Weekly racing focus working in Independence

INDEPENDENCE - When Dana Benning took over as promoter for Independence Motor Speedway over the winter, he said the plan was to focus solely on weekly racing for the 3/8-mile dirt track.

He followed through with that pledge in scheduling for 2015, with the IMCA Deery Brothers Summer Series for Late Models being the only 'special” - though at least half the field expected to attend races at Independence weekly anyway. And while nearly every other track and promotion company in Iowa has multiple special events and big payouts on their schedule, the unique approach is working so far for Benning.

He's encouraging and respectful of the other tracks running the big shows, but said he wants to carve out his own niche within a niche sport.

'I think it's the only way to go for Independence. Historically, this is a weekly facility. It's known for its strong weekly racing program,” Benning said. 'There's a lot of tracks in the area that they specialize in those big specials. I've got a lot of respect for Simmons Promotions and what they can do with the specials they put on.

'For some people, that's just a niche for them.”

Benning took over after being the race director at Benton County Speedway in Vinton for several years.

He was at Independence before that, so the many years in race direction and promotion - plus knowing what makes Independence Motor Speedway tick - means he's not going to take unnecessary risk. Too many racetracks have gone belly up trying to be something they aren't.

'For Independence, our fans are local fans. And people like the big shows, but if you're not known for them, it's awful hard to build things up like that,” Benning said. 'The financial risk is just not something I'm willing to take when we've got such a strong thing going on a weekly basis.”

With several loyal racers who have been coming to Independence for many years - or even ones who have only ever known it to be their weekly home - the approach is more than welcome.

Guys like Tyler Droste (IMCA Late Model), Tyler Bruening (Late Model), Troy Cordes (IMCA Modified) and Ronn Lauritzen (Modified), among many others, have all steadfastly made the trip each Saturday. With the often-perilous nature of running a racetrack and what that can mean for its doors being open, they're happy to see the weekly show get more attention.

'It's reassuring that it's just not all about the dollar - in the sense that we put a lot of time and effort to come and support the tracks weekly, and it's nice to see them turn around and share the same token,” Bruening said. 'Every time we come down here they're doing something new or different, promoting something. It's a lot of fun.”

So far, that mentality has proved fruitful for Benning and his company, B&D Promotions. A full pit area saw 126 cars signed in, and a nearly-full grandstand.

Most of those drivers raced in Vinton throughout Benning's time there, so they know what he's bringing to the table. And as much anything, him keeping their track alive saves many racers long trips and makes weekly racing much more affordable.

'Dana always put everything he could into Vinton, and now that he's come over here I think it'll be really good for this place,” Droste said. 'It's nice to see it, because if for some reason this place were to ever close down, we'd have to go to West Liberty or Webster City (weekly), which is a long haul for us.”

Going forward, Benning said there's always an option for a big show or special to come to Independence Motor Speedway, but it's not likely.

He's more interested in putting money back in the pocket of the local racer in order to keep the sport he loves thriving - and in some cases, just surviving.

'If you bring in a high-dollar show, it's generally tailored to people who aren't your weekly racers,” Benning said. 'If we're going to do something, it's like last week where we had an event sponsored by Albert Auto (Service). They threw a lot of extra money at the show, and it all went to the local racers.

'That just helps build your weekly program. If I put together a big money show and bring in outsiders, it's only outsiders that get the money. I want to make sure it's our locals who get the money. It's working.”

In on-track action Saturday night, six divisions were in competition.

In IMCA Stock Cars, Chris Luloff took the win, 24 hours after he got the A-main victory at Farley Speedway. Cedar Rapids driver Tony Olson dominated the second half of the IMCA Sport Mod main event en route to victory. Benji Irvine bolstered his reputation at Independence with a win in IMCA Hobby Stock. Cordes got the win in IMCA Modified. In IMCA Late Models, Rick Wendling broke a six-year streak and took home the win. And to close out the evening, Brody Willett got the win in MicroMod.

l Comments: (319) 368-8884; jeremiah.davis@thegazette.com