It’s the first visit to Lawrenceburg Speedway for the Dirt Rich TV American All-Star Series Presented by PPM Racing Products. It’s also the rare occasion where pro late models run at the Indiana dirt oval. In fact, it’s set to be the largest pro late model event at the track, paying $4,000 to win for the series’ first visit to Indiana.
The track runs a rotating cast of headlining divisions. One week it might be 410 wingless sprints. The next week 305 wing sprints. The following week Northern Allstars Late Model Dirt Series.
“I changed it up,” Lawrenceburg Speedway promoter Shane McHenry said. “We mixed it up instead of sticking to one thing. The feedback [from fans] has been pretty good.”
That means few pro late model drivers get any significant amount of time at the speedway. They might get a race or two at Lawrenceburg, if that. However, don’t mistake that as a lack of pro late model teams in the area. Neighboring tracks Brownstown Speedway and Florence Speedway run them on a regular basis.
Either way, with a limited schedule, it makes running pro late models at Lawrenceburg a special treat, especially with the quality of the venue. Lawrenceburg attracts national series, such as USAC and High Limit Racing.
“It’s a fast, high-banked track,” said McHenry. “When the track’s right, you’ll get some passing, some good sliders, especially in turns three and four. It makes for good racing.”
Don’t forget the facilities, too, with a classic Midwestern-style covered grandstand. It’s also a family-run operation.
“[My wife] has done a phenomenal job of taking care of payouts and organizing staff,” McHenry said. “When my son is not racing, he works [at the track]. My daughter runs the pit gate. My mom runs one of the concession stands. My dad helps with track prep and his wife also helps with some things with the facility. My youngest son helps with the lineup chute. It’s a family venture.”
And that family-owned business feel carries through Lawrenceburg Speedway, which the Dirt Rich TV American All-Star Series Presented by PPM Racing Products will witness firsthand this Saturday, August 16. It’s the second half of a doubleheader for the tour, which the day before heads to Hidden Hollow Speedway on Friday, August 15, in Kentucky.
Outside Groove Note of Transparency: Outside Groove is a sponsor of the American All-Star Series. The American All-Star Series paid for the production of this article. The content is not subject to the approval of the American All-Star Series.
The Outside Groove Executive Editor has covered motorsports since 2000. His many awards include the 2019 Eastern Motorsport Press Association (EMPA) Jim Hunter Writer of the Year and the 2013 Russ Catlin Award for Excellence in Motorsports Journalism.
