A History of the Fairgrounds Speedway

by erik@localeben.com
0 comment

By: Pegi Erdman

The first race at the Dodge County Fairgrounds took place on Labor Day weekend 1985. It was an Enduro race and Dave Voigt was the winner. It was such a success that another one was hosted in October of the same year!  The only record of that winner is that it was car #62.

After that first year of Enduro racing is where Fuzzy Fassbender enters the picture! Insurance rates became very high, so Fuzzy gathered a group of racing enthusiasts and approached the Dodge County Fair board. Shortly thereafter, stock car racing began at the track known fondly as the “Horsepower Half-mile.”  Fuzzy was a member of the fair board until 1994 when he resigned to pursue other interests; he is considered one of the founding fathers for racing at the fairgrounds. 

Weekly racing continued for many years at the track.  An additional grandstand was built to accommodate the increased crowds, as well as a wheel fence around the entire track. A digital scoreboard was also added; it was now definitely a racetrack!  The final lap turned for their weekly shows in 2004; however, in the fall of 2014, a newly formed group of fans, drivers and supporters formed the Dodge County Speedway Association. The first locally run show ran in September of that year with tremendous support from the area. It was time … time to bring local racing back to this track that holds the heart of many.

The first full season of racing is being held this year with 12 race dates on Sunday nights. History is being made again with many second-generation drivers taking to this track, the track they grew up at watching their dad, uncle or even grandfather race at. It is now their time to shine.  For more information, visit the speedway’s Facebook page at Dodge County Speedway Association, or visit their website at dodgecountyspeedwaywi.com.

 

You may also like

Leave a Comment