There will be new ownership at the Upper Iowa Speedway in 2019

The ownership of Upper Iowa Speedway is changing.  After 14 years Todd and Chuck Ihde have sold the business to Wayne Smith of Cresco..

"It was time for some new blood," said Chuck Ihde. "We would like to take a step back and spend more time doing other activities in the summer with our families and friends."

The Ihdes took over the speedway in 2004.  "We had some of the best drivers in the region and the country competing here on weekly basis. They put on some really, really great shows for the fans and other spectators to enjoy," said Chuck.

Smith, the owner of South Side Bar & Grill in Cresco, looks to continue to build on the Upper Iowa Speedway tradition in 2019. But his main goal is a smooth and successful transition and racing season. "I don't see any drastic changes forthcoming. I would like to learn and see how everything works before implementing new ideas," said Smith.

In 2019, the Upper Iowa Speedway will be a USRA (United States Racing Association) sanctioned race track with five weekly classes: USRA Stock Cars, USRA B-Mods, USRA Hobby Stocks, Mod-Lites, and Hornets. The schedule for the 2019 racing season at the Upper Iowa Speedway will be announced at a later date.