Over 4,200 Signatures and Growing: Community Rallies to Save Gas City I-69 Speedway

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 13, 2025

Over 4,200 Signatures and Growing: Community Rallies to Save Gas City I-69 Speedway

Gas City, IN – A movement to revive one of Indiana’s most beloved dirt tracks, Gas City I-69 Speedway, is gaining rapid momentum, with over 4,200 signatures collected in under a week on a Change.org petition. This overwhelming public response highlights the deep connection between the speedway, the racing community, and the local economy.

The petition, launched on February 5, 2025, aims to demonstrate public support for keeping the track operational as a racing venue. It has not only engaged local fans but also attracted attention from regional businesses, tourism organizations, and motorsports industry leaders.

Momentum Beyond the Petition

Beyond collecting signatures, the movement has taken action by:

• Engaging local & state leaders to discuss the track’s economic impact.

• Reaching out to motorsports influencers and industry professionals to raise awareness.

• Connecting with tourism and business growth councils to share the public’s interest in auto-racing.

"We're showing that there is public support at the speedway. We're just trying to express that the community is interested in racing at the facility," said Cody Vaught, the movement's organizer. He added, "We're not trying to find people to sign this to get more numbers. We're trying to prove that locally this is a supported activity."

A Future for Gas City Speedway

While the track’s ownership status remains a private matter, supporters believe that with the right vision, Gas City Speedway could continue as a multi-use motorsports and entertainment venue. All while maintaining the strong racing heritage that has made Gas City a staple in Indiana motorsports.

Get Involved

Supporters can sign the petition at: www.change.org/savegascityspeedway

For more updates, follow the movement on social media:Facebook: www.facebook.com/savegascity X (Twitter): www.x.com/savegascity

For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact:

Cody Vaughtsavegascityspeedway@gmail.com765-480-3799

About Gas City I-69 SpeedwayOpened in 1986, Gas City I-69 Speedway has been a cornerstone of Indiana's dirt track racing scene. Originally co-owned by Bull Bradley, the track went dormant for several years before being revived in 1996 by Jack Himelick, who made significant upgrades to the facility. Himelick, alongside promoter Jiggs Thomason, successfully operated the track for 17 years before transitioning to special event rentals.

In 2018, Kokomo native Jerry Gappens leased the speedway and transformed it into one of the nation’s premier short tracks, hosting over 20 events per season, primarily on Friday nights. The track featured marquee USAC NOS Energy Drink national midget events, USAC AMSOIL national sprint car races, and other high-profile dirt track competitions; like the James Dean Classic.

In April 2022, longtime racing promoter Larry Boos took over operations, running the speedway through its final scheduled race in October 2023. Since then, the track has remained dormant, leaving uncertainty about its future.

Gas City I-69 Speedway has hosted some of the biggest names in racing, including four-time NASCAR Cup Champion Jeff Gordon and reigning Cup Series Champion Kyle Larson, along with sprint car standouts like Dave Darland, J.J. Yeley, Levi Jones, Brady Bacon, and the late Tony Elliott. The speedway remains a vital part of Indiana’s motorsports heritage, located just off Interstate 69 on State Road 22, halfway between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. #SaveGasCitySpeedway #IndianaRacing #DirtTrackRacing