Article Image Alt Text

Race enthusiasts look optimistically to the 2020 season at Phillips County Raceway, where improvements are pictured in progress on turn No. 2 of the track at the Phillips County Fairgrounds in Holyoke. Tons of clay were added to the track, and corners and straightaways were reshaped in preparation for the season. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications

PC Raceway track prep underway

Organizers look with optimism to May 29-30 season opener

“Get your cars ready,” encourages Phillips County Raceway promoter Joe Bellm with optimism, as he eyes the May 29-30 season opener at PCR.

Emphasizing that there will indeed be a stock car racing season in Holyoke this year, Bellm cited the track improvements that have been completed recently.

Tons of clay were brought in to mix with the dirt and rework the track surface, also reshaping corners and straightaways.

Bellm explained that corners were flattening out, specifically at turn No. 2. They upgraded the banking properly there and also at turns 3 and 4. Additionally, work was done on the back chute between turns 2 and 3.

Basically what this did was to widen the race track, giving another whole lane of racing, Bellm said. He praised the efforts of Ed Glennemeier, Matt Firme and Justin Bussell for the track work.

In the immediate area, all tracks are standing strong in terms of looking positively at a 2020 season after the COVID-19 gathering bans have been lifted. Bellm did say that there are definitely some tracks in the country that have canceled their seasons this year.

“We just want to make it clear that we are standing strong,” Bellm added.

In past years, the PCR season opened in April, but this year the plan has always been to open the end of May, so the schedule has not been affected.

Bellm’s track affiliations at I-76 Speedway in Fort Morgan and El Paso County Raceway in Calhan both lost their season openers in April but look to open in May.

Bellm said they will be flexible in adapting their schedules as recommendations come down with regard to the gathering bans due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The most up-to-date information for the PCR season, including a printable season schedule, can be found on the BST Promotions website at www.bstpromotions.com. Bellm can be reached at 720-404-0400.

The full article is available in our e-Edition. Click here to subscribe.

Holyoke Enterprise

970-854-2811 (Phone)

130 N Interocean Ave
PO Box 297
Holyoke CO 80734