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Red Clay Reborn

The old adage that races are won in the shop is more than a mere slogan. Finding speed is an endless quest, and in a bottom line business it isn’t difficult to see where you have succeeded and failed. The post-race analysis that is conducted in the aftermath of a contest isn’t restricted to participants. The overall quality of the show matters greatly to race organizers, and fans are quick to offer their critique in the social media age.
Andy Bradley wears multiple hats. First, he is a racer at heart and when he can find a spare minute he is focused on doing what is necessary to win. However, he is now in a leadership position at the Historic Bloomington Speedway and when Speedway Partners LLC took the reins at the 102 year old plant it was clear that there was a host of items that needed attention. The press box and concession were problem areas, water lines needed repaired, and there were known problems with the lighting and public address system. Then there was the matter of creating a schedule, selling advertising, and gaining sponsorship. There were also pressing legal matters to tidy up.
It was easy to be overwhelmed and to lose one’s way. Thankfully, the new management group includes people with different talents and perspectives. This is where Davey Myers and Henry Bryant stepped up. They recognized the most important asset of all was the red clay oval. In their opinion the track needed a facelift. In short, they believed that with time and effort the quarter mile could be reconfigured, and the quality of the overall show could be enhanced. Bradley needed to be convinced. It was one more project in a bottomless pit of must-do items. Nonetheless, Myers and Bryant persisted.
Bloomington Speedway is in the entertainment industry. Bradley had an epiphany. It dawned on him that what he wanted as a competitor and as a fan wasn’t all that different. As a driver he wants an opportunity to put his skills to the test. As a fan he hopes the racetrack is fast and supports wheel to wheel action. With these considerations in mind the Bloomington Speedway team realized it was time to get to work.
Just as race teams have been burning the midnight oil in the garage, staff at the Historic Bloomington Speedway have rolled up their sleeves and focused their attention on the red clay. The project became the top priority of Myers and Bryant. David Hays, a vital cog in the operation, worked behind the scenes to marshal the resources needed to push the project to completion. Favorable weather has been a godsend, and the dream now is to hear the phrase “new track record” uttered over the public address system, and for fans to be riveted by the action.
After hours of labor the basic tale of the tape is as follows. Myers and Bryant feel the track is now approximately 55 feet wide in the corners and the banks have been increased by three to four feet. Bradley notes with a laugh that “Davey and Henry were pretty passionate about the need to restore the track. Right now, it is about where Mike Miles had it when he was the promoter.” New clay has been added, and work will continue right up to the May 9th Larry Rice Classic featuring the USAC National cars and the Huntley’s Hoosier Wing Sprint Car Series.
It has been a time consuming but gratifying project that has involved a number of important community collaborators. All of these groups and individuals are dedicated to helping the Historic Bloomington Speedway succeed. These partners include.
Lentz Asphalt and Paving
A+ Performance Trucking
Independent Limestone
Crider & Crider
MacAllister Equipment Rental
Groomer Asphalt and Paving
Humphrey Excavating
Bradley-Myers Excavating
Herb Deckard
Ken Coulston
Phil Emmert
When Bradley thinks about all of those people coming together to lend a hand he is hopeful about the years to come. Then he slips back into competitor mode and adds, “In the end I think we are going to have a track you can race on again.”
That’s good news for everyone.

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