New events, familiar races coming to Shawano Speedway

Once again, 2017 at Shawano Speedway brings in a wide variety of events for kids of all age.

From the return of the World of Outlaws to the Dirt Kings Series to the Fury at the Fairgrounds, a $5,000-to-win show for the IMCA Modifieds, the on-the-track action should be top notch

The World of Outlaws Late Models once again return to the famed half-mile on Aug. 2 for the Sun Drop Shootout. Shane Clanton and Josh Richards, who battled for the win last year, put on a show for the lead, with Shane Clanton pulling off the repeat. The Outlaws have numerous new faces on tour this year, with former World 100 winner Chris Madden, Devin Moran, son of the Million Dollar Man, Donnie Moran, Brandon Sheppard and Brent Larsen to name a very few.

“Clanton and Richards put on a show last season,” said Brad Luepke, Shawano County Fair and Shawano Speedway promoter. “I talked with Earl (Pearson) at Cedar Lake Speedway the following weekend, and he said without a doubt he will return in 2017, and Chris Madden loves the big half-miles and becomes an instant favorite to win the event.”

The IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Stock Cars join the Outlaws in 2017. Reserved seating tickets are available now by stopping by the track or calling 715-526-7069.

On June 17, the Dirt Kings Late Model Series invades Shawano Speedway.

“This should be a big night,” Luepke said. “With Plymouth and Cedar Lake having that night off, we should have a full field of Late Models that night. All five divisions will run as well, and we will not raise admission prices either, so this one should be good.”

On June 24, the best Modifieds in the country will return to the half-mile track for the Fury at the Fairgrounds. The Fury is the third leg of the Cheesehead Triple Crown that begins at 141 Speedway on June 21 and 22, then moves to the Oshkosh Speedzone on June 23, before finishing in Shawano. The Fury will pay $5,000 to the winner of the Modifieds. Jeff “Bone” Larsen from Freeport, Illinois, won the event last season

“This is an IMCA-sanctioned event that will draw the best Modified drivers from all over the country,” Luepke said. “The talent that will be on display that night will be amazing.”

The Mighty 4s will have off that night, and the Stock Cars, Sport Mods and Late Models will all race.

July 22 brings the seventh annual Racing for a Reason, an event that started after Luepke’s son, Reed, was diagnosed with leukemia at the age 3. With well over 100 bucket drops and numerous silent auctions, this event has become a staple of Shawano Speedway.

“We have raised $70,000 in the first six years of this event,” Luepke said. “I never would have imagined how big this deal would have gotten. It is a true tribute to the racing community. It is a tightknit family.

“This event is a lot like Reed,” Luepke said. “Healthy and growing.”

The goal is to make a Saturday night at the Shawano Speedway more than just racing.

“We pride ourselves on making this a weekly event, something new and always having something to do,” Luepke said. “This season is no different.”

The speedway will recognize the local go-karters on May 20. May 27 brings back Ladies Night sponsored by Charlie’s County Market. The first 500 ladies get in free; it is always a popular night. On June 10, NWTC is sponsoring a School’s Out Bash.

Family Night on July 1, sponsored by 22 Shell, allows families to get in for only $15. The track will honor the history of Shawano Speedway on June 3 with Hall of Fame night, inducting Julie McDermid and Kevin Tober, and July 8 with Alumni Night.

Seubert Calf Ranches is once again Sponsoring Fan Appreciation Night. Adult admission for is only $5

The kids are always important to the Shawano Speedway.

“Whether it’s being a driver, a worker or a fan, they are our future and the future of racing in northeast Wisconsin,” Luepke said. “So it is important to make it as interactive as possible.”

Kid’s Gold Rush night on July 29 lets the kids go on the track and collect a little extra spending money, and the popular backpack night makes its return Aug. 19.

New to the Speedway is Halloween on the Half-Mile sponsored by Sall-Mar Resort. Trick-or-treating for the kids, costume contest and prizes will all be part of the night.

“Everyone does Christmas in July. We did Halloween in July,” Luepke said. “The drivers will hand out candy in the pits after the races. it is a great way for the kids to get to interact with the drivers. It is going to be a pretty neat night.”

New this year will be two 55-inch televisions hooked up to cable to show Brewers games, NASCAR races and more to keep fans entertained.

A new Hall of Fame wall will be constructed under the grandstand, too.

The Scott Construction Kid’s Zone also returns with a 14-by-14-foot sandbox. The Weekly Dirt program will be back, packed full of stories and photos. Last season, root beer floats, a bike giveaway and tattoos kept the younger fans entertained.

This summer looks to be shaping up to be a stellar season at the Shawano Speedway. The goal for those at the speedway is simple, Luepke said.

“Make it family friendly and to make it a Saturday destination,” he said. “The crew that works here is the most dedicated anywhere, and that dedication is for you, our drivers and fans.”

Make your way out to the Speedway on a Saturday night and check it out for yourself.