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, describing steps already taken toward nonprofit status and preliminary financial work.

Supporters at the meeting pressed for immediate repairs and highlighted community value. Twelve‑year‑old racer Gage Johnson, who said racing is “one of the only things my sisters, mom, and I do as a family,” appealed directly to commissioners: “Please don't make it my last.” Longtime volunteers and former board members also described years of donated labor and construction of amenities such as concessions and bleachers.

Several commissioners acknowledged strong public interest but urged caution over costs and oversight. One commissioner summarized the county’s options as “do nothing, repair it, or sell,” and reviewed the track’s funding history, saying county investments and grant efforts since 2002 had totaled north of roughly $950,000 for site improvements, water lines and other work. That commissioner added that the current bids totaled $230,000 but cautioned the final cost could be nearer $300,000 once full scope is clear.

Discussion at the meeting focused on three main repair areas identified in the quotes and bids: a retaining wall with catch‑fence anchoring in front of the grandstands, drainage/ditch work to address longstanding water problems, and lighting upgrades (the bid included replacing bulbs with LED fixtures that may be more sustainable given bulb availability issues). Commissioners asked staff to clarify technical specifications and set conditions for the accepted bid, including wall thickness and drainage work.

Votes at a glance — the commission also handled routine procedural business earlier in the meeting: a motion to appoint Vice Chair Dustin Elkin to run the meeting was made and approved by voice; later the substantive motion to accept Tuesday’s low construction bid for speedway repairs passed on a roll‑call vote with Commissioner Messer recorded as the sole no vote and the chair voting aye.

The public comments and debate underscored a shared goal among speakers — keeping the speedway operating — while exposing differences over who should shoulder immediate repair costs. Several commissioners proposed a three‑way partnership model (city, county, and a speedway nonprofit) to reduce the county’s sole burden and encourage fundraising by the racing community.

After the roll call confirmed the motion carried, the commission closed the meeting and adjourned. The record shows the commission approved the low bid; technical clarifications and contract details will be addressed in subsequent procurement steps as staff and commissioners finalize specifications and requirements.