Kokomo Speedway facts for kids
| Location | Kokomo, Indiana |
|---|---|
| Time zone | UTC−5 / −4 (DST) |
| Coordinates | 40°30′41″N 86°08′36″W / 40.5113°N 86.1434°W |
| Operator | O'Connor Family (as of 2020) |
| Opened | 1947 |
| Major events | Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series World of Outlaws Sprint Cars Sprint Car Smackdown Kokomo Klash Indiana Sprint Week venue (USAC Sprint Cars) |
| Length | 0.25 mi (0.40 km) |
Kokomo Speedway is an exciting dirt oval track in Kokomo, Indiana. It's about a quarter-mile long, which is 0.4 kilometers. This track is famous for its thrilling races.
Every summer, the Speedway hosts races on Sunday nights. Many different types of race cars compete here. You can see sprint cars, late models, and midget cars. It's a great place to watch fast-paced racing action!
Contents
History of Kokomo Speedway
Building the Track
The Kokomo Speedway was built a long time ago, in 1947. It was first made for midget car racing. Albert Miller and John Rose were the people who built this cool track.
The very first race happened on July 6, 1947. It was a big day for racing fans in Indiana.
Special Races Over Time
On June 23, 1991, a unique race took place. It was the only time winged USAC sprint cars raced there. Kelly Kinser was the winner of that special event.
Exciting Racing Series
Major Racing Events
Kokomo Speedway is a popular spot for many big racing events. It's one of the tracks used for the Indiana Sprintweek. This is a series of races for USAC Sprint Cars.
In the 1990s, ESPN even showed these Sprintweek races live on TV! Today, the track hosts races for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. It also features the World of Outlaws Sprint Car series.
Annual Kokomo Klash
Every October, the Speedway holds a special event called the Kokomo Klash. This race brings together many different types of cars. You can see sprint cars, midget cars, and late models all competing. It's a big event that many fans love to watch.
Famous Racers at Kokomo Speedway
Many talented drivers have raced and won at Kokomo Speedway. Some have even become track champions! Here are a few of the notable racers:
- Bryan Clauson - He was the Sprint Car track champion in 2014.
- Dave Darland - A four-time Sprint Car track champion in 1987, 1991, 1993, and 1994.
- Justin Grant - He won the Sprint Car track championship in 2017 and 2019.
- Cole Whitt - He was the Sprint Car track champion in 2009.
- Chris Windom - He won the Sprint Car track championship in 2010.
- Bob Kinser - A champion many times, winning in 1972-1976 and 1978-1980.
- Shane Cottle - He was a Sprint Car track champion in 2004, 2005, 2007, and 2011.
Images for kids
-
Entrance to the Speedway
-
Grandstands where fans watch the races
-
The ticket booth at Kokomo Speedway
