Owosso Speedway Under New Ownership, Begins Massive 5 year Renovation Project

November 10, 2022

On September 30th, 2022, Rex and Sarah Wheeler purchased the historic Owosso Speedway (est. 1939).
At 8am the same day the heavy construction equipment was in the driveway ready to begin. Owosso Speedway has been aregional favorite among Midwest racers for several decades. The Speedway was the location of a World War II prison camp for troops captured, commanded by none other than the Desert Fox, Nazi General Erwin Rommel. Owosso Speedway survived several recessions over the course of its life including the economic downturn of 2008, and recently the most challenging economic time in history, the covid pandemic. Owosso’s most recent owners (Ken and Pat Williams, and Jerry and Leesa Williams) navigated it through a very challenging period. It’s a memorable historic facility with a very colorful,
passion filled past.

Fast forward to the acquisition of the property by Rex and Sarah Wheeler in September 2022. Owosso Speedway, with their investment, is on rock solid ground for the future. Rex and his wife, Sarah, are past Owosso Racers with Sarah holding the “undefeated” title in household! Their plans for the future are a multi-million dollar massive modernization project that will take place over the next 5 years. Owosso is experiencing a well deserved investment into the facility. Encompassed with a vision of quality and unique customer experience leading the way.

The new asphalt you see being paved today, is the first step in this massive improvement campaign. In the upcoming years you will see new state of the art grandstands, lighting system, sound system, and a safer barrier nascar level crash wall. A host of improvements will propel Owosso from a local short track, to regional destination experience for fans, and drivers. Rex stated, “We have purchased a part of history here and are investing the resources needed to make Owosso Speedway a Crown Jewel of short tracks. Owosso will have amenities that make it exceptionally fan friendly, built for comfort when viewing the phenomenal racing Owosso Speedway has to offer. It will be an escape for fans and an experience that will be unforgettable. Fans will witness the top racers in the country when they come to Owosso Speedway. Various racing tours have committed to the 2023 race season schedule . Several of the racers have cut their teeth here at Owosso. In the last few decades Owosso has been the host of National drivers going head to head against drivers here from Michigan. The legendary race surface that allows 2 and 3 wide racing has made it an icon destination in our industry. It's all possible because of the hard work of the 300 Wheeler Trucking Employee’s," Rex stated. “We are in a position to reinvest in our community and preserve the uniqueness of Owosso Speedway that it is famous for. This track is my hobby and my passion. This is my golf, country club, fishing boat, and hunting. Motorsports is my passion and I want to share it with the community. It’s my dream come to life”.

“As a past promoter here at Owosso Speedway over a decade ago, I have the privilege of being brought in as the current GM and moving the track forward. This is a dream for me to have the tools available to bring the improvements to the facility and the experiences for drivers and fans. Owosso by driver popularity and suggestion has already landed the most prestigious open wheel modified event in the nation for 2023. “The HOT SHOE 100” is taking place here at Owosso. It’s only a glimpse of what is in store for the future. We have (4) $10,000 to win Outlaw Super Races and the Nations top Sprint Car tours, and Professional tours like the CRA series in 2023. The drivers are stoked about the future at Owosso Speedway. Their anticipation to have the opportunity to set track records on our new surface is voiced often in our communication” added General Manager, Jeff Parish. “We’re going to do amazing things here. We have the tools, staff and resources to make it happen. At a $14 dollar Adult admission, we will be leading the nation in affordable ticket pricing. Our surrounding counties will see the direct benefit of tourism, and Marketing partnerships with area business, structured by my co promoter Jody Hoffman and Business Development Manager Destiney Biston.” remarked Parish.