Speeds New Hope Dragstrip~Freedom Indiana

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*NEW 2007*

At the May 11th Friday night race it was announced that New Hope Dragstrip has a new name. We are now "Speeds New Hope Dragstrip", named after the tracks original founder Kenneth "Speed" Wise. Mr. Wise opened the track in August of 1968; his goal was to give the local young people a safe place to race and to keep them off the roads. The area where the track now sits was once a 139 acre corn field. Speed as he was known to his friends cut a lane through the corn field to build the track. Jerry Wise one of the Wises 3 sons said that when they started racing at the track the dirt was so packed drivers could squall their tires and leave black marks on it.

The track has seen a lot of changes over the years, name changes as well as physical changes to the track. The dirt track has been replaced and the Wise family no longer owns the track. There is one thing however that hasn't changed and that is the reason the track exists. It's a place for all people to come together and race and have fun. The family atmosphere that the Wises brought to the track 39 years ago is still here. Members of the Wise family race at this track and were in attendance for the announcement.

When Jerry Wise was contacted about the name change, was very supportive and loaned several pieces of his personal memorabilia for our use. We used one of Jerry's original SPEEDS track shirts and had it duplicated to be sold at the track this season. The Shirts sell for $20.00 and can be purchased at the track concession stand.

It is an honor for us at the track to carry on the Wise family tradition and provide a positive place where families can come and enjoy an evening of fun. A special Thank You to the Wises for allowing us this privilege.