(Thursday, January 26, 2023) Gas City, IN - As fans and drivers alike continue to wait for 2023 schedules to be released by area race tracks, one popular bullring in northern Indiana has announced major changes to their program for 2023. In what will be their second season under Promoter Larry Boos, the Speedway announced via their Facebook page that they will turn away from a weekly Friday night format moving forward.
The post came as what the race track called an "open letter" to everyone interested in Gas City I-69 Speedway. In the letter, Boos addressed areas of weakness in the 2022 season, noting the sudden change of promotional management after former promoter Jerry Gappens took a position with Eldora Speedway, opening the door for Boos to step in. Boos is also associated with two other race tracks in Indiana, including Winchester Speedway and Montpelier Motor Speedway.
The letter reads in part, "Regarding the 2023 season, Gas City I-69 Speedway will shift away from a weekly Friday night format. This move was not taken lightly, and many factors were taken into consideration; all of which can and will be debated as to tradition, pros, cons, etc. Nonetheless, the quality of racing will not be affected... we will continue...with excellent programming highlighted by non-winged sprint cars and multiple other divisions."
The announcement was met with mixed reviews on social media, with some fans disgruntled at the reduction in shows for the upcoming season. However, others voiced understanding and optimism that the Speedway will remain open in any capacity in 2023. Gas City I-69 Speedway is not the only facility to run a "specials only" type of schedule. In fact, Kokomo Speedway also recently released a schedule that features one-to-two races per month, including Indiana Midget Week, Indiana Sprint Week, XR Super Series, Sprint Car Smackdown, and the Kokomo Klash.
Boos completed the letter by showing appreciation for the support fans have given the Speedway as they move forward, saying, "For the continuation of racing at Gas City I-69 Speedway, our team appreciates your understanding and support. Please stay tuned as we move forward with the steps outlined [in the letter] above."
No official schedule has been released for the 2023 season at Gas City I-69 Speedway, but it's expected that the Speedway will return with Indiana Midget Week, Indiana Sprint Week, and other Non-Wing Sprint Car events. Fans can keep up with Gas City I-69 Speedway on Facebook and Twitter.
Story - Zach Hiser
Photo - Jim DenHamer File Photo
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