i'll be in Indiana for that weekend (I'll be on holiday from New Zealand). I'm keen to see some dirt racing action.

The last 3 nights (Bloomington, Lawrenceburg and Kokomo) would work for me with a bit of driving. Do Kokomo have camping facilities? We don't particularly need power.

Anyone aware what support classes will be there? I'm keen to see some sprint cars if it works out (truth be known I prefer sprints over midgets) I notice that kokomo has it listed as Sprint Cars, Features only for Street Stocks & Thunder Cars. Sorry to ask perhaps the obvious, but that means some sprints, with some street stocks and thunder cars?

Thanks, and well done on the nice site :22:

At kokomo that means full program for sprints and midgets and the street stocks and thunder cars will run features only. Generally one after the sprint and midget heats and the other after the bmains.
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Re: Indiana Speedweek
 

I think it already has,Twin Cities Raceway Park has a $3000.00 to win show on their schedule Tuesday July 13th.

Re: Indiana Speedweek
 

I think that is one of the races that will run afoul of the new USAC natl championship rule so those running for the $ wont be there but there will probably be plenty of good cars anyway.

Re: Indiana Speedweek
 

Flying Js at Spiceland,Haubstadt,and exit 4 south of Indy.:31: