Boyd’s Speedway
Add one more track to the list of those around the east Tennessee region that is undergoing change. Chattanooga area Boyd’s Speedway will be under new management when the 2014 season gets underway in the Cabin Fever event on February 1st.
David Duplissey and Dale McDowell have assumed ownership of the Ringgold, GA facility from previous owners Richard and Robert Harvey. The new proprietors intend to institute a few changes, most notable of which will be the movement of racing from Friday nights to Saturday evenings.
The Harveys have owned Boyd’s for the previous six years.
Duplissey and McDowell, who had initially tried to purchase the Cleveland Speedway, have released the following statements:
Duplissey- “It was my intention and desire to purchase Cleveland Speedway and maintain a tradition that Joe Lee Johnson started many years ago, but it became apparent that the ability to do that just wasn’t going to happen. I love racing and with Dale’s knowledge of what racers and fans expect, hopefully we will bring many new ideas to the table at Boyd Speedway. It’s our desire to continue what the Harvey’s have built upon and will continue to use the current staff that Richard and Robert have counted on to provide the best show possible. One major change that the racetrack will make is that we will begin a new tradition of racing on Saturday nights beginning with the 2014 Cabin Fever. Being so close to the central time zone its very hard for some racers to get there on Friday’s due to the work schedules so by changing to Saturday this will allow more racers and fans alike to come and enjoy the racing program.”
Dale McDowell, who intends to continue with his own racing career, stated: “he’s excited about the opportunity to work with David, David has a special love for racing and this gives us an opportunity to give back to the racing community. David and I will work to promote the best racing facility possible; I will work during the week at the track to help make the future improvements that the Harvey’s have started for the upcoming season. To my racing fans, no I’m not giving up racing, I committed to TeamDillon racing and a wonderful relationship I have with them and our sponsors. This gives me an opportunity to teach, race and promote racing when possible. When I’m not in the TeamDillon #17M I will be at the track helping others and promoting our great sport. But this gives me a special opportunity that I have looked forward to for a long time.”
Other east Tennessee track undergoing change include Cleveland Speedway, which is tied up in bankruptcy court. Also, the former Murphy Speedway in Sweetwater, which will have its name changed to I-75 Speedway, is set to reopen in April of 2014. And, the I-40/Atomic Speedway plans to commence racing in 2014 as well.
