Dells Raceway Park - Wisconsin Dells, WII grew up fifteen miles from what was once named Dells Motor Speedway, so one may say that my views are somewhat favorably biased to my “home track” but this race facility transformation over the past few years has been nothing short of amazing. The new management group has worked their collective butts off to make this a very enjoyable experience for all race fans. This dedicated group, I am convinced, will not rest until they have achieved near perfection.

My early recollection of the Dells track was several decades ago. As teens, we would locate some beer to put in the trunks of our 442’s or GTO’s and head to Wisconsin Dells on a Saturday night to watch Reffner, Sauter, McNamara and Trickle race for our enjoyment. The amenities were spartan at best and I vividly remember the men’s room, which was a long narrow building with a few light bulbs hanging from the ceiling. We rarely took our dates to these events but I seem to recall that they were not impressed with the facilities. The seating was distressed boards that you had to carefully choose your location to avoid wood splinters. I do not remember the food service but I assume there was something there. We went to watch Trickle beat all comers on bounty night. The 57 Chevy was race car of choice.

Fast forward to the 1970’s and early 80’s. New series of drivers including second generation Sauters still raced there with a whole new league including Kulwicki, Kenseth and Ziegler on occasion. The track was resurfaced and expanded and the speeds went up under the siege of the Camaro and Mustangs, but the amenities for race fan and race pits basically remained the same. A new restroom was added during this time.

2007 became the year of transformation for the Dells Speedway. With foreclosure and monumental financial hurdles ahead, a small group formed an alliance to phoenix the track and facilities light years ahead of where it had endured for decades. I attended the first organizational meeting that February with several race drivers and teams. The new ownership outlined their vision for growing this race experience including a new name, Dells Raceway Park to align with the many water parks in the area. We were told that other major changes would come, but no one in attendance that evening was prepared for the extent of the changes to come.

The new owners rolled up their sleeves and wasted no time cleaning up the facility, The VIP lounge was reworked with new outside and inside seating. Extensive paving was completed in the fan area and a large covered fan hospitality area was added.

With a no looking behind attitude in place, 2008 saw more dramatic changes. A large welcome building was constructed including a souvenir sales section and area for future displays. The kitchen area was updated and expanded, a new pit concession, and tech spec areas were added. The new pit exit was constructed by turn two to ease the congestion of the racecars entering and exiting the track. Seats in the fan stands were recovered and cement pads were added in the late model pit area. The infield area was opened up for better fan visibility. A fan “standing zone” was added at the top of the fan seating area. All other concession areas were modernized.

One would think from the previous list that little could be added, but 2009 will see one of the most dramatic changes with the construction of a large fifteen row grandstand in turn one which affords the best view of the entire track. A new concession stand has been added to serve the patrons in turn one, and a new professional safety crew has been implemented.

On a recent Saturday DRP employee Julie and I were talking about customer service and satisfaction. We share the same ideals that people have choices and it is up to the service provider to make certain that the person who hands you their hard earned money is not only entertained by the cars on the track (you can go anywhere to see that): but they also are treated well in a clean and modern facility that is well kept.

So do yourself a favor; check out the DRP website, pick an event, and try out the newly remodeled facilities. I believe you will enjoy your experience.

Yours in Racing
James Francisco
L.L.M. “Team 97”