November 22, 2024

Dodge City Raceway Park Operator/Promoter Approved

City of Dodge City

DODGE CITY, KS. — The City of Dodge City and Ford County are pleased to announce that Craig Dollansky Racing (CDR) has been selected to serve as the new Operator/Promoter of Dodge City Raceway Park. The announcement comes after a competitive request for proposals process. A selection committee with representatives from the City, County, the Community Facility Advisory Board (CFAB), the Dodge City/ Ford County Development Corporation, and the racing community interviewed three qualified candidates. The committee’s recommendation was then taken to CFAB to approve an agreement with CDR followed by the Joint City and County Commissions’ approval.

“Craig Dollansky Racing brings twenty-five years of professional management experience and dirt track promotions to the DCRP,” said City Manager Nick Hernandez. “Craig and Julie Dollansky are the dynamic duo that make up this partnership, and both have a wealth of experience in the coordination of event dates, scheduling, brand recognition and fan interaction. Combined with his 25 plus years of racing experience all over the world, they will bring fresh ideas to enhance the experience here at DCRP.”

Craig, also known as the “The Crowd Pleaser,” is well recognized in the world of American dirt track racing with over 66 wins in the World of Outlaws. He has also participated in Midget racing in the Chili Bowl and the Indy Car, Infinity Pro Series. His racing career has also taken him around the world to Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Julie has an art and graphics background and has built a successful apparel and souvenir business. Her expertise in promotion, brand awareness, and display advertising will greatly benefit the overall operation of the DCRP, not to mention she also held a 2003 Bonneville Land Speed Record.

“The Dollansky’s mission to host and promote a venue that showcases a creative line-up of motorsports events for people to enjoy exceptional entertainment is a perfect fit for the DCRP which is a “Why Not Dodge” sales tax facility,” said Ford County Administrator JD Gilbert.

The Dollansky’s stated, “We are excited and look forward to this new chapter in our racing resume! DCRP is a first-class facility, and we are grateful for this opportunity.”

When asked about their plans for the upcoming season and when work on a schedule will begin, Julie said, “Craig and I brainstormed quite a bit early on, when we visited the first time, and in preparing our proposal for presentation to the City. Running a track has always been in the back of our minds.”

Their goal for DCRP is to grow attendance, try out other motorsports entertainment in addition to the weekly racing, and to work hard to do good things at DCRP and intend to raise the bar.