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Racing legend to be honored at Jackson Speedway this Saturday



When racing fans in the upper Midwest gather, stories are swapped about past glories and accomplishments of drivers and teams. When the name Woodke is mentioned, there is unanimous respect and admiration for a builder of some of the most potent racing power plants.

Loren Woodke is one of the most highly respected engine builders and sprint car owners in the upper Midwest, operating out of an unassuming facility in Lakefield. For more than 50 years, Loren has used his talent of creating horsepower to provide power for some of the most recognized and popular racers in the region.

The list of Woodke Racing drivers reads like a Who’s Who of racing – Vic Dicks, John Leverenz, Marv Dewall, Bob Geldner, Jim Edgington, Jack McCorkell, Rodger Rager, Guy Forbrook, Tim Monson, Jerry Richert Jr., Mark Toews and even Jan Opperman have all taken their turns at the wheel of Woodke’s race cars over the decades, from the famous 98A car to the current 1W winged sprint that thrills racing fans across the upper Midwest.

Woodke has built motors for hundreds of competitors over the years and has shared his knowledge and passion for the sport with those competitors. Along with son Bryan, Woodke remains one of the most respected car owners and engine builders in motor sports to this day.

To honor the contributions of Loren Woodke to the sport of racing, this Saturday evening will be celebrated at the Jackson Speedway as Loren Woodke Appreciation Night. Woodke, a member of the Jackson Speedway Hall of Fame, will be honored with a special presentation during the racing action on Saturday at the speedway, located on the Jackson County Fairgrounds in Jackson.

“Loren Woodke has been such a positive part of racing in our region for over 50 years that it’s only fitting that we honor him here at the Jackson Speedway,” speedway promoter John McCorkell said. “Loren has given so much to our sport over the years and helped so many racers over the years. We’re very proud to be able to say ‘thank you’ to him in this way through this appreciation night, and we know that racing fans will want to be a part of this evening to say thanks for the memories he’s helped to create over the years.”

The evening will also serve as a special Lakefield community night. Thanks to Kozy Heat and the Emerald Valley Country Club, all residents of Lakefield will get in for free with a picture ID at the ticket window.

The grandstands at Jackson Speedway open at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday evening, with hot laps starting at 6:45 and racing to follow in six classes: Yellow Book hornets, Loosbeck Digging Service hobby stocks, NAPA of Windom 305 sprints, Bohl’s Small Engine and Marine B modifieds, Performance Center IMCA stock cars and U.S Army outlaw sprints.

Bring the whole family for a night of exciting racing action this Saturday. For more information, check out www.pilotracewaynews.com, www.jacksonspeedway.com or contact track promoter Jon McCorkell at (507)841-2450.

You can also see a picture at www.pilotracewaynews.com that I have been trying to post on here.

Also it is Business After 5 Night for the Jackson Chamber members,

And also don't forget that the Purse has been increased for the 360 Spints, Plus have a $300 hard charger award.

and also we are giving away 100 die cast cars of the ledgendary 1w to the first 100 kids that register for the kids club. These are a $10 car and donated by Larry at Dirt Track Race Cars.