The Sheyenne Speedway in Lisbon, N.D., is scheduled to open the 2019 season this Sunday. IMCA Modifieds, Wissota Midwest Modifieds, Wissota Street Stocks, Mini Stocks and hobby stocks are on the scheduled for the opener. The INEX Legends will race six times at the track this summer while the NLRA Late Models and NLSA Lightning Sprints will make an appearance as well.
Fans will notice a new look to the 1/4-mile oval, thanks to many offseason and ongoing improvements.
Thanks to the help of many volunteers many upgrades were done, according to co-promoter Benji Froemke. A big change fans and drivers alike will notice immediately is a brand new front catch fence, which more than 20 volunteers helped put up. The 12-feet tall chain link fence also includes a brand new steel cable. The new fence is not only is a big safety feature — but also great improves visibility for the fans in the grandstands.
New dirt was added to the track surface last fall and worked into the track in order to provide more multi-lane racing. The Ransom County Fair Board helped with some of the funds to get the new clay brought to the track. Expect co-promoter Hunter Carter to put in a lot of hours to fine-tune this surface. The track hopes to add more clay this fall as well.
There also is a new wall and the banking has been re-done in Turn 4. Jerry Lamb has been reshaping the track over time. This should provide more side-by-side racing out of the corner. The new wall replaced the blocks coming out towards the drivers. The wall height was raised and a straight wall was created.
There is a brand new JBL PA Sound System installed to create a clear sound and atmosphere for the fans. The new fence allowed track officials to remount the speakers in optimal spots for fans to hear the announcer and music.
Also added were new concrete infield blocks, replacing the guard rail. This also allows the billboard ads to be more visible to the grandstand. There also has been a lot of painting done around the facility to improve the look of the track.
Other improvements fans will notice:
—Signage all over track
—Cleaned and replaced grandstand boards
—12 new headsets for the officials
—Improved Concession Stand and food items
—Community support
—Bought a used tow truck
—Bought used sheeps foot
—New finish rock in the fan area
—Installed new windscreen fence this year at top of grandstands for fans
Again, volunteers played a vital role in making these improvements — and they are essential to the weekly operation of the track in Lisbon.
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