From the Brownstown Bullring Facebook Page. -*www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086641015369



I-55 Raceway in Pevely, Missouri SOLD to Brownstown, IL Promoter Josh Carroll

!!HUGE NEWS FOR THE 2025 SEASON!!
Carroll Reaches Agreement to Purchase Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55
Pevely, MO​

Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55, a cornerstone of Midwest dirt track racing since 1979, is entering an exciting new chapter as Josh Carroll takes over as the new promoter of the iconic facility. A well-known figure in the dirt racing community, Carroll is also the promoter of the Brownstown Bullring in Brownstown, IL, where he has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional racing experiences and making impactful improvements.

Josh Carroll brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in elevating dirt tracks to premier racing destinations. Under his leadership, the Brownstown Bullring has become a must-visit venue, hosting marquee events such as the MARS Series Brownstown 100 and the B-Mod Nationals. Known for its outstanding racing surface and fan-friendly atmosphere, Carroll is eager to bring the same level of excellence to Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55.

“I’m beyond excited to take the reins as promoter of Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55,” Carroll shared. “This track has an incredible history and a loyal fan base. Ray Marler and Kenny Schrader have done an outstanding job making it the heartbeat of dirt racing in St. Louis, and I’m honored to build on their legacy. With the addition of I-55 alongside the Brownstown Bullring, there are exciting opportunities for collaboration that will benefit both fans and racers.”

Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 has thrilled fans for decades with its high-banked, 1/3-mile clay oval and marquee events like the Ironman 55 and the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series. Carroll plans to honor the track's storied history while introducing upgrades to enhance the fan and racer experience.

When asked about his immediate priorities, Carroll emphasized, “The first thing I’m going to do is shape the racetrack and ensure we have excellent food. That’s just the start—I’m going to take this place to the next level.”

Carroll also expressed gratitude to the outgoing leadership of Ray Marler and Kenny Schrader. “Their dedication, hard work, and passion made Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 what it is today—a premier racing destination. I’m humbled to continue their work and lead this track into its next era.”

With Carroll at the helm, fans can look forward to a packed 2025 schedule filled with thrilling events and innovative ideas. The addition of Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 to Carroll’s portfolio solidifies his position as a key figure in Midwest dirt racing and promises to strengthen the connection between the two venues.

It will be interesting to see what upgrades are made to the facility.

I made my first visit a couple of years ago, and I was really surprised by the facility. I thought it would be a lot nicer than what it was. It was pretty run down. Hasn't it flooded there a couple of times? I wondered if that what wad keeping it from being nicer.

Yeah, it's flooded some over the years. Most notably in the mid 1990's (I believe 1993) when the Midwest had tortional rain fall in the north and the Mississippi River crested over the riverbanks and then flooded the entire Midwest region around the river from Iowa to southern Missouri.

Who all remembers that year?

I remember that..??1993,,,

Since I've been attending Pevely since it opened in 1979 I'll chime in.

The track doesn't get flooded. The access road getting into the facility and the lower parking lot/old drag strip area do flood as backwater from a flooded Mississippi river cause the small Joachim creek, located near the facility, to overflow. If the Mississippi river level gauge in nearby Herculaneum reads 35 or above then the access road to the track is closed.

A very young Bobby Davis Jr didn't make any friends with the local sprint car drivers in the first sprint car race held at the track. He even punted one far out of the track in turn one.

Ray is getting up there in age so I believe it will be a positive change for the raceway. People complain about the fan experience and the old outdated look and run down feel of the grandstand and midway area but doesn't bother me as I only need a dirt track and a place to sit.

They have a lot of land and could do more with it. I think they could really build up the backstretch grandstands. I don’t think they have a lot of room in the frontstretch area as I-55 is literally right behind it. The track has potential to grow as it’s one of the raciest places in the country.

Very much remember 1993. Lots of flooding on the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois rivers. It was a 180 from five years earlier when the Midwest suffered the worst drought since 1936.

Some daily and monthly temp and precipitation records still stand from the 1988 and 1993 years.

How did that landing feel?

The punter was BDJ the puntee was Dean Adams Jr. He landed past where the fuel tanks are now located outside turn one. After that wreck I knew Gary Stanton built good safe chassis.