Brad Byrd in 2008.
Little news has come from Wartburg Speedway over the last couple of seasons. That may change with a new promoter and race director in the fold.
Brad Byrd has been named the new promoter and race director for the 1/4-mile track in Morgan County. Byrd has been around racing for many years in a number of capacities such as driver, announcer, race director, and series owner. Byrd co-founded the Tennessee Thunder DirtCar Series that ran from 2005 until 2009. Byrd became race director for the Southern All-Stars series in 2011.
The first order of business for Byrd is expanding the exposure of the track.
“Immediately, I think communication is the biggest key to Wartburg,” Byrd said via press release. “There’s been a lack of communication up there, a lack of a presence via Facebook, social media, website, message boards. There needs to be a voice for the speedway out there.”
Byrd is looking to make Wartburg Speedway a player once again in dirt racing in the region by hosting some bigger events in the future.
“To get a big race, to get it promoted, put on a big show, to bring in a big crowd, and that’s what we’re doing,” Byrd stated. “We’re bringing super late models back. Wartburg hasn’t had a super late model show in a couple years. That always sparks interest with people well beyond your region.”
Car counts and attendance has dwindled over the last couple of years at Wartburg. More news has been made concerning fights at the speedway than the racing itself. Byrd is hoping to change the perception of the track.
Mike Kittrell remains as track owner and will continue to be involved in track prep and other operations of Wartburg Speedway.
