Eagle Raceway Offers Racing Action on Saturday Nights

As summer approaches in Nebraska, so does racing. And for those in the Lincoln area, that means Saturday nights at Eagle Raceway.

Eagle Raceway is located on Highway 34 two miles outside of Eagle.

It is known as the world’s fastest one-third mile oval clay track with 3-story banking that allows for cars to reach speeds in excess of 100 mph.

Eagle Raceway is sanctioned by the IMCA (International Motor Contest Association) and features cars such as IMCA Sport Modified, IMCA Modified, IMCA Hobby Stock and Sport Compact.

Eagle used to be home to the Budweiser USCS 360 Sprint Car class until changes by the tracks owner, Roger Haden, in 2012.

After disputes about the track’s condition and weekly payouts between Sprint Car drivers and Haden, the 360’s were let go from the line up for the 2013 season only to be replaced by 305 Race Saver Sprints, a class that in the track’s history has never been ran.

At this time, it is unknown what effect this change will have on the fan base of Eagle Raceway, as the 360 Sprints proved very popular.

Eagle’s race season was set to start in April with the Ice Breaker Challenge, a two-day race event where no points were awarded to the drivers for their participation. This year’s event was scheduled for April 19 and 20 but was cancelled due to the rainy and cold conditions throughout the week.

Those who attend the races on Saturday night are encouraged to bring a jacket and sunglasses. The track is set out in the open, and if the wind picks up, it can be breezy and dusty, and the sunglasses can keep dust out of the eyes.

After the races, the audience is encouraged to travel to the pit and visit with the racers. Audience members are able to purchase a Pit Pass to stay in the pits during the races for $20.00 instead of heading to the grand stands.

Eagle Raceway also hosts a variety of concessions, including Valentino’s Pizza and Colby Ridge Ice Cream. Last summer, rib tips and steak sandwiches filled the menu, which showed to be a crowd favorite.

Contests are run every Saturday night by the sponsoring businesses, Pepsi, Colby Ridge and Sun Drop, and on evenings such as Fathers Day and Mother’s Day contests are run for parents.

Many drivers are from the Lincoln, Waverly, Eagle areas, but some drive from as far as Missouri to race every week- end.

Ticket prices: