By Troy Hennig
ROSEVILLE, CA – (February 12, 2014)…The scenic and historic half-mile Calistoga Speedway dirt track will have a new leader for the 2014 race season. Former long-time USAC Executive and Western Operations Director Tommy Hunt will now be referred to as the Promoter of Calistoga Speedway.
Hunt is no stranger to the speedway. Last year his title was Calistoga Operations Manager. It was a natural progression for Hunt to move into this new role. “I have always loved this race track,” said Hunt. “I am excited to take on a new role and become the speedways promoter in 2014.” Along with the new title comes added responsibility. “Everything comes out of my pocket now,” said Hunt. “I am now liable to manage and pay the bills during our races this year and that proposition can look rather scary at times.”
Hunt is the perfect man for the job. Over the years he has been at the forefront of west coast sprint car racing. He was instrumental in founding both the USAC Western Classic Racing Series “A Tribute to NARC” and the National USAC Ford Focus Championship. In 2012, after numerous years of service, Hunt stepped away from his role as West Coast Vice President of USAC. That same year he was honored for his long service to the club and presented with the Henry Ford Sweepstakes Award.
The Calistoga Speedway went through a much needed facelift in 2013. Hundreds of thousands of dollars went into turning the historic facility into a modern day race fans dream. New clay was added to the surface. A state of the art catch fence was installed all around the track. The speaker system was revamped with state of the art speakers that could be heard all over the fairgrounds. After dedicated Calistoga Speedway supporters generously contributed their resources to make this historic facility into a modern day race fans dream, Tommy felt confident he could guide it successfully as the promoter. “I am looking forward to preserving the history of this sacred place while also leading the charge in moving forward and possible bringing more events with different types of cars in 2015,” said Hunt.
Calistoga Speedway will host major auto racing sporting events in 2014. The season starts with the World of Outlaws invading the newly configured half-mile for a two night show on April 5th and 6th. The only traveling winged 410 sprint car series in California, King of the West, returns for one night only on June 21st. The 7th Annual Louie Vermeil USAC non-wing sprint car and midget spectacular is a Labor Day tradition. This year’s event will take place August 30th and 31st.
For information or tickets to any of the exciting events in 2014 please contact Tommy Hunt at (916) 773 7225.