34 Raceway has new owners, Jeff & Amy Laue
by Dana Royer/34 Raceway

MIDDLETOWN, IA (Nov. 7, 2006) ­ The rumors began near the end of the 2006 racing season. Johnny Johnson is selling 34 Raceway. Names like Tony Stewart, Matt Kenseth, IMCA surfaced.

The rumors can now be put to rest, as Jeff and Amy Laue, Burlington, are now the new and proud owners of 34 Raceway, located 4 miles west of West Burlington, Iowa.

The Laues officially made the announcement that they have purchased the 3/8 mile, 40 year old track from longtime owner and racer, Johnny Johnson. Johnson owned the track for several years, including a stint in the 1980s and then repurchased the facility owning it for the past ten years. In that time, Johnson made great improvements including new lights, bleachers, concession stands and restrooms. Jeff and Amy take over one of the best, if not the best, racing facility in Iowa.

Jeff and Amy are familiar with the track and the racers with Jeff completing his twentieth year of racing in 2006. Amy, knowing that Johnson was considering selling, approached him about buying the track this past season. Johnson and the Laues reached an agreement and recently finalized the purchase.

What's in store for the Laues and 34 Raceway? With the help of their family the Laues plan on promoting the track themselves. One of their goals is to make it a more family style atmosphere with lots of good racing, noting that suggestions from the fans and racers are encouraged. Jeff has decided not to race at 34 Raceway but may see some racing action at other tracks if time and opportunity allows.

Recently the new owners hired Bud Wollam, West Burlington to be Director of Competition. Wollam is well known to dirt track racers, having served as an official at 34 Raceway, and, most recently working as IMCA¹s late model director. The Laues have hired some key positions and are looking for some of their advice on changes.

The 2007 racing season will include IMCA Late Models, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, (running under IMCA rules), and hobby stocks. Under the terms of the sales agreement the late models, modifieds and stocks cars will be sanctioned by the IMCA for one more season, but the Laues are looking to possibly keeping the sanctioning for a longer period. 34 Raceway will also host three Sprint Invaders Series races. The first race will be held on April 7, 2007, with the Sprint Invaders, followed by an IMCA Deery Brothers Summer Series race on April 14. . Many inquiries have been received as to the possibility of bringing the sprint cars back. "We are considering a 5th class (which could be sprint cars)" said Amy. "But we are still educating ourselves on the interest and the insurance factor."

The Laues encourage your suggestions and can be reached at 319-754-1897, or by cell phones at 319-750-3454 or 319-750-1459. For those with email you can reach them at jacal45l@interl.net . Watch the 34 Raceway website for updates and 2007 season information at www.34raceway.com .

Drivers meeting set for Dec. 20 at Turn 2 in Mediapolis

Many drivers have been inquiring about when a driver¹s meeting will be held for the 2007 season. The meeting will be held for the four classes on Wednesday, December 20 at 7:00 p.m. at the Turn 2 Restaurant in Mediapolis.

Jeff and Amy hope to meet with sprint car racers interested in running a 305 sprint or a 360 sprint, separately at 8:00 p.m. that evening.