Eddyville Raceway Park Up for Sale After 60 Years of High-Octane History
EDDYVILLE, IOWA (August 7, 2025) – After six decades of tire smoke, roaring engines, and packed stands, Eddyville Raceway Park — one of the Midwest’s most respected dragstrips is officially for sale.
Tucked just off Exit 54 on Highway 63/163, the track has been a fixture in Iowa’s racing scene since it opened in 1965. Known for its well-maintained ⅛-mile strip and loyal racing community, Eddyville has become a go-to destination for both serious racers and families looking for weekend excitement.
Over the years, the track has hosted everything from grassroots sportsman racing to major national events like the World Fuel Altered Nationals and the wildly popular Funny Car Chaos Series. Those events, along with a steady stream of local races and strong support from sponsors, have kept the facility thriving at a time when many small tracks across the country are struggling.
Back in 2014, longtime motorsports promoter Gerald Kramer took over the bulk of the operation from Scott Gardner, who had owned a major stake. Kramer has been running the show ever since, maintaining the track’s reputation as one of the best-run dragstrips in the region.
But now, the owners have decided it’s time for a new chapter.
The decision to list the property comes as a surprise to many in the racing community, but insiders say the move is about passing the torch rather than closing the book.
While the asking price hasn’t been made public yet, what’s clear is that the new owner will be stepping into a unique blend of history, loyal fan support, and strong business potential.
Ottumwa Radio recently sat down with Mr. Kramer, a familiar and beloved figure in the local racing community, to reflect on his time as the owner of the track—a place that has been close to his heart for decades. When asked what owning the track has meant to him personally, Mr. Kramer shared that his connection to it goes back to the late 1960s. He began as a young fan, later raced there himself during his high school years, and eventually watched his own children grow up and race on the same dirt. The track has been more than just a place to race; it’s been a lifelong thread woven through his family’s memories.
As for the fans and racing families who have filled the stands and the pits over the years, Mr. Kramer expressed deep gratitude. “I want to thank them for their support,” he said sincerely. “If it wasn’t for them, there would be no track today.” Their loyalty and love for the sport have been the backbone of the track’s continued existence, something he doesn’t take for granted.
Looking to the future, when asked whether the track’s name or legacy would continue under new ownership, Mr. Kramer responded with hope. “I hope it does,” he said, a simple but earnest wish that the spirit and history of the track will carry forward.
In parting, Mr. Kramer offered one final message to everyone who’s been a part of the journey. “Thank you to the employees, to the racing family, and to the race fans for all the wonderful memories.” His words are a testament to a lifetime of passion, community, and the power of a local track to bring people together.
Category: Iowa
