The Webster County Fair Board will host the Figure 8 Nationals races on Friday and Saturday evenings as well as the Iowa Roughstock Rodeo (IRR) Rodeo Finals Saturday and Sunday evening.

“We are really excited and busy,” said Heather Stewart, Webster County fair manager.

This is the fourth year that the Webster County Fairgrounds has hosted the Figure 8 Nationals races and is its first year to host the IRR Rodeo Finals.

The Figure 8 Nationals races will be held Friday and Saturday at the Fairgrounds. The nationals race will bring more than 300 drivers and crew members to Fort Dodge along with more than 2,000 anticipated visitors.

“The estimated direct spending associated with this event will be $120,000 with much of it going to local hotels, restaurants, and gas stations,” said Kerrie Kuiper, executive director of Visit Fort Dodge. “Of course, other visitor-drawing businesses and retail stores will likely see additional business from those attending as well. Visit Fort Dodge appreciates the Webster County Fairgrounds and their volunteers hosting the Figure 8 Nationals for the fourth time. It not only impacts the community’s economy but is a significant entertainment opportunity for our residents.”

According to Cory Krug, president of the Webster County Fair Board, drivers in the Figure 8 Nationals races must have won a feature or track points championship to be in the Race of Champions. Both Friday and Saturday night’s races will include smaller heat races to begin with larger feature events as more qualify for the main event. Krug said there are also some special events with the Race of Champions and a new hobby stock oval event as well.

“We are excited to see this event grow year after year with the support from great sponsors,” said Krug. “As the largest overall payout event in Figure 8 racing around, this will bring in a lot of drivers from outside of the area that get to enjoy the many other great things our community has to offer.”

On Saturday and Sunday, the Webster County Fairgrounds will also be hosting the Iowa Rodeo Roughstock (IRR) Rodeo Finals. The IRR is primarily a youth rodeo committed to the development of future rodeo athletes.

“We were lucky enough to have the IRR Rodeo during Thursday of the fair this year,” said Stewart. “But this is our first time hosting their finals.”

At the July IRR event at the Webster County Fair, the stands were packed, according to Stewart, and this weekend’s event is anticipated to be well-attended too.

“These kids are some of the bravest and toughest you will see around,” said Stewart. “They compete in one of the most dangerous sports offered to them. The danger you see in professional rodeo is still present in youth rodeo. People will see some of the best Iowa has to offer, including two, if not three youth world champions that were crowned in Las Vegas.”

Those world champions include Dayton native Cayden Burkholder, crowned Bareback Riding World Champion, and brothers Wade and Zane Magner who are Saddle Bronc World Champions.

“Even though this is a dangerous sport, we have some of the very best in our protection squad of our bull fighters and pick up men that will be keeping our kids and our livestock safe,” said Stewart.

Saturday’s IRR event will also include a mom’s bull riding and dad’s barrel racing fundraiser to help raise money for the IRR’s end-of-the-year awards.

“This weekend is going to be very busy, but we are really excited to bring two great events and so many people to Fort Dodge,” said Stewart. “I really hope that local residents will also come out and have a great weekend at the fairgrounds by attending the races and the rodeo.”

Figure 8 Nationals Races: Sept. 27-28

When: 7 p.m. Friday, 6 p.m. Saturday

Where: Webster County Fairgrounds

Tickets: Adults: $10; Kids, 6-12: $5; Under 5: free; Pit passes: $25

Iowa Rodeo Roughstock Rodeo Finals: Sept. 28-29

When: 5 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday

Where: Webster County Fairgrounds

Cost: Freewill donation