UPDATE! (May 29, 2013) Good news, Jus 10 Time will be promoting the Enid Speedway. The speedway racing should start in August! They are looking to race a full schedule in 2014. To make things work there will need to be considerable funding for the driver payouts. The new promoter is now looking for sponsorships. This is a great opportunity for advertisers and race fans. Contact Jus 10 Time for information at (580)540-4260.
(May 20, 2013) Many people may not be aware of the fact that Enid no longer has dirt track racing out at the Enid Speedway. The track currently does not have a promoter which handles most all aspects of running the races, attracting drivers and marketing to the fans. The Enid Speedway is located at the Garfield County Fairgrounds in the Garfield County Memorial Stadium.
The track is overseen by the Fairgrounds Trust Authority and managers of the fairgrounds. Terms of the trust prevent the track from legally signing any promoter to a contract for more than two years.
Ed Beckley, who operated dirt car tracks in Dodge City, Kan., and Liberal, Kan., cited small car counts and lagging attendance as the reason he was forced to pull out of a deal he had with the Garfield County Fair Board in 2011. The last race reportedly lost $7,000.
The Enid Speedway track opened in August of 1948 and was once known as Thunderbird Speedway. The track is a 3/8 mile high banked dirt oval. Over the decades the track has changed names and promoters many times. The stadium is now closed.
Currently Enid is going through somewhat of a renaissance with the renovation of Conventional Hall, the creation of the Enid Event Center, the revival of the Esquire Movie Theater, new emphasis on local parks, rebuilding of the Meadowlake rides, renewed interest in Tri-State and the rebuilding of almost every school in town.
Enid seems to be yearning for many of the things that made living here great in the 60's and 70's. Part of that legacy includes auto racing at the Enid Speedway. Most of the long time local residents can remember hearing the car races every Saturday night during racing season. The engine sounds could be heard in practically every corner of town and the bright speedway lights could be seen for miles.
Today, there are a couple of people willing to step up and bring dirt track racing back to Enid. The speedway needs a promoter and there is one young man that may be the perfect candidate for the position. His name is Justin Bingham, a single 35 year old US ARMY Non Commissioned Officer veteran with some very lofty goals. He currently owns Enid's hottest delivery service, Jus 10 Time, located at 2811 W. Owen K. Garriott.
Bingham served three overseas tours in the war zone of Iraq. Unfortunately he was badly injured when hit by two insurgent vehicles while on patrol North of Baghdad. The US Army medically retired Bingham due to his injuries and ended his career early with 11 years of pure Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage.
Bingham moved back to Enid to be with his family. Since his return, the Enid Speedway has lacked stability and joined Tulsa, OK and OKC, OK in shutting down their tracks. His goal is to bring back racing in addition to many other popular activities related to the industry.
There are currently plans to make major changes to the way the track has operated in the past. This includes the pits, concessions, and grandstands. Bingham is looking to make the speedway fun and exciting while adding at least two new classes to the schedule. He currently has $20,000 put aside to invest in the track. He still needs another $80,000 before the doors can open.
Investors are currently being sought with no amount given being too small or too big. Regardless of the amount sponsored, raised, or donated, these funds will go directly to opening the track. Sponsorship packages are also available. Sponsors will have their name on the speedway walls, names on banners in the stands, the parking lot area and on track equipment. These sponsors will also receive free event tickets, free drinks and food specials.
With a few major sponsors there could be enough support to show the fairground authority that the Enid Speedway should reopen. If you have questions, suggestions or would like to contribute, please do not hesitate to call Jus 10 Time. (580) 540-4260 / (580) 747-1360.
Fans of auto racing and the Enid Speedway are doing what they can to bring racing back to Enid. They have created a Facebook page to keep everyone updated on the latest news. Please visit the Keep Enid Speedway Kickin page today.
Bringing auto racing back to Enid could be another feather in our cap. Enid is definitely on the move and could easily become the #1 destination spot in all of northern Oklahoma. Let's take advantage of our current growth, influx of oilfield workers and variety of weekend activities. Race fans need to unite and show their support for the race track.
An event has already been completed to get the ball rolling on bringing back the speedway. Keep Enid Speedway Kickin is presented their 1st Annual Car Show. All race cars, mud trucks, motorcycles, rock crawlers and hot rods were welcome. The event took place Sunday, May 19th in front of the Enid Speedway. Food was provided by the BBQ Joint from Pond Creek. There were Monster Truck rides from Sudden Death, a dunk tank, car bash, motorcycle games and other surprises.
