Stark County approves $230,000 low bid to repair Southwest Speedway after residents urge action

Stark County commissioners voted to accept the low construction bid of $230,000 for repairs at the Southwest Speedway, approving the motion in a 6–1 roll-call vote after public testimony from racers, volunteers and longtime supporters.

The decision follows a presentation by Darcy Dennis of the group proposing to run the speedway, who provided a written sustainability plan and said the organization intends to form a 501(c)(3) to help raise funds and operate the facility. Commissioners and members of the public debated whether the county should fully fund repairs or seek a public‑private partnership with matching support from the racing community.

Dennis, representing the Roughrider Motorsports effort, said the group’s plan includes a roughly nine-event schedule and conservative projections for next year. “That is our plan moving forward,” she said,…