With track, grandstand work complete, I-70 to sport four IMCA divisions on Friday card
by: Bill Martin

ODESSA, MO. (Nov. 20, 2006) – With work on the track completed and a couple late season specials in the book, I-70 Speed­way will open in 2007 with four IMCA sanctioned classes on its Friday night program.

IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Sunoco Stock Cars will be joined by Karl Chevrolet Northern SportMods and Sport Com­pacts on the 3/8 mile clay venue, part of a 278 acre racing facility east of Kansas City.

The new sanction gives area Modified, SportMod and Stock Car drivers a Friday-Saturday tandem at I-70 and Winston Speedway. I-70 will be the first track in Missouri to run the Sport Compacts.

“I’m a firm believer that IMCA’s rules are in the best interests of the drivers. I like the rules, the attitude of the drivers and the whole philosophy. It’s not about outspending, it’s about racing,” owner and promoter Brad McDonald said. “Everybody is on a level playing field. I’ve seen (promoter) Gene Stigall do this and be successful at Winston and with two tracks working together it will be even better for everyone.”

Both facilities are part of the SuperFlow Central Region for Modifieds and the Jet Racing Northern Region for Stock Cars.

McDonald had planned to debut IMCA divisions at I-70 this season, but opted to reconfigure the track surface and do additional work on the grandstand. The first race on the new track was held Oct. 28.

“I was like a kid in a candy store that day,” he said.

Opening night at I-70 is set for Good Friday, April 6. Pit gates will open at 5:30 p.m., with hot laps at approximately 7 p.m. and racing at 8 p.m.