BREAKING: Great Bend City officials have just approved a staggering $5.2 million contract to reconstruct the local dragstrip, aiming for a grand reopening in time for the 2026 racing season. The City Council meeting on August 7, 2023, marked a critical step towards addressing years of safety concerns and infrastructure issues at the Great Bend Expo Complex.
This urgent decision comes after the Sunflower Rod and Custom Association (SRCA) halted drag races in April 2023 due to dangerous track conditions. The council approved a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) agreement with Bartlett & West, allowing for immediate commencement of work, with demolition slated to begin on August 11.
City Administrator Logan Burns outlined the funding breakdown: $3,282,064 from lawsuit settlements, $495,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act, $663,936 from SPARKS funds, and other allocations, totaling approximately $5.2 million. This significant investment reflects the city’s commitment to restoring the beloved dragstrip that has been a staple in the community.
The SRCA, a volunteer organization, has overseen the track since its completion in May 2021. However, concerns over uneven surfaces led to the suspension of races, creating a void for racing enthusiasts and local businesses alike. Councilman Gary Parr expressed the financial scope of the project, noting, “We’re going to be almost $7 million into this,” emphasizing the community’s eagerness for the track’s return.
Jim Rinner, design build manager at Bartlett & West, confirmed the collaborative nature of the project, reassuring council members that SRCA and its consultants have been actively involved throughout the planning process. “It’s been a collaboration all the way along,” Rinner stated. The urgency surrounding this project is palpable as local fans await the reopening of the dragstrip, which has been missed dearly.
Mayor Cody Schmidt expressed confidence in the project’s trajectory. “We’re only gonna get one more shot at this, but I think it has to be done,” he stated, highlighting the community’s anticipation. Rinner indicated that significant work will commence shortly, with paving crews expected to mobilize by mid-September and completion projected for March 1, 2026.
In a further update, Burns confirmed that the costs will cover essential work including demolition, grading, timing system installation, and dragstrip paving. The city is also relocating the timing tower and moving the track’s starting line 300 feet west to enhance safety and performance standards.
The excitement in Great Bend is building as residents eagerly look forward to seeing their dragstrip revitalized. With the demolition phase starting imminently, community members are urged to stay tuned for updates and witness the transformation of a cherished local venue.
This project is a pivotal moment for Great Bend, combining community spirit, economic revitalization, and a commitment to safety. As work begins, the SRCA and local officials are poised to restore not just a dragstrip, but a cultural hub for racing enthusiasts.
