Working in partnership, the Hamilton County Speedway Racing Association, the Hamilton County Fair Board, TTMM Promotions and P&P Electric celebrated the completion of the new lighting project at the Hamilton County Speedway in late June. With an approximate cost of $54,000, which included $15,000 for installation, the new lights bring drivers and fans alike a more enjoyable experience each time the speedway comes to life.

“The track was in need of new lighting in large parts for the safety of our drivers, but it also improves the experience for the fans,” Todd Staley, the owner of TTMM Promotions who also serves at the promoter at the local dirt oval, said.

The HCSRA, which has worked to enhance the track for two decades, raised the majority of the funds with its annual chili supper and membership fees. Over the years, the organization has been credited with improvements to the grandstand area, the VIP booth, the handicap deck and the wall around the track in addition to the new lights.

“The HCSRA has been great to work with over the course of my four years promoting the Hamilton County Speedway,” Staley said. “It’s a great group of individuals who work well together to bring additional funds into HCS improvements. We appreciate all that they do.”

Members of the group that spearheaded the new lights project at the Hamilton County Speedway pose with the check that was presented to P&P Electric for its work. Pictured are (left to right) Mark Elliott, Chris Calvert, Jim Mitchell, Todd Foster, Todd Vesterby, Craig Graham, Paul Atchinson, Bryan Denekas, Justin Ades, Todd Staley, Adam Richardson, Zach Sukraw, Nathan Keller, Zach Williams and Dana Casey. Submitted photo

The Hamilton County Fair Board, Todd and Janet Staley, and P&P Electric donated $5,000 each to complete the project. Justin Ades, the co-owner of P&P Electric, says he’s logged more than 150 hours of work at the speedway this year alone, primarily on the installation of the lights.

“I grew up at the track and now I race here, (so) it feels good to be a part of something that is creating improvement for not only the competitors, but also the fans,” Ades said.

Staley says the track has benefitted from Ades’ knowledge on many occasions over the years.

“We call him our track electrician,” Staley said. “If it’s a Saturday night and something goes bad during an event, we give him a call or a shout over the PA and he’s there to help.”

A total of 45 lights that stand 65 feet in the air were added to the track by P&P Electric. Five new poles now surround the speedway and three light poles already on site were relocated for even disbursement. Three other light poles were moved from inside to the outside of the track to improve the pit area. There was also a significant cleanup of 300 feet of overhead wire.

“It’s nice to see all of the organizations come together in support of each other and the project itself,” Staley said.

Hamilton County Fair Board President Zach Williams says the new lights will be beneficial to more than just the races that bring the speedway to life on Saturday nights during the spring and summer months.

“The lighting project is not only an upgrade to the track, but also the fair grounds,” Williams said. “Since Todd and Janet have invested so much of their own money into the facility with the added support from the HCSRA, we as a board thought that it was fitting for us to invest as well.

“This year’s fair theme was “Better Together.” I think this project is a perfect example of when we work together, we are better. We are excited to see what the future holds.”

HCSRA board member Todd Foster was equally pleased to see the project reach its completion, and now the group will move on to new areas.

“The HCSRA has now met all of (its) original goals, but the work is not done,” Foster said. “Through partnership with Todd Staley and TTMM Promotions, we will continue to update the facility as needed to increase competitor and fan attendance.”

The Hamilton County Speedway will be lit up again Saturday night when the P&P Electric Modified Madness takes place. Partnering with the Mason City Motor Speedway for the event, any driver that wins both events — Saturday in Webster City and Sunday in Mason City — will receive a $1,000 bonus.

On the card for Saturday are modifieds ($3,000 to win), stock cars ($400 to win), B-mods ($400 to win), hobby stocks ($300 to win) and tuners ($125 to win). Bonuses will go to any division that includes more than 22 cars, and the tuner winner’s check will increase to $200 if more than 10 cars enter.

The pit gates will open up at 4 p.m., spectators will be allowed entrance at 5 p.m., and hot laps are scheduled for 7 p.m. Racing will get started at 7:30 p.m.