Junction Motor Speedway

About Junction Motor Speedway

Junction Motor Speedway is a 3/8 mile dirt oval just west of McCool Junction, Nebraska, along US Route 81 about ten miles south of York. It was built from scratch in the early 2000s at a cost of around two million dollars, which made it one of the few genuinely purpose built modern dirt tracks in the state. Racing runs Saturday nights under IMCA sanction from spring through fall.

Built New, Not Inherited

Most dirt tracks in the plains grew out of fairgrounds ovals or farm ground that someone shaped into a racing surface. Junction is different. Local businessman Delmar Friesen funded the construction of a complete, turn key facility on roughly 78 acres, with concrete walls, grandstands, concessions and pit areas designed in from the start.

That design shows in the spectator experience. Sight lines were a priority, so views are good from across the seating, and the safety infrastructure is modern rather than retrofitted. Friesen has owned the track since it was built.

Day to day promotion is handled by Randy Wulf Jr., who helped load a race car for the track’s very first opening night years before taking the job. A chassis builder by trade, Wulf handles track prep personally, with the stated goal of keeping the racing surface as smooth as possible.

Saturday Night IMCA Racing

The weekly card runs six IMCA divisions: Late Models, Modifieds, Stock Cars, Northern Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks and Sport Compacts.

The Late Model addition was notable when it happened, since IMCA Late Models had not run weekly in Nebraska for years before Junction brought them back. The reasoning was practical. Drivers needed a place to race under a consistent rule book, and IMCA sanction means a car built to those rules can compete anywhere in the country.

Points earned here count toward IMCA national, regional and Nebraska state standings, so the weekly program feeds into a much larger championship picture.

The Season Bookends

Two memorial races frame the year, and both carry the names of people who mattered to the track.

The Mike Chapin Memorial Spring Thaw opens the season in late March or early April, honoring a prominent figure in Nebraska dirt racing. It runs with added purses across all divisions and sometimes spans two days. Nebraska spring weather being what it is, the Spring Thaw has been rained out more than once.

The Barb Nunnenkamp Memorial McCool 100 closes the year in September, a two day show honoring a longtime track employee. Both nights carry full IMCA fields with increased payouts, and both have been broadcast on IMCA.TV.

Season championship night for most divisions falls in late August, ahead of the McCool 100.

Getting There and What to Know

The track is west of McCool Junction on US 81, about five and a half miles south of I-80 exit 353 and ten miles south of York. That puts it within easy reach of Lincoln, Grand Island and Hastings.

Regular season admission is modest with reduced student pricing and free entry for the youngest children. Special events cost more. Gate and racing times shift between weekly shows and multi day specials, so check the schedule before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the track?

It is a 3/8 mile dirt oval built on about 78 acres.

What night does Junction Motor Speedway race?

Saturday nights, with the season running from March or April through October.

What classes race there?

Six IMCA divisions: Late Models, Modifieds, Stock Cars, Northern Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks and Sport Compacts.

Who owns the track?

Delmar Friesen, who funded its construction and has owned it since it was built.

What is the Spring Thaw?

The Mike Chapin Memorial Spring Thaw, the season opening event held in late March or early April with added purses across all divisions.

What is the McCool 100?

The Barb Nunnenkamp Memorial McCool 100, a two day season ending event in September honoring a longtime track employee.

Do points count toward national standings?

Yes. The weekly program awards IMCA national, regional and Nebraska state points.

Where is Junction Motor Speedway located?

Just west of McCool Junction, Nebraska 68401, along US 81, about five and a half miles south of I-80 exit 353 and ten miles south of York.

More information on Junction Motor Speedway; Click here https://www.myracepass.com/tracks/1769

For more venues click here: https://www.plainspowersports.com/category/auto/