Submitted photo Sports Park Raceway is scheduled to host its 2020 season opener this Friday night, under its new United States Racing Association rules and regulations.

It isn’t quite the season opener new promoter Andy Jones originally envisioned, but there will be action for the first time in 2020 at Sports Park Raceway this Friday.

And Fort Dodge will be the only act around with tires on the track that night.

There will be no roar of the crowd, and the general atmosphere will pale in comparison to what should be coming down the pike in the weeks and months to come. At the end of the day, getting the drivers back in motion became the ultimate short-term goal for Jones and the Sports Park Raceway team.

“We’re going to give it a go while being respectful of the rules and taking all of the necessary precautions,” Jones said. “(Hamilton County Speedway promoter) Todd (Staley) and I spend a lot of time going over this, discussing why it could or couldn’t work and doing a cost-benefit analysis.

“No one is allowed in the stands, as ordered by (Gov. Kim Reynolds). And we will follow all social distancing guidelines to make sure contact isn’t even an issue. We’re trying our best to find a good balance here, because everyone is ready to race. So we’ll see how this week goes and revisit everything after (Friday night).”

Fans won’t be completely shut out of this week’s experience. A limited number of personal vehicles will be allowed to park at the top of the grandstands and watch at a cost of $40 per vehicle. Up to 10 people allowed with each pre-registered automobile or truck.

“We’re hoping to get anywhere from 40 to 60 parking spots with a view of the track,” Jones said. “We’ll have pre-registration for parking offered through the website or our social media pages. Space will be limited, but we wanted to give the fans an opportunity and this was the next best thing for them. They will be expected to stay in or around their vehicles, as per the Webster County Public Health Department.

“We really debated whether or not to give this a go without them — even if it’s just a week or two — because that’s what it’s all about. Having brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, cousins, parents and grandparents in the stands. This is a family sport, and we want to build a family environment. Hopefully, this is going to be a very temporary (alternative). We need fans and sponsors to make this work.”

The Summit United States Racing Association weekly series opens with USRA Modifieds, USRA Stock Cars, USRA B-Modifieds, USRA Hobby Stocks and USRA Tuners. Pit gates open at 3 p.m., with hot laps at 7 p.m. and racing to follow.

Drivers must pre-register online at www.MyRacePass.com. The pit pass is included with registration.

As of Wednesday, Sports Park Raceway (Friday) and Hamilton County Speedway in Webster City (Saturday) are the only two facilities in Iowa featuring live action this weekend. The tracks will follow a uniform list of standards and procedures, and competition will be counted as USRA season point events.

“I’d love to see 150 cars (registered),” said Jones, a Webster City resident. “Given the lack of opportunities in Iowa so far, I think that’s a possibility. (The drivers) are anxious to get going.”

Jones and his crew — a combination of area business owners, volunteers and SPR staff — have worked tirelessly to prepare the facility for the season over the last six weeks. Major upgrades to the surface, an improved water supply, a MyLaps transponder system, restroom and concession renovations, reconfigured VIP booths for sponsors and local businesses, and updates to both the pit and grandstand areas have either been completed or are on the horizon.

“We’re not at 100 percent yet, but we’re getting closer by the day,” Jones said. “We have some minor details to iron out between now and Friday. We’re still working on the outside of the track. I think everything we’ve put into it will pay off in the end. We have both the safety and quality of experience in mind for our drivers and supporters. That’s always what comes first.”

A “Pit Pass” for live streaming is also available to follow the action at www.RacinDirt.TV. Cost is $33 for a monthly subscription.

A complete list of rules and regulations are available at www.sportsparkraceway.com. Updates are also available on the Sports Park Raceway Facebook page.

Sports Park Raceway is located at 2298 South River Road, just south and west of Fort Dodge.