Unclebig
10-16-2011, 11:43 AM
Schraders K-C Raceway Has New Name
Track Renamed Atomic Speedway
By Scott Wolfe
CHILLICOTHE, OHIO-"What is old is new and what is new is old", is a phrase that depicts a cycle of human nature. Jeff and Vickie Schrader, in the name of restoring the explosive nature of their K-C Raceway, have officially renamed the legendary 3/8 mile track in Southern Ohio as "The Atomic Speedway."
Said Jeff Schrader, "We felt that Atomic Speedway has always been Atomic Speedway. That was the name of the track when my Dad came here in 1953, and I grew up at Atomic Speedway. I appreciate all the work, the improvements, and personal care the previous owners of the track have done here. They are part of the history, but tonight (Oct. 14) my partner and I, my only partner--my wife Vicki, want to officially rename the track with its old name-- Atomic Speedway."
A huge banner was unveiled on the track scoreboard with the new Atomic Speedway Logo developed by Brian Phipps of Graphic Creations.
In 1953 a group of Chillicothe businessmen realized a plan that had been in the making for several years. The group, which consisted of racing fans, drivers, and car owners, sought to provide a premier racing facility for the rapidly growing sport they knew as Stock Car Racing. It was a sport they lived and loved. It was the vision of this particular group of men that led to the construction of Atomic Speedway, which became known nationwide as K-C Raceway. As of Friday, October 14 K-C Raceway once again became Atomic Speedway.
Although the track was widened to its present state in the mid 1970's to accommodate higher speeds, the track still maintains its original configuration.
This group formed what became known as the non-profit organization of the Chillicothe Stock Car Racing Association or CSCRA, which previously sanctioned races at the Ross County Fairgrounds track. Their new endeavor, which began as a purchase of prime land off State Route 23 on Blaine Highway, became known as Atomic Speedway for its proximity to the new Uranium enrichment plant at nearby Piketon, Ohio. Strategically, the new location was also nearly halfway between Waverly, Ohio and Chillicothe; and the name Atomic Speedway held a dual meaning in that the racing to come was literally "atomic and explosive" in nature. A diamond in the rough was to become a crown jewel among the nation's speedways.
Probably none of the original members of the ownership, envisioned that what they took on as a hobby would ever grow into the national icon that Atomic Speedway has become. From a small dirt track and minimal bleachers, Atomic Speedway has grown into a first class facility.
Almost immediately big-time racers from all across the Midwest wanted to test the Atomic High-banks. Drivers learned quickly that Atomic was more than the typical bullring; it was the Indy 500 of short track racing. Besides a wealth of drivers from the Ross County-Scioto-Pike County areas, Atomic was drawing drivers from Indiana and Kentucky as well as Northern Ohio and especially the Columbus, Ohio area. Suddenly, Atomic Speedway had turned into the CSCRA's "Big Adventure"; and life was good.
The track operated under the sanction of the CSCRA until around 1978 when many of the original members of the organization were near or exceeding retirement years. The CSCRA banner was known from coast to coast as promoting many big-time races. The "Buckeye 100" and "Atomic 100" were two of the sanction's largest events and the CSCRA promoted its races, its drivers, and its shining facility in a first class manner. The organization not only met its goal of giving local racers a place to compete, but it also promoted a first class facility that saw many driver's pass through en route to fame with USAC and NASCAR.
With its membership aging, the CSCRA turned over the reigns to an ambitious promoter Russ Conley, who held many of the first-ever $5,000 to win races at his new speed plant. Conley also delved in operating the Southern Ohio Raceway and sought to run SOR on Saturday's and Atomic on Sunday's. Conley eventually sought bigger adventures with the advent of the World of Outlaws and their popularity, and became a partner in MOSS (Midwest Outlaw Super Sprints) which promoted sprint car races and eventually some late model races. (Due to a dispute, that group became known as the current All-Star Circuit of Champions)
As the economy stiffened in Southern Ohio and Sunday night racing became too much for the fan base, Atomic Speedway sat idle and went on the real estate market at the end of 1983. After sitting idle for nearly the entire 1984 season, the Karshner family purchased the speedway along with the Cooper family of Cooper Glass. Thus, K-C Raceway was born-the "K" from Karshner and "C" from Cooper. Action would resume in 1985 with Super Sprints, Late Models, and 6 Cylinders as the main attractions. Immediately, K-C Raceway was once again a success.
Soon the Karshner's would become sole owners of K-C, but the name had already been established as the place to be. Eleanor Karshner, sister to multi-time champion Jr. Smalley, served as promoter, while husband Dave was in charge of track preparation and the facility itself. Dave and son Brian are still involved in track prep today. The entire family served a role in the track's success from 1985-2001. During this reign, K-C established well-known events at the "Freedom 40", "K-C 100", "Spring 50", and served as a staple in the well-established All-Ohio All-Star Outlaw Sprint Speedweek. Around 1988 a Hobby Stock class replaced the 6 cylinders and around 1990 a fourth class was added the UMP Modified.
The Chillicothe economy was not the best at the turn of millenium, and many weekly shows lost money. Nearing retirement from their regular jobs and often having to pump their own money into the purses, the Karshner’s sought a buyer; but because they had put years of heart and soul into their investment, not just any buyer would do. Rumors spread that other promoters would buy the track for a premium price then close it down. That was not about to happen. Then came young businessman Jason Lafferty, who seemed to be the perfect buyer.
After only one night of operation, Lafferty admitted that promoting was not his forte and he sought out his friend Jim Nier, who had steered him towards the original deal in the first place.
Said Jimmy Nier, "I wanted to race a couple more years. I did not want to own a race track at this point in my life." "But Dad called one night, and I knew what was going to happen. We met with Jason and when it was all over, we owned a race track."
The Nier's finished out the 2002 season with the schedule that was handed them. Then came 2003. "Anything I do, I want to give it 100 percent," asserted Nier. "We decided if we were going to own a race track, we were going to make it the best track around. We wanted to make it a safe, fun place to race and a place the fans could enjoy. Most of all we wanted to put on the best possible show."
Many improvements followed. With the theme "if you build it, they will come", Atomic expanded quickly with a continuously growing pit area, new seating, a new press tower, new concessions, and remodeled rest room facilities. Even a playground for the kids is in place. Atomic Speedway is indeed a racing showplace.
In 2009, K-C Raceway/Atomic Speedway got a new enthusiastic owner in Jeff Schrader and wife Vickie. Said Jeff, "My dreams have come true."
But first and foremost is the outstanding racing schedule and tradition-rich quality of high-speed racing established by the CSCRA back in 1953. Nearly every top rated sanctioning body has raced at K-C Raceway. Many have visited since the Nier family took over, and many more stars are expected to shine under the tenure of Jeff and Vickie Schrader.
Says Schrader, Atomic Speedway is here to stay. It can only get bigger and better.
Track Renamed Atomic Speedway
By Scott Wolfe
CHILLICOTHE, OHIO-"What is old is new and what is new is old", is a phrase that depicts a cycle of human nature. Jeff and Vickie Schrader, in the name of restoring the explosive nature of their K-C Raceway, have officially renamed the legendary 3/8 mile track in Southern Ohio as "The Atomic Speedway."
Said Jeff Schrader, "We felt that Atomic Speedway has always been Atomic Speedway. That was the name of the track when my Dad came here in 1953, and I grew up at Atomic Speedway. I appreciate all the work, the improvements, and personal care the previous owners of the track have done here. They are part of the history, but tonight (Oct. 14) my partner and I, my only partner--my wife Vicki, want to officially rename the track with its old name-- Atomic Speedway."
A huge banner was unveiled on the track scoreboard with the new Atomic Speedway Logo developed by Brian Phipps of Graphic Creations.
In 1953 a group of Chillicothe businessmen realized a plan that had been in the making for several years. The group, which consisted of racing fans, drivers, and car owners, sought to provide a premier racing facility for the rapidly growing sport they knew as Stock Car Racing. It was a sport they lived and loved. It was the vision of this particular group of men that led to the construction of Atomic Speedway, which became known nationwide as K-C Raceway. As of Friday, October 14 K-C Raceway once again became Atomic Speedway.
Although the track was widened to its present state in the mid 1970's to accommodate higher speeds, the track still maintains its original configuration.
This group formed what became known as the non-profit organization of the Chillicothe Stock Car Racing Association or CSCRA, which previously sanctioned races at the Ross County Fairgrounds track. Their new endeavor, which began as a purchase of prime land off State Route 23 on Blaine Highway, became known as Atomic Speedway for its proximity to the new Uranium enrichment plant at nearby Piketon, Ohio. Strategically, the new location was also nearly halfway between Waverly, Ohio and Chillicothe; and the name Atomic Speedway held a dual meaning in that the racing to come was literally "atomic and explosive" in nature. A diamond in the rough was to become a crown jewel among the nation's speedways.
Probably none of the original members of the ownership, envisioned that what they took on as a hobby would ever grow into the national icon that Atomic Speedway has become. From a small dirt track and minimal bleachers, Atomic Speedway has grown into a first class facility.
Almost immediately big-time racers from all across the Midwest wanted to test the Atomic High-banks. Drivers learned quickly that Atomic was more than the typical bullring; it was the Indy 500 of short track racing. Besides a wealth of drivers from the Ross County-Scioto-Pike County areas, Atomic was drawing drivers from Indiana and Kentucky as well as Northern Ohio and especially the Columbus, Ohio area. Suddenly, Atomic Speedway had turned into the CSCRA's "Big Adventure"; and life was good.
The track operated under the sanction of the CSCRA until around 1978 when many of the original members of the organization were near or exceeding retirement years. The CSCRA banner was known from coast to coast as promoting many big-time races. The "Buckeye 100" and "Atomic 100" were two of the sanction's largest events and the CSCRA promoted its races, its drivers, and its shining facility in a first class manner. The organization not only met its goal of giving local racers a place to compete, but it also promoted a first class facility that saw many driver's pass through en route to fame with USAC and NASCAR.
With its membership aging, the CSCRA turned over the reigns to an ambitious promoter Russ Conley, who held many of the first-ever $5,000 to win races at his new speed plant. Conley also delved in operating the Southern Ohio Raceway and sought to run SOR on Saturday's and Atomic on Sunday's. Conley eventually sought bigger adventures with the advent of the World of Outlaws and their popularity, and became a partner in MOSS (Midwest Outlaw Super Sprints) which promoted sprint car races and eventually some late model races. (Due to a dispute, that group became known as the current All-Star Circuit of Champions)
As the economy stiffened in Southern Ohio and Sunday night racing became too much for the fan base, Atomic Speedway sat idle and went on the real estate market at the end of 1983. After sitting idle for nearly the entire 1984 season, the Karshner family purchased the speedway along with the Cooper family of Cooper Glass. Thus, K-C Raceway was born-the "K" from Karshner and "C" from Cooper. Action would resume in 1985 with Super Sprints, Late Models, and 6 Cylinders as the main attractions. Immediately, K-C Raceway was once again a success.
Soon the Karshner's would become sole owners of K-C, but the name had already been established as the place to be. Eleanor Karshner, sister to multi-time champion Jr. Smalley, served as promoter, while husband Dave was in charge of track preparation and the facility itself. Dave and son Brian are still involved in track prep today. The entire family served a role in the track's success from 1985-2001. During this reign, K-C established well-known events at the "Freedom 40", "K-C 100", "Spring 50", and served as a staple in the well-established All-Ohio All-Star Outlaw Sprint Speedweek. Around 1988 a Hobby Stock class replaced the 6 cylinders and around 1990 a fourth class was added the UMP Modified.
The Chillicothe economy was not the best at the turn of millenium, and many weekly shows lost money. Nearing retirement from their regular jobs and often having to pump their own money into the purses, the Karshner’s sought a buyer; but because they had put years of heart and soul into their investment, not just any buyer would do. Rumors spread that other promoters would buy the track for a premium price then close it down. That was not about to happen. Then came young businessman Jason Lafferty, who seemed to be the perfect buyer.
After only one night of operation, Lafferty admitted that promoting was not his forte and he sought out his friend Jim Nier, who had steered him towards the original deal in the first place.
Said Jimmy Nier, "I wanted to race a couple more years. I did not want to own a race track at this point in my life." "But Dad called one night, and I knew what was going to happen. We met with Jason and when it was all over, we owned a race track."
The Nier's finished out the 2002 season with the schedule that was handed them. Then came 2003. "Anything I do, I want to give it 100 percent," asserted Nier. "We decided if we were going to own a race track, we were going to make it the best track around. We wanted to make it a safe, fun place to race and a place the fans could enjoy. Most of all we wanted to put on the best possible show."
Many improvements followed. With the theme "if you build it, they will come", Atomic expanded quickly with a continuously growing pit area, new seating, a new press tower, new concessions, and remodeled rest room facilities. Even a playground for the kids is in place. Atomic Speedway is indeed a racing showplace.
In 2009, K-C Raceway/Atomic Speedway got a new enthusiastic owner in Jeff Schrader and wife Vickie. Said Jeff, "My dreams have come true."
But first and foremost is the outstanding racing schedule and tradition-rich quality of high-speed racing established by the CSCRA back in 1953. Nearly every top rated sanctioning body has raced at K-C Raceway. Many have visited since the Nier family took over, and many more stars are expected to shine under the tenure of Jeff and Vickie Schrader.
Says Schrader, Atomic Speedway is here to stay. It can only get bigger and better.