Alaska Raceway Park gearing up for 2022 season

WASILLA— Alaska Raceway Park is preparing for the 2022 race season which starts Mother’s Day weekend.

“It’s quickly approaching,” Alaska Raceway Park owner Michelle Lackey Maynor said.

Maynor said their overall preparations are faring well. They’re holding a top eliminator meeting on Saturday, March 26 to iron out details for the coming season.

On top of its normal preparations, Alaska Raceway Park is also working to complete two major projects before the start of the race season, constructing a concrete barrier to increase overall safety and purchasing a new scoreboard and timing system.

They’re currently raising funds from community donations through Club 1320, a crowdfunding group that focuses on capital improvements across the track.

The barrier and timing projects will provide much-needed safety and efficiency upgrades. Lackey Maynor said they’re currently at about 36 percent of their fundraising goal for the projects.

Alaska Raceway Park placed third among the highest-rated racetracks across the country during the 2021 NASCAR Advanced Auto Parts Advance My Track Challenge. Lackey Maynor said they plan to participate in the this year’s challenge as well.

“It’s an opportunity to get a good amount of cash for the track,” Lackey Maynor said.

Alaska Raceway Park is hosting a new event in June with Diesel Garage Media, the Great Alaska Truck Show. The event will feature a family-friendly show and shine event open to diesel trucks, SUVs, and event semis. There will also be other activities such as kids power wheel racing and a burnout competition. Proceeds from the event will go to awarding an Alaskan with a diesel technician scholarship provided by the Diesel Garage Foundation.

“It’s always exciting to have a new event,” Lackey Maynor said.

Those interested in supporting Club 1320s efforts to improve the Alaska Raceway Park can choose from multiple levels of support by going online or over the phone.

Lackey Maynor noted that they have several positions available and any local race enthusiast that’s interested in working with them is encouraged to apply.

For more information, call 907-355-7223 or visit raceak.com.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com