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Committee approves Red Cedar Speedway schedule; fair board announces larger stage and free Thursday concert
Summary
Committee members approved the 2026 Red Cedar Speedway schedule—including a nationally televised sprint‑car date—and heard that the fair board will install a larger covered stage (allowing a free sponsored concert Thursday) and is shifting advertising to more local radio vendors.
The Facilities Committee approved the 2026 Red Cedar Speedway racing schedule and heard updates from the fair board about new facilities and sponsorships intended to broaden attendance.
A presenter outlined changes for the racetrack: 30 quad‑loads of new clay placed on the surface, revised event dates (including a June sprint‑car event that is one of six in the national tour slated for Fox Sports coverage), camping logistics, and a free grandstand night underwritten by Cardinal sponsors. The committee approved the racing schedule by voice vote.
The fair board reported it has arranged for a larger hydraulic covered stage to be the focal point of fairgrounds activities and secured sponsorships that permit the Thursday headline concert (sponsored this year) to be free to the public. The board also said it will move some advertising work to a more local radio group and is seeking a new vendor for portable public‑address systems after the prior vendor went out of business.
Why it matters: The schedule and new investments affect local tourism, volunteer activity, and event revenue streams; the nationally televised sprint‑car event could draw regional visitors and increase exposure for county events.
Representative quotes: On the televised sprint event: “We got picked,” the racetrack presenter said, noting that six tracks on the tour were selected for television coverage. On sponsorship, the presenter said Cardinal had “been a huge sponsor” and helped underwrite a free grandstand night.
Next steps: The racetrack presenter will coordinate required city approvals for a midweek televised event and finalize logistics with sponsors and production partners.
Provenance: Racing schedule presentation and Q&A (SEG 537–SEG 646); motion and vote to approve schedule (SEG 811–SEG 822); fair board update (SEG 823–SEG 939).
