One of the top 1/8- mile heads-up drag racing facilities is currently up for sale. located in Denton, Texas, this Texas gem is listed at 5.9 Million. Track owner and racer Gene Nicodemus purchased the track about 8 years ago and is the fifth owner.
“I bought the track as an investment, and I’m a drag racer myself. My company, Nicodemus Construction, remodeled the track in 2003,” Gene says. “I had the opportunity to buy it, and I wanted to keep it a racetrack, because a lot of people depend on that racetrack. When I got it it was a bracket racing track and it wasn’t producing the funds to keep it open. So I changed directions — I wanted to bring heads-up racing back to Texas, and I think we succeeded at it. There’s more heads-up stuff here than there has been in many years.“What people don’t understand about running a racetrack is the love you have to have for it,” he continues. “Because it’s not just open the gates, come in, and leave. It’s a 40- to 50-hour week, during the week deal if you want your facility looking nice. And then you have your weekends…I’ve sacrificed my weekends now for seven years, ands that’s a pretty big deal. The people that really suffer from that are my wife and my kids.”“When you’re an owner-operator, it makes a big difference to the racers. I make it more of a family-oriented deal, and I’ve brought in shows that people want to see. What kills it are local tracks that have no desire to share the bookings — we have tracks that want to book on top of us and just don’t care. I’ve had an event at my track for 19 years on the fourth of July and another track has decided to book the same weekend. There’s not even enough common courtesy or loyalty. In order for tracks to survive, we have to have events, and we need the support of people,” he says.“I’ve sacrificed my multi-million dollar property to keep it a racetrack for the racers, and when they make the choice to go elsewhere, they’re making the decision for you,” Gene says. “I have to ask myself if it’s really worth it — I could sell it and make millions of dollars and go on my way and do some fishing, but I’m trying to keep it a racetrack for the racers.”Guys like Nicodemus are saints of the sport. Of course, it would have been easier to build some monstrosity and flip it a few years later, but he wanted to make sure racers had a place to go. For that sir, we tip our caps.
One of the most important pieces of our sport is the race track, so we must do whatever we can to make sure they are in the right hands. Whether it's a full-blown mega track outside a big city or a small dirt track in a small town, tracks are how we operate -- safely. In this article, we're going to take a look around the U.S. and highlight some tracks that are for sale or recently purchased. Now we know not everyone has millions of dollars to throw around but as long as it ends up in the right hands and doesn't get paved over that's all we can hope for. Click Here to Begin
“I bought the track as an investment, and I’m a drag racer myself. My company, Nicodemus Construction, remodeled the track in 2003,” Gene says. “I had the opportunity to buy it, and I wanted to keep it a racetrack, because a lot of people depend on that racetrack. When I got it it was a bracket racing track and it wasn’t producing the funds to keep it open. So I changed directions — I wanted to bring heads-up racing back to Texas, and I think we succeeded at it. There’s more heads-up stuff here than there has been in many years.
“What people don’t understand about running a racetrack is the love you have to have for it,” he continues. “Because it’s not just open the gates, come in, and leave. It’s a 40- to 50-hour week, during the week deal if you want your facility looking nice. And then you have your weekends…I’ve sacrificed my weekends now for seven years, ands that’s a pretty big deal. The people that really suffer from that are my wife and my kids.”
“When you’re an owner-operator, it makes a big difference to the racers. I make it more of a family-oriented deal, and I’ve brought in shows that people want to see. What kills it are local tracks that have no desire to share the bookings — we have tracks that want to book on top of us and just don’t care. I’ve had an event at my track for 19 years on the fourth of July and another track has decided to book the same weekend. There’s not even enough common courtesy or loyalty. In order for tracks to survive, we have to have events, and we need the support of people,” he says.
“I’ve sacrificed my multi-million dollar property to keep it a racetrack for the racers, and when they make the choice to go elsewhere, they’re making the decision for you,” Gene says. “I have to ask myself if it’s really worth it — I could sell it and make millions of dollars and go on my way and do some fishing, but I’m trying to keep it a racetrack for the racers.”
Guys like Nicodemus are saints of the sport. Of course, it would have been easier to build some monstrosity and flip it a few years later, but he wanted to make sure racers had a place to go. For that sir, we tip our caps.
Phoenix Raceway
ISM Raceway is going back to the Phoenix Raceway name.
“Phoenix Raceway and ISM Connect have mutually agreed to restructure their relationship and will discontinue its naming rights partnership. We look forward to transitioning back to Phoenix Raceway, a brand that has built a strong affinity across the racing community since our opening in 1964. The repositioning of Phoenix Raceway aligns with NASCAR’s integrated sponsorship strategy and supports ISM Connect’s efforts to shift their focus from brand awareness to delivering their next generation technology at NASCAR facilities. We thank ISM Connect for their partnership as we look forward to a historic season for our track, culminating with the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway.”
“We weren't looking to sell, but there were some rumors that Peter was interested in running a track,” MRP Promoter Brandon “Bubby” Morse said in a press release. "Peter has the time, effort and is universally loved by the racing community; he will do a great job.”
Track has been updated with A concrete wall all the way around 2 turn to turn 1. there is a 30ft road up on top of turn 1 to turn 2 so cars can get off the track if need be. The is a hot pit from 2 turn to turn 3. tech building with scales.
Concession Stands are rebuilt and has the equipment to heat and warm cheese, chilli and hamburger or hot dogs.
Ticket booth and more.
BBQ grill on both sides.
Shop 42x60x15 tall so all equipment can be worked on inside.
State of the art audio system
Has camera system.
2bd, 3 bath apartment upstairs of the grand stand concession
Central Illinois Dragway for sale 50th year anniversary events scheduled this season Complete turnkey facility and operation available Full racing program for 2019 including Funny Car Chaos in july
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