In early October, at the renowned Kearney Raceway, a remarkable scene unfolded. Cars gracefully turned onto a gravel road, situated nearly six miles away from downtown. A tent was meticulously set up to guide the racers to a side parking lot, where they could meticulously prepare their automobiles for the upcoming race. Meanwhile, everyone else was directed to a different area to park near the stands, adding to the organized chaos of the event.
Chilling Breeze and Warmth
There was a light, yet chilling breeze in the air that day. However, when one stood in direct sunlight, a warm embrace greeted them. Families began to gather on the bleachers, leaning against the metal fence that overlooked the drag strip. In the Pit Stop, a small shop with nostalgic food options like walking tacos, people could take a moment to relax and enjoy the pre-race atmosphere. Trophies, merchandise, and photos were proudly displayed at the Pit Stop, adding to the festive ambiance. Now and then, the deafening sound of cars speeding down the drag strip would interrupt a conversation, as these cars were merely testing their vehicles before the main event.The Raceway's History
It was a Saturday afternoon, and Joseph Roach and Nicole Kraus, the husband-and-wife duo who also managed the raceway's track, were seated at a folding table in the office above the track. "Roach brought me out here one day, and I got stuck up here in the tower, helping out. And then, a year later, the previous owners asked us if we wanted to take over," Kraus shared. Although Roach never envisioned himself as a manager, his deep passion for drag racing was evident. He started his racing career in 2002, and with each passing race, his enthusiasm only grew. His first race was in his everyday car, a 1968 LTD four-door hardtop, competing in a street-legal race. In this type of race, only cars that are legally allowed to drive on public roads are permitted to compete on a designated track."We originally watched a couple of our friends race out here the weekend before. So, the next weekend, we came out and participated, and I won the street legal class. Since then, I've been hooked," Roach said. When the opportunity arose, he and Kraus saw the need to run the raceway to provide a regular place for racers to compete. Their first season was in 2020, and they faced the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, they persevered and managed to run successful operations for the raceway.Roach and Kraus have been the raceway's managers since 2019, but the raceway has a rich history that dates back to 1964. Despite initial doubts, they were determined to see the facility succeed and overcame numerous tasks, leading to a thriving business.The Passion for Drag Racing
The passion for drag racing runs deep among the racers. Kleewein's love for the sport started when he was just 10 years old, during a father-son trip to Chicago with his dad. His father won the race in Chicago, igniting Kleewein's passion for drag racing. Now, he, his dad, and his brother are all actively involved in racing. He credits his dad with his passion and inspiration for entering the sport. If Kleewein could choose any place to race, it would be Bristol, TN. But Kearney will always hold a special place in his heart as his home track.Spectators are drawn to Kearney Raceway for the intense action of the cars racing down the drag, the excitement of seeing racers compete and win against each other, the powerful sounds of automobiles revving their engines, and the thrilling feel of the vibration of the horsepower beneath their feet as the cars speed by.The Raceway's Atmosphere
When asked to describe the raceway in three terms, Kraus and Roach said it was exciting, adrenaline-filled, and family-friendly. The raceway brings together a diverse audience of all ages, creating a family-friendly community. Whether you're a regular or a newcomer, the staff and racers treat everyone like part of their own family."I really take pride in our whole operation being non-biased and family-friendly, treating everybody the same and ensuring fairness. I believe everyone knows that, and we're able to provide a great environment for a quality racing experience on a regular basis," Roach said. The people attending the drag races appreciate the warm hospitality extended by Roach and Kraus to everyone."It's just like any other family. You need to get used to it a bit, but once you do, it becomes a part of your heart, and you truly enjoy the people here and how the facility is run and how things work," Roach added.Before the conversation came to an end, Roach emphasized that automobile racing is America's heart, a time-tested mode of transportation that brings people the thrill of acceleration and excitement."So, a place to be able to push that to the limits is something truly exceptional," Roach said. With that, Roach and Kraus headed off to begin the preparations for the race later that afternoon, ready to share the excitement with all the racing enthusiasts.
