Alaska Raceway Park season overview

WASILLA — Alaska Raceway Park owner and race director Michelle Lackey Maynor recently reflected on the 2021 race season.

“Other than a few rainy weeks toward the end, but in general, things went really, really well,” Lackey Maynor said.

Alaska Raceway welcomed a lot of new racers of all ages this year, according to Lackey Maynor.

She said they’re fostering the next generation of racers with their youth programs and the overall interest in their new and established events and activities are contouring to grow, spreading a sense of encouragement around the track.

The season started Mother’s Day weekend and wrapped up Labor Day weekend, following a longstanding tradition. Lackey Maynor said that she grew up on the track and takes solace in her role carrying on the family tradition.

“This is my family. This is where I grew up. It just feels like something I was meant to do,” Lackey Maynor said.

Alaska Raceway roars all summer to settle down for the winter. Lackey Maynor said they’ve been offering winter storage to the community for the last few years. She said the main highlights include the first incorporation of A-1 Midway carnival rides and games on the grounds and placing third in NASCAR’s national Advance My Track Challenge.

Alaska Raceway is currently crowdsourcing an equipment upgrade project. According to Lackey Maynor, this consists of installing new concrete walls and a new timing system at the drag strip through an effort called Club 1320.

“We’re in the process of trying to get 1,320 people, which is a q mile, to donate $100 to the track,” Lackey Maynor said.

She said that she’s grateful for the initial community support, raising about 10 percent of the $185,000 goal, and she’s hopeful they’ll be able to complete the project in time for the 2022 race season.

“We’re going to make it happen,” Lackey Maynor said.

Lackey Maynor said they intend to keep moving forward with their longtime racers and new friends every year.

“Thanks to everybody for making this a good season… In general, we’re going to keep improving the facility for the racers and the fans. The sport has grown out here, and it’s been pretty cool to see that,” Lackey Maynor said. “It’s really neat to have a place where all of these different people come together because we all love motorsports, and we love the family aspect of it, and we all love what we’re doing.”

For more information, call 907-746-7223 or visit raceak.com.

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