77-year-old short track struggles to stay alive despite new leadership stepping in. Slinger Speedway, a historic quarter-mile oval, has been home to intense battles for decades. Recent ownership changes brought hope, but challenges remain. Travis Dassow and Kelsey Dassow have big plans, yet securing the track’s most important race remains uncertain. The Slinger Nationals faces an unclear future, leaving questions about what comes next. Can this legendary short track push forward, or is time running out
Key Highlights
- The ownership of Slinger Speedway transferred from Todd and Elizabeth Thelen to Travis and Kelsey Dassow in February 2024.
- The Dassows, passionate local racers, aim to preserve the track’s history while seeking growth opportunities.
- Slinger Speedway’s prestigious Slinger Nationals remain unsanctioned and face uncertainty about its future direction.
- Efforts to secure national sanctioning for the Slinger Nationals in July 2025 have been unsuccessful.
- The track is not yet qualified to host the 46th Slinger Nationals, raising concerns about the event’s viability.
The State of Short Track Racing
While the appeal of short track racing lies in its intense, wheel-to-wheel competition on compact ovals, the future of these tracks is under examination.
Short tracks like Irwindale Speedway, once vibrant hubs of grassroots motorsport, face challenges in maintaining their relevance and financial viability. Fans are drawn to the visceral spectacle of these tracks, where every lap is a battle, and drivers constantly fight for position.
However, closures such as Irwindale’s signal a worrying trend.
Prominent figures like Jeff Gordon express concern about the dwindling number of short tracks, emphasizing their importance to NASCAR’s heritage. Despite their popularity, short tracks struggle against economic pressures and shifting audience preferences.
The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium illustrated enduring fan interest, yet it remains an isolated success.
The question remains: can short tracks adapt to modern demands while preserving their unique appeal? Without tactical intervention, these tracks risk fading into obscurity.
Slinger Nationals and Its Challenges
The Slinger Nationals, a highlight for short track racing enthusiasts, faces its own set of challenges in the midst of the broader concerns impacting the industry. The 45th Annual event, held on July 9, 2024, at the historic Slinger Super Speedway, saw Andrew Morrissey initially declared the winner after a grueling 200-lap Super Late Model contest.
However, Morrissey’s subsequent disqualification for failing a front roof height check shifted victory to Brad Mueller, illustrating the complexities of maintaining fair competition.
“New Slinger Speedway track owners hire UARA and Ricky Brooks to oversee technical inspection for prestigious Slinger Nationals; race remains unsanctioned.” – Matt Weaver
New Slinger Speedway track owners hire UARA and Ricky Brooks to oversee technical inspection for prestigious Slinger Nationals; race remains unsactioned https://t.co/cY8HgPw3Td
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) March 7, 2025
Recent developments have added layers of uncertainty. The new track owners appointed UARA and Ricky Brooks to handle specialized inspections, ensuring rigorous standards.
Nonetheless, the race remains unsanctioned, sparking debate about its future direction. Despite these hurdles, the Nationals’ reputation as a premier short track event persists, enhanced by its notable $15,000 prize.
The Ownership Transition
As the ownership shift at Slinger Speedway unfolds, the racing community enthusiastically anticipates the impact of new leadership on the track’s future. The change began when Todd and Elizabeth Thelen announced the sale of the speedway to Travis and Kelsey Dassow on February 24.
“We believe change brings fresh perspectives and new opportunities.”
“Travis and I have had the passion for racing since we were young.” – Kelsey Dassow
The Dassows, local racers with a deep passion for the sport, aim to honor the track’s storied history while envisioning a future of growth and innovation.
Despite their enthusiasm, the new owners face challenges. The speedway is not yet qualified to host the 46th Slinger Nationals, a major event scheduled for July 2025. Efforts to secure national sanctioning for this race have, so far, been unsuccessful.
Nevertheless, the Dassows remain committed to maintaining the speedway’s schedule, ensuring the inclusion of both the Slinger Nationals and an ASA STARS race. They believe that embracing change will usher in fresh perspectives and opportunities for the historic track.
Past Racing Moments at Slinger
Slinger Speedway, a historic quarter-mile oval known for its high banks and intense competition, has witnessed numerous memorable racing moments over the years.
In 2020, Ty Majeski, who later became the 2024 NASCAR Truck series champion, set a blistering pace with a lap time of 11.384 seconds, marking a highlight in the speedway’s storied history.
NASCAR luminaries such as Ryan Preece, William Byron, and Erik Jones have graced the track, with Preece making an impressive debut for Kevin Harvick Inc in 2024.
The track’s fierce battles have been streamed live, attracting top Midwest talent.
Mueller clinched his initial Slinger Nationals victory in 2024 after several attempts, while Morrissey’s disqualification sparked discussions.
The Uptown Motorcars’ Late Models race saw Jacob Nottestad claim victory in a 40-lap face-off.
Despite its challenges, Slinger Nationals remains a pivotal event in short track racing, embodying the spirit and tenacity of motorsport.
The Short Track Racing Dilemma in NASCAR
Why has short track racing in NASCAR lost its former glory? Once the crown jewels of NASCAR, Bristol and Martinsville‘s half-mile tracks are now overshadowed by venues like Kansas and Charlotte.
The 2022 introduction of the Next Gen car, designed to improve intermediate tracks, inadvertently dulled the excitement at short tracks, historically the sport’s backbone. NASCAR officials are aware of this shift and are seeking solutions.
Brandon Thomas, NASCAR’s VP of vehicle design, acknowledges the challenge, with Phoenix Raceway testing yielding changes for 2024, such as reducing the car’s undertray on short tracks. This aims to decrease downforce, encouraging more passing opportunities.
“I don’t know how to fix this yet.” – Brandon Thomas
However, obstacles remain. Low speeds limit aero effects, and drivers cite current gearboxes and reduced engine power as barriers to exhilarating races. While more power could aid passing, cost-saving reliable engines complicate matters.
NASCAR remains committed to balancing competitive and entertaining racing across all circuits.
News in Brief: 77-Year-Old Short Track Struggles to Stay Alive
The recent ownership changes at Slinger Speedway have cast uncertainty over the future of the Slinger Nationals, a notable event in short track racing. This change comes amid broader challenges faced by the sport, including NASCAR’s shifting focus.
Past memorable moments at Slinger highlight its importance, but the current dilemma raises questions about sustainability. As stakeholders assess the situation, the future of this iconic race remains uncertain, reflecting broader trends affecting short track racing’s role in motorsports.
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