Ownership Change: Atomic Speedway Aims For “Next Level” On Dirt
Presented by Hometown-Motors, Inc.
In spring of 2020, Atomic Speedway Chad Walters was introduced as a new partner in ownership of the track located in the Huntington Hills on Blain Highway.
Just a few weeks later, Atomic Speedway became the first sporting venue to hold an event once Ohio was given the all clear to re-open in May of 2020 following the shutdown due to the pandemic.
Walters’ arrival gave Brad McCown the opportunity to make some much needed improvements to the 3/8ths mile high-banked dirt track. Wednesday, Walters confirmed he had bought out his partner of more than a year.
In a post on Facebook, McCown announced “It is with great sadness that, effective immediately, I am no longer a part of Atomic Speedway.” The post began with “One last trip around the ole girl” referring to a video taking a final lap on the dirt.
“The last 8 years have been quite a ride and Atomic Speedway will always hold a special place in my life. Hopefully over this time people have seen my passion for the rebirth and success of the speedway. I appreciate all the great people who I have met during this time and I hope that as future racing endeavors pop up that those relationships continue.”
Walters told Litter Media he agreed with McCown’s assessment of his passion and rebirth. Walters hope is to take the track to the next level. In so doing, the track will have new ownership with a group led by veteran sprint car driver Charlie Vest.
“Everybody included hopes the very best for Brad in his future endeavors” Vest told Litter Media. He’s done some good things in the track’s revival and we hope to take it to the next level.”
Vest says he was interested in purchasing the track a couple of years ago. “I really love the track. The staff’s going to stay and we’re gonna lean on their experience to finish out the 2021 season. We hope to take the track to the next level.” That level Vest says is as a more diverse entertainment venue. “We hope to diversify the track with other events (such as concerts) like the bigger tracks do.”
Vest also brings some NASCAR experience with him from his days driving in the Camping World Truck Series and the ARCA Menards Series. “Brad did a great job, and we need to build on it and bring Atomic back to its hey day of the 70s and 80s.”
The next big night for racing is August 21st with Atomic Speedway’s Hall of Fame Night presented by Herrnstein Auto Group. Vest recently flipped his sprint car and desired making an entry into the race, but with the ownership change, he may have to strap in to a different kind of driver’s seat on race night.
“I’ll have some duties to be focused on rather than racing my car that night.”
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