Hub City Drags organizers report strong turnout, ask to reserve 2026 dates and seek clearer cleanup rules

Organizers of the Hub City Drags told the Richland County Fair Committee that the multi-day motorsports events drew substantial out-of-area attendance and generated measurable local tourism activity.

Riley, a Hub City Drags representative, said roughly 3,500 people attended on Friday and about 6,000 on Saturday, with many two-day pass holders who stayed in area hotels in Dodgeville, Reedsburg and Boscobel. A write-up circulated by Marty Kruger indicated hotel bookings increased during the event window, the organizers said.

The organizers credited the fairgrounds, volunteer support and local agencies for helping stage a multi-generational event that brought national vendors and spectators from states including Pennsylvania, Utah, Indiana and Kentucky. They said vendors and spectators were routed to county attractions such as Oakwood Fruit Farm and Rockbridge Natural Bridge to encourage local spending.

Riley said the event required significant investment: the recent edition cost about $160,000 to stage. Organizers asked the committee to keep the fairgrounds rental rate unchanged for 2026 so they can reinvest earnings into community improvements and educational partnerships with local high schools.

The organizers requested permission to reserve the fairgrounds for the second weekend in May and the second weekend in October 2026 and said they will submit a formal request at the next board meeting. They asked for confirmation in time for a national motorsports convention in early December, where they plan to publicize the dates.

Organizers also raised operational concerns following the fair's demolition-derby-style events: they said barriers and large metal debris were left on the track, pushed-up dirt created holes that hold water and that their volunteers spent multiple hours repairing the surface before subsequent events. The group asked the committee to include cleanup and track-restoration expectations in rental contracts so outside promoters are required to remove large debris and make a reasonable attempt to smooth affected track areas.

Organizers proposed expanding on-site education at future events by inviting local high-school programs (mechanics, engineering, culinary and SkillsUSA/FFA groups) to meet vendors and participate in demonstrations. They said some vendors were willing to host field-trip-style visits and that staff from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism will help the organizers pursue an economic-impact study.

Committee chair members said the request and feedback would be considered and placed on a future agenda for follow-up. No formal vote on the 2026 dates or rental-rate request occurred at the meeting; organizers were told to submit a formal request to staff for the next meeting.

Provenance: The committee began hearing public comment from Hub City Drags representatives at 00:01:39 and the organizers concluded their summary and requests at 00:15:17.