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New promotion team in place at Fremont Speedway.
By Brian Liskai
FREMONT, Ohio (Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2007) - Combine a knowledge of business
and an enthusiasm for racing and what do you have? The new promoters of the
historic Fremont Speedway.
Fremont businessman Rich Farmer and Ada, Ohio business man Andy James have
teamed up to take over operations of "The Track That Action Built" beginning
with the 2008 season.
Farmer owns R&R Auto Wrecking in Fremont, a vehicle recycling business, and
is the operations manager of Burns Iron & Metal of Fremont, a buyer and
seller of scrap metals. James owns Beaverdam Contracting, an excavating
business near the Lima area. This past summer he was also a partner in
Waynesfield Motorsports park, a quarter-mile dirt track near Lima.
Both have been long-time race fans and competitors. Farmer was a former
rookie of the year at Fremont Speedway in the dirt truck division. He has
since competed in the 305 sprints and trucks and owns a 410 sprint car
driven by Bryan Sebetto. James has owned and driven 410 sprints for several
years. He owns the 410 sprint car Mike Linder has driven the past few years,
including winning the Fremont Speedway 410 track championship in 2005 and
2006.
Farmer and James will take over from the Jim Ford family which has promoted
racing at Fremont Speedway since 2000. This past week, the Sandusky County
Agricultural Society unanimously agreed to Farmer and James taking over
promotions at the race track for at least the next four years.
"When we heard Jim Ford and his family wanted to retire, Andy and I talked
and we knew we had to keep this track going. The Fords have done such a
wonderful job here...they literally brought the track back from near
extinction. We felt we owed it to the fans, the teams and the sponsors who
have invested so much in this sport at this historic place, to continue the
tradition," said Farmer. "We're very excited about this opportunity. We also
want to thank the fairboard for giving us this chance and for their loyalty
to the race community here."
"When I first came here to race after Jim Ford took over, they made me feel
so welcome...they made me feel like I was a part of the Fremont community
and the Fremont racing family. I want others to feel like that. This
town...these fans....are so supportive of this race track. Fremont Speedway
is the capital of racing in Ohio. We have some big shoes to fill, but with
the help of the fans, teams, sponsors and the great employees, we will
continue to put Fremont Speedway on the map," added James.
Both Farmer and James say their job is easier because of the ground-work
laid by the Ford family. They plan to continue many of the ideas begun by
the Fords, but add fans can look for a few changes.
"It's all about entertainment...giving the fans the most fun for their
hard-earned dollar. We plan to work hard to accomplish that," said James.
"We have some ideas on scheduling and different events during race nights.
But, we also realize the 'bread and butter' of Fremont Speedway is its great
weekly shows with the 410 sprints, 305 sprints and dirt trucks," added
Farmer.
Now the hard work begins for James and Farmer.
"Now we get to work promoting this historic race track. We need to get the
word out the excitement our form of motorsports creates and how much
entertainment value fans get for their hard-earned dollars," said Farmer.
"We will roll up our sleeves and get to work on our schedule, contacting
sponsors and teams...April will be here before you know it," added James.
For more information, log onto www.fremontohspeedway.com
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