A new 1/8 mile kart track and an inaugural kart racing season will soon be one local man’s vision executed into reality at the Dodge County Fairgrounds. Rick Strommen started racing locally at the Fairgrounds in the early 90s. Strommen alongside his supportive wife, Kim, will soon be hosting kart races on the infield at the Dodge County Speedway, throughout 2025.
“I always said (that) I want the nicest, cleanest safest race track that fans and drivers will come back (to) year-after-year”, shares Strommen. And, with a thrilling, initial lineup, it is the Strommen’s hope that the fun extends far beyond 2025.
A total of ten races have been scheduled to be held on the new 1/8 mile clay, oval kart track. The smaller track is located inside of the already established ½ mile track that is used for a variety of events throughout the year and at the Dodge County Fair in August. A full schedule will be launched by early-March. All races will begin at 5:00 pm.
Attendees will be able to cheer on their favorite competitors in the following classes: kid karts, JR 1, JR 2, JR 3, sportsman, senior, JR wing/sprint and an open kart class. In the future, organizers hope to also hold snowmobile racing for Wisconsin Kitty Cat Racers.
Six giveaway special events have been scheduled for the year:
Saturday, May 10 will kick-off the racing season with the Mother’s Day 24K Gold Rose Giveaway. Ten luck women will receive their prize at intermission.
Fan appreciation nights are scheduled for May 17 and August 30. Five cases of beer (must be 21 years old with valid ID) and five cases of soda will be given away at intermission.
Saturday, June 7 will be a great way to start summer break! That evening families will want to attend for the amazing kids bike giveaway. Ten very lucky children will receive new bicycles at intermission.
On June 21 fathers will want to attend for the chance to receive great prizes at intermission from Milwaukee Tool.
A final points night and more giveaways have been scheduled for October 4. Additional races have been scheduled for July 26, August 23, September 20 and 27. A rain date has also been scheduled for October 11.
The bike giveaway isn’t the only fun that the little ones will have at these events. Organizers are encouraging children to visit the fairgrounds and cheer on their favorite drivers with their family and friends. As the Strommen’s ideas came together for the new series last year, kart racing season was just concluding for their own grandson.
“Honestly, the racing is tense and exciting for all ages”, shared Strommen. “That was the biggest reason why I decided to build this 1/8 mile track … as the young kids need a place to race. Racing involves and teaches, and these days the kids need this for many other reasons.”
Children (10 years and under) will be free with an adult’s paid gate admission to the event. General admission will be only $5 at the gate. Military and Veterans will receive free admission with a valid ID. Non-driver pit passes will be available for $15.
Food and beverages will be available for purchase in the grandstands by Beaver Dam’s own Bayside Supper Club. No Carry-ins are allowed.
In the case of inclement weather, a decision will be made and announced on the Dodge County Fairgrounds Facebook page, by 10 am on the day of the event.
Individuals interested in participating at any of these events may visit the Dodge County Speedway 1/8 mile Facebook page for more details on getting registered. Driver entry is $30 per division/event. Pit gate will open at 3 pm for each event, with hot laps starting at 4 pm.
A required practice and safety inspection for participants has been scheduled for Sunday, May 4. The pit gate will open at 10:00 am. Karts and all safety gear must be inspected before entering the track on May 4.
Any questions regarding the upcoming events or track sponsorship may be directed to Rick Strommen at rickstrommen12@icloud.com or directly to the track at 920-567-8904.
Article by Jamie Adcock author of runningdivamom.com
Photo courtesy of Diane Mech Photography
