A racing facility isn’t at all unlike the lifespan of a human being. The promoter of the venue must use every resource available to a parent to nurture, teach, guide and discipline help the venue grow. As the venue begins to cut its path through life the parent and the child are inextricably tied by the reputation that is produced through hours of consistent work and laser like dedication to the ultimate goal of success. Walking onto the property at Lawrenceburg Speedway is all one needs to do to know immediately that Dave Rudisell knows exactly what he’s doing, he has a plan and he’s willing to stick with what works while trying new things routinely that will either become part of the success story or a lesson learned…which is the essence of a successful undertaking. He took over a ¼ mile facility with many decades of history, made necessary improvements to the racing facility, reshaped its reputation and proceeded to implement the city’s concept of a larger 3/8th mile clay speed plant to life and has led it to considerable heights.
This year's schedule has a host of time tested winners that have been tweaked and nurtured over time to be box office hits seemingly no matter what and it’s got a fair number events at the newborn or toddler stage, a bunch of teenagers and some big time adults along with the elderly as the wide variety of events are ripe for the picking and time will tell how participants, staff and a loyal fan base welcome them to the world of high stakes motorsports in 2013.
Dave is quick to deflect credit for his success to his wife Kim who is a marketing wizard and has an artist’s touch when it comes to melding great racing for its diehard fans with an ever watchful eye on giving new reasons for carloads of new, potentially lifelong aficionados to enjoy an evening’s worth of entertainment producing a life time of memories. Motorsports fans will freely admit that once hooked, a fan is hooked for eternity. Just like learning to drive for a teen, once it’s mastered it’s hard to imagine life without the privilege. The promotion team has a few long standing policies that make all the sense in the world. They fall into the “look both ways before crossing the street” level of parental guidance. Seems so simple that once a child matures it doesn’t (or shouldn’t ;) need to be said as much or as often, but ignoring the basics can be disastrous for a venue and a child. Parents who get it won’t ever see themselves as “above saying” the obvious if and when it needs to be said.
Embarking on season seven under Team Rudisell will be like many others in that a March 30th Open Practice will allow for any racing vehicle possessing the proper safety equipment to come test the high banked oval. This allows any dirt racer anywhere a chance to break off icicles and warm up to a racing season full of potential. Classes that don’t have a scheduled date on the Lawrenceburg docket are known to have penned the date on a calendar and fans will enjoy the day as will the throng of racing personnel who make the trip to the Dearborn County Fairgrounds. This attention to detail is another hallmark of Dave's promotional style.
Another one of the “seemingly obvious” racing rules that fans may or may not just assume to be true has become a necessary due to others delinquency over history (as so often is true in the world as a child is maneuvering through reality) – The purse at Lawrenceburg Speedway has always been guaranteed under current promotion and will forever be just that – guaranteed. An honest promoter understands the risk inherent in the business but win or lose integrity must be maintained to keep the adolescent on a path of growth and sustained success. Also of key importance to the team is the fact that while raising the profile of the track they have always and will continue to take the point on all facets of the operation and management of the facility. Track preparation is under the sole direction of Dave and his qualified associates, at no time ever has an outside sanctioning body asked for or taken over the duties of prepping what is consistently a finely manicured racing surface. Weather being what it is has a huge impact on how the team adjusts track preparation and maintenance but outside of the Good Lord above and Mother Nature herself, nobody makes calls on such matters and that further typifies the level of respect that Dave has for the industry and that is returned in good faith at every turn. Ever seen a well raised child who knows full well that when a parent indicates how it’s going to be is happy to comply because there is a history of consistency and competence by the captain at the wheel? Same thing here. It may not always be a perfect result, but there is no doubt whatsoever that the best and most honest effort was put forth by those leading Lawrenceburg Speedway.
April 6th fires up the competition phase of the season as United States Auto Club thunders into town with its deep stable of wheel men who never disappoint as they take on one of the best core of local Sprint Car racers anywhere. Also appearing and beginning their 2013 points chase will be the Budweiser UMP Modifieds and the Zimmer Tractor Hornets. The Modifieds have a storied history of fantastic racing and after being introduced last year the hornets have been well received by racers and fans alike. The time tested and wildly successful Impact Sports Pure Stocks make more than a dozen trips to the track and the MMSA Mini Sprints will roll in for one big show.
The Lawrenceburg Chevrolet Spint Cars will begin their title chase in earnest as Kim Rudisell’s craft for special nights honoring all walks of life roars to the forefront. Scouts, Youth Sports, Military personnel, first responders, health care specialists and racing fanatics are all on center stage during a five week appreciation tour that benefits members of nearly every constituent that a racetrack can have. The next two weeks feature series that represent the willingness to take drastic financial risk for the chance to see if a well thought out concept will reap ripened fruit as a wave of well attended events in the past keeps right on going as the King of Indiana Sprint Series blasts to rear pit area of a founding track where Lawrenceburg rules will be in place and once again is return of investment on a huge risk taken by a group of successful Indiana Sprint Car tracks a few years back.
The notion that having one of the world’s largest, most traveled and successful sanctions come to town…on an official holiday…a weekday nonetheless…may have been dismissed by some as an act of lunacy, but a packed grandstand last Memorial Day for the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars worked out well for all concerned and will come roaring back this time around featuring reserved seating. There literally aren’t bad seats at the place but a fan with a favorite vantage point should act early to ensure they get a chance to view the fastest cars of the year from the angle they prefer. Again like life, it’s all about striking while the iron is hot and making choices that lead to satisfactory outcomes.
On the heels of those established series comes a “onesie” that sees Dave sees huge promise in as he’s on the ground floor of the birth of a series in the form of the BOSS sprints that, founded last year features an on the rise promoter in the form of former racer Aaron Frye who leads a strong contingent of races from northern Ohio based competitors to fans that may not have had an opportunity to watch before. The young series will honor the young visitors to The Burg with free admission for fans twelve and under on June 8th and the Buckeye Outlaw Sprint Series boys will return to town on August 3rd.
As we reach the teen years we have learned the rules of the road, formed habits and seen what truly works for us as a person. The schedule rolls on with a few weeks of comfort as the lone Midget event on the 2013 slate features many very experienced open wheeled racing drivers strapping into less powerful and shorter wheel based cars that slice and dice with the best of ‘em. The action takes place as a part of USAC Midget Week on June 15th which features a full schedule of Sprints and Modifieds. After this exciting evening the Fair Grounds is The Fair Grounds as one of the most popular county fairs going brings every ounce of good food, good times with good friends that a fair can offer…which as usual features an evening of outstanding action on the track.
The Lawrenceburg safety crew is second to none at any track in any city anywhere. A new tradition sees it’s second appearance in the form of the Merrill Downey Memorial which honors a driver with distinction and finds its focus on the late local hero’s car number of 44. Bobby Gomph leads the growth of this event just like he leads his renowned safety team – with total class and boat loads of repsect for all involved. The Modified special event pays $4,444 to win and rewards lap leaders with a bonus. Many other local modified tracks have gone “Modified Dark” to allow competitors an opportunity at the crown. Also on the card are complete shows for the Sprints, the Impact Sports Pure Stocks and Dirt Late Models. The respect for local tracks is returned by Lawrenceburg as it adjusts its competing classes in homage to major events at other facilities. Dave thusly unleashes a slew of nights designed to showcase the outstanding facilities to a whole new world of viewers. The barrage of fun includes a first time ever Rodeo (yes…a full scale Rodeo with animals, clowns, barrel racers and all the trappings that come along with World Class Rodeo) with a few secrets that will avail themselves in due time. Dave has a storied drag racing career; one may wonder if he’d take a turn in one of the events. One thing for sure he has been known to grab the wheel of school busses, pace trucks, race cars of all kinds and he’s been seen in full view on The Night of Destruction which has become one the track’s biggest draws of the year. This July 20th we can expect Monster Trucks, Hornet Enduro, Mini-van demolition derby a host of other uniquely crafted events that maintain the theme that finds itself as a pilar of Dave’s promotion…keep it fresh and entertaining at all times. Looking over the Night of Destruction alone we can see the evolution of life…from a Monster Truck to fuel efficient compact and on to a Mini-van…talk about the metaphor coming to fruition!
The year rolls toward completion with a week after week smorgasbord of wallet friendly and traditional special events which are counted as “graduation type” milestones as time tested successes. The Dirt Late Models are the feature act on August 24th as one of the country’s biggest tours takes a run at the track in what has become a successful tradition and added variety for the venue. The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series brings locals from Moler Raceway Park, Florence Speedway and the titans of the sport together. Past winners are Dale McDowell, Don Oneal, Brian Birkhofer and Jimmy Owens. Don’t forget about the long standing mainstay for the track as the Dick Gaines Memorial always brings the cream of the crop to southern Indiana to honor a true racing legend. The final points night will crown champions for the loyal divisional combatants and one of the track’s Crown Jewels rounds out the campaign as the same USAC Sprint Cars that opened the season will bring it to a close with the September 28th salute to those taken too soon, currently afflicted with and those who have survived or anyway impacted by breast cancer. The shirts have become legendary and the racing is top notch. The racing season at Lawrenceburg features more variety than ever and is a true testament to the work by a large group of amazingly good people. The good news is it is all ready to fire up shortly…and Dave will be steering the ship for many years to come…after all, the child still needs leadership even when adulthood is attained. The wisdom of the journey will be the guide forever. Much appreciation for all that’s been done and gratitude for a bright and promising future.
Lawrenceburg Speedway is located at: 351 East Eads Parkway, Lawrenceburg Indiana 47025
Full 2013 Slate Courtesy of: www.lawrenceburgspeedway.com, please head over there for more details on every event.
Photos courtesy of Rick Lane, Brandon Murray, TandS photos and Lawrenceburg Speedway.com
March 30th Open Practice
Open practice for all types & classes of race cars.
April 6th Opening Night-USAC Sprints
2013 Season Opener: Featuring the USAC Sprint Cars, Budweiser UMP Modifieds, & the Zimmer Tractor Hornets.
April 13th Youth Sports Night @ The Races
Racing to Feature: Lawrenceburg Chevrolet Sprints, Budweiser UMP Modifieds, Impact Sports Pure Stocks, & the Zimmer Tractor Hornets.
April 20th
Scout Night @ the Races
Racing to Feature: Lawrenceburg Chevrolet Sprints, Budweiser UMP Modifieds, Impact Sports Pure Stocks, & the Zimmer Tractor Hornets.
April 27th
Service Men & Women Night
Racing to Feature: Lawrenceburg Chevrolet Sprints, Budweiser UMP Modifieds, Impact Sports Pure Stocks, & the Zimmer Tractor Hornets.
May 4th Health Care Services Workers Night
Racing to Feature: Lawrenceburg Chevrolet Sprints-"King of the Midwest" Race, Budweiser UMP Modifieds,MMSA Mini Sprints, & the Impact Sports Pure Stocks
May 11th Budweiser Fan Appreciation Night
Racing to Feature: Lawrenceburg Chevrolet Sprints, Budweiser UMP Modifieds, Impact Sports Pure Stocks, & the Zimmer Tractor Hornets.
May 18th
King of Indiana Sprint Series
Racing to Feature: KISS Sprint Car Series/Lawrenceburg Chevrolet Sprints, Budweiser UMP Modifieds, & the Zimmer Tractor Hornets
May 27th Monday Monday Monday! WOO!
World of Outlaws Winged Sprint Car Series
Memorial Day Special: World of Outlaws & the Budweiser UMP Modifieds
June 8th
Family Night @ the Races Buckeye Outlaw Sprint Series
Racing to Feature: BOSS Sprint Series/Lawrenceburg Chevrolet Sprints, Budweiser UMP Modifieds, Impact Sports Pure Stocks, & the Zimmer Tractor Hornets.
June 15th USAC Indiana Midget Week - Short wheel base, lower power...RACEY
Racing to feature: USAC Midgets, Lawrenceburg Chevrolet Sprints, & the Budweiser UMP Modifieds
June17th - 22nd
Dearborn County Fair 4-H Fair Week! Food, Fun, Friends and...RACING
July 6th Legends of Lawrenceburg Classic/Merrill Downey Memorial
Legends of Lawrenceburg Classic/Merrill Downey Memorial Racing to feature: Lawrenceburg Chevrolet Sprints, Late Models, Budweiser UMP Modifieds, & the Impact Sports Pure Stocks.
July 14th SUNDAY! SUNDAY! SUNDAY! USAC Indiana Sprint Week
USAC Indiana Sprint Week-SUNDAY Racing to feature: USAC Sprints & the Budweiser UMP Modifieds "We get together every year to make the schedule work for the fans...this event works any day of the week, it has a worldwide following and families plan two week vacations to see the whole week's events" - Dave Rudisell
July 20th
Night of Destruction - Big Time Entertainment - Growing every year - POPULAR!
Monster Truck Freestyle, School Bus Races, Mini Van Demo Derby, Roll Over Contest, Hornet Enduro, & Much More!
July 27th Beach Party @ the Races
Racing to Feature: Lawrenceburg Chevrolet Sprints, Budweiser UMP Modifieds, Impact Sports Pure Stocks, & the Zimmer Tractor Hornets.
August 3rd
Budweiser Fan Appreciation Night
Racing to Feature: Lawrenceburg Chevrolet Sprints/BOSS Sprint Series, Budweiser UMP Modifieds, Impact Sports Pure Stocks, & the Zimmer Tractor Hornets.
August 17th
Dick Gaines Memorial/Dog Daze of Summer
Racing to Feature: Lawrenceburg Chevrolet Sprints, Budweiser UMP Modifieds, Impact Sports Pure Stocks, & the Zimmer Tractor Hornets.
August 24th
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series - Huge Names vs Locals - Must See!
Racing to Feature: Lucas Oil Late Models & the Budweiser UMP Modifieds
August 31st
Monster Modifieds Plus ALL Classes in action
Racing to Feature: Lawrenceburg Chevrolet Sprints, Budweiser UMP Modifieds, Impact Sports Pure Stocks, & the Zimmer Tractor Hornets.
Sept. 7th
Rodeo - Full Scale Rodeo! Animals...Clowns...Barrel Racing - All the extras!
Sept. 14th - Night of Champions- Final Points Event- All Classes
Racing to Feature: Lawrenceburg Chevrolet Sprints, Budweiser UMP Modifieds, Impact Sports Pure Stocks, & the Zimmer Tractor Hornets.
Sept. 28th - USAC Sprints/4 Abreast for Breasts- The Shirts are Legendary - the Cause is Important to everyone!
USAC Sprint Cars and the Budweiser UMP Modifieds
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