Local Raceway Reopens
Local Raceway Reopens Save Email Print
Posted: 9:03 PM Jul 19, 2008
Last Updated: 10:45 PM Jul 19, 2008

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A traffic jam of race cars is something fans worried would become a thing of the past at the Kansas International Dragway. New management and a few improvements, however, have fans and drivers revving their engines.

"I love it so far," said one fan.

It's the track local racing fans worried had run out of gas.

"It needed some work," said another fan.

Just months ago, the Kansas International Dragway was the Wichita International Raceway. The more than 40 year old track, fans say, was starting to show its age. Then, Keenan Kelley stepped in as the new manager.

"I took it back over in February and we put in a new pavilion, working restrooms, bathrooms," Kelley says.

Kelley's family started the track and decided it was time to restore it. Nearly $1,000,000 later, everything from new concessions to a new track are in place.

"It feels real good," Kelley says. "We can't do it alone so we have a good crew."

The improvements bring new life to the track in the form of drivers and fans who are ready for some racing during this year's summer nationals.

"This track has been around here forever and all these improvements, the drivers really appreciate it," said Stan Smith, a driver.

It's a refueled track fans say is ready for competition.

"As long as they can pay people to come out here and drive, they'll be fine," said one fan.

Kelley says he hopes the improvements to the track bring a boost to the region's racing community. The track is located near 61st Street North and Ridge Road.

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Posted by: Race Fan Location: wichita on Jul 21, 2008 at 02:47 PM
The track is absolutely wonderful! All you race fans need to come out and support the new "KID". Alot of hard work,blood sweat and tears went into the track all for the fans of racing and for the racers.Let's keep the track around for 50 more years.

Posted by: raised2race Location: wichita on Jul 20, 2008 at 08:13 PM
Wonderful to see the old track getting a new face lift! Great to see Stan Smith still holding to the nick name "Stan the Man" as one of Wichita's top Racers!

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