WEBSTER CITY — Racing action will continue for the remainder of the 2024 season at Hamilton County Speedway, but it will do so on a limited schedule.

Track promoters Todd and Janet Staley confirmed the decision in a release posted to the track’s official website.

“The season began strong with good car counts and a good showing from fans in the grandstand,” Todd Staley said. “Unfortunately, neither held as the season progressed and we switched to Thursday nights. We knew the Thursday night deal would be hit or miss, but we had to try something different.

“Low car counts and minimal fans in the stands have forced us to cut the remaining Thursday night events, plus one Tuesday night event. In total, five events will be cut.”

Nine nights remain on the 2024 schedule, including the upcoming World of Outlaw Late Models on Tuesday, June 25. Other dates include July 6, July 25-28, Aug. 24 and Oct. 18-19.

Staley mentioned a strong desire to switch back to Saturday night, but “with other local USRA tracks making changes to their schedule based on our change, we do not feel that is in the best interest of anyone.”

“We take a lot of pride in the speedway,” he said. “This is the track I grew up on. It’s the track that we started our motorsports career on. We knew it wouldn’t be easy. The track has seen its share of promoters over the past 30 years.

“It’s also disheartening to see the hill filled with people on race night. Take those 30 or so ‘fans’ and turn them into paid admission plus food and beverage purchases…1it can help. Instead, they pull in and watch a complete show for free.”

If a new promoter is not found for the 2025 season, Staley plans to host a smaller schedule for the track.

“The last thing we want is for the track to sit empty,” he said. “We do not want that to happen. However, we feel as though we have exhausted all our options. The bottom line is that we need the support of the community. The racetrack drives a lot of outside traffic to the city. Many of our fans travel weekly to be with us. We have only 12 local drivers; the rest travel to compete at our events.

“We will fulfill our contract for 2024. From there, the Fair Board will have the opportunity to open the rental agreement to seek another promoter to take over in 2025. We have agreed to work with the Fair Board on finding a replacement for the weekly promotions in 2025. We will be forthcoming and welcome a new promoter with any assistance we can provide.”

They also offered appreciation to those who have shown support over the years.

“It means more than you know,” Staley said. “We know this is not the outcome anyone wanted, but we cannot keep taking a loss each week. We have the best staff who have continued (and will continue) to show up for us at each event. Thank you for your unwavering support.

“On that note, if you don’t want to see the track sit empty, come to the races. Pay for admission. Support the drivers. That’s it. That’s the bottom line.”