This months showcase is about Bloomington Speedway!

 

I am proud and pleased to present Bloomington Speedway in our showcases this month! After a few days of playing phone tag, Mike Miles, one of the promoters of the track, took time out of his busy daily schedule to give Dirt Scoops a phone call.

I noticed immediately that Mike was a very pleasant, down to earth guy, whose friendly demeanor radiated through the phone. He was very easy to talk with, and his love for the track, the drivers and the fans came through his personality. He shared with me,

“Bloomington Track is my livelihood, it’s success is my success."

He went on to say, "I work to ensure that the grounds are mowed, the track is ready, the bathrooms are clean, and everything is in order for the fans and the drivers. When they pay the admission, I want them to get what they came for, a good night of racing" He also add, "We have quality drivers and racing here, I am blessed to have such great drivers that give on the best show for the fans." He went on further, “Now days, not just Sprints pull in fans, but I have noticed the Mods and the Superstocks put on such a great show, that the fans stay around after those features as well.”

I asked Mike how many years that he has been promoting the track. He laughed, “You know, I keep track of that by our 4th of July Fireworks show, that is the easiest way for me to remember, 23 years!” “ We always have such a great show every year, and for some reason that is how I remember how many years we have been promoting”.

He told me the track has been there since 1923. That is a long time! “There have been a lot of great promoters before me”, he added. He also stated, “ The location is great, it’s a neat site, there is a creek with trees, and the stands are on a hill side.”

 

Since the track originated in 1923, there is a lot of history. To read the full history, go to the track website: http://www.bloomingtonspeedway.com/history.htm.

 

Some Quick Facts and history highlights include:

- Built in 1923

- in 1946 - Dizz Wilson and Wayne Padgett took over the track, built a quarter-mile oval and grandstands into the hillside.

- 1992 - Mile Miles took over the track and responsibilities

- Some of the drivers who have frequented the track: Dick Gaines, Bob and Sheldon Kinser, Calvin Gilstrap and Allen Barr, Jeff Gordon, Randy Kinser, Tony Stewart, Kenny Irwin Jr, Kasey Kane.

 

Some of the greats started out at Bloomington, including,
Jeff Gordon, who was the track champion in 1988, and rookie of the year in 1987.
Also, Steve Kinser, Tony Stewart, Kasey Kane.
“It’s nice to know that our track had a part in them starting out,” he laughed.

Bloomington, as other tracks, faces it's share of challenges, Mike candidly states, “I think the number one thing is that you are competing for the entertainment dollar,” then elaborates, “And every track's got the same problem. Down here in Bloomington, we've got so many venues that every weekend something's going on. And we've got a large lake right here beside us, we're competing that way, too. Another thing is keeping our neighbors satisfied and happy.”

Some of the exciting events this year, Mike shared, were the USAC races. “It’s a new thing for us, we are excited to see what that brings”. Also, the USAC Midget racing, which is part of Indiana Midwest Week, a 5 night series is included in this years schedule.
The Spring Clash – A Sprint Car Race is a $3000.00 race.

For a complete listing of events, see http://www.bloomingtonspeedway.com/schedule.htm


Also, he is excited about the BOSS series, which Bloomington has 3 races schedule for this year. “Before we couldn't get the rules lined up, but finally this year, we were able to do this”.

Again, Mike showed how much he cared about his drivers and the tracks success by sharing the last years banquet information with me. He stated he had over 32K in fund and contingency awards last year. This years banquet is planned for November 1, 2008, and he stated he is working hard with area businesses to have another great banquet.

Opening night is planned for April 11. The line up includes: Sprint Cars, UMP Indiana Super Stocks, and UMP Modifieds.

You can read more in the "Ridin the Rim" newsletter: http://www.bloomingtonspeedway.com/documents/newsletterforwebsite.pdf

Location of the Bloomington Speedway, go here: http://www.bloomingtonspeedway.com/map.htm

I am sure he will be ready, and the fans and drivers will be awarded with some more great racing at Bloomington Speedway!

Thanks Mike for the interview and good luck for the 2008 season!