Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Jeremy Crimmins of Fort Dodge races in the Pickett Salvage USRA Hobby Stocks at Sports Park Raceway last season.

The 2024 season opener at Sports Park Raceway on Friday evening is expected to be well worth the wait.

Beautiful weather is on the docket for the Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota debut races, which were delayed two weeks by steady rains in the area. All systems appear to be a go now according to track general manager Ryne Staley, with patience remaining a virtue.

“It’s that time of year when you have to deal with Mother Nature,” Staley said. “You never want to cancel races, but with the cost of everything these days, you have to do what’s right for the racers.”

The United States Racing Association competition on Friday is highlighted by the United Plant Services Modified race, with $1,500 going to the winner. Marsh Concrete USRA Stock Cars, White Transfer and Storage B-Mods, Pickett Salvage Hobby Stocks, Matt’s Tire Service Tuners, SPR 4.6 Ford Econos and the Nostalgia Dirt Series will all be in action as well.

Pits open at 5 p.m., with grandstands at 5:30 and hot laps at 7. Racing will follow.

The continued local focus remains centered around a comprehensive experience for both racers and fans.

“We work hand-in-hand with the Fairmont Raceway in Fairmont, Minn. In today’s society, it’s important to get the most cars every night you race,” Staley said. “Last season, we worked with them and were able to attract more cars. Obviously, that’s the goal again for 2024.

“With the cost to get into the grandstands, we offer a great value for the three to four hours of entertainment in Fort Dodge. We hope that the great race fans and drivers continue to support Sports Park Raceway.”

Staley acknowledged the importance of finding a balance when it comes to making difficult weather-related decisions, as the track did when it called off the opener two weeks ago.

“Everybody has those little devices in their pockets now, and will determine early what their plans are for the weekend,” Staley said. “If it looks like rain, they’re probably doing something with their family. You have to take that into consideration, as car count and fan count is very crucial.

“It’s spring time, and with that comes rain. We hate delaying or canceling races, but it’s the nature of the game sometimes.”

Grandstand admission prices are $12 for adults; $10 for seniors, former or active military members and juniors (age 12-16); and free for children age 11 and under.

Jeff Frevert is the Sports Park Raceway owner. Direct any questions to Staley at (515) 297-3128 or Frevert at (515) 571-4401.

Sports Park Raceway is located just under a mile north of US 20 on US 169, then half a mile east on 230th in Fort Dodge.

For more information, visit SportsParkRaceway.com or email sportsparkraceway@gmail.com. There are also Twitter and Facebook pages for the venue.