With the racing world paused amid the COVID-19 outbreak, SPEED SPORT is highlighting race tracks around the United States. This is part of that ongoing series.
Track of the Day: Gas City I-69 Speedway
Address: 5871 E 500 S, Gas City, IN 46953
Website: www.gascityi69speedway.com
History: Gas City I-69 Speedway has a relatively short history when compared to other midwestern dirt tracks, but that doesn’t mean the track is lacking in popularity.
The quarter-mile dirt track opened for competition in 1986 and operated for a few seasons before going dormant for a period of time. In 1996, Jack Himelick purchased the track and, joined one year later by Jiggs Thomason, began making upgrades to the facility.
The two enjoyed a 17-year run as owners and promoters of the track before Thomason retired. After Thomason’s retirement the track was rented by various promoters who used the track for special events.
In 201,8 veteran motorsports executive and promoter Jerry Gappens, a native of nearby Kokomo, Ind., leased the facility and returned weekly racing to the track. The track now hosts a full schedule of events each season, with non-winged 410 sprint car serving as the headlining division. Thomas Meseraull is the defending track champion in the non-winged 410 sprint car class.
In addition to weekly competition, Gas City I-69 Speedway also welcomes the Ollie’s Bargain Outlet All Star Circuit of Champions, USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car Series and USAC NOS Energy Drink National Midget Series to the track annually.
