UPDATE: Great Bend City officials have just approved a significant contract worth $5,205,405 to renovate the local dragstrip, aiming for a triumphant reopening in time for the 2026 racing season. This urgent move comes after safety concerns halted racing activities in April 2023, following the discovery of hazardous track conditions.
During a critical City Council meeting on August 7, 2023, the council unanimously agreed on a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) contract with Bartlett & West. City Administrator Logan Burns detailed the funding sources, which include $3,282,064 from lawsuit settlements, $495,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (APRA), and $663,936 from the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARKS) program, among others.
“The SRCA and their consultants have been involved in the planning,” confirmed Jim Rinner, design build manager with Bartlett & West. “It’s been a collaboration all the way along.” The urgency of these renovations is palpable, as many local racing enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting the return of drag racing.
The historic dragstrip, which was initially completed in May 2021, faced severe operational challenges due to uneven track surfaces. These issues led to shaking dragsters and even prompted the city to halt events for safety. Lawsuits regarding the construction were settled last November and December, clearing the path for this new contract and renovation.
Mayor Cody Schmidt emphasized the significance of this project, stating, “They know what’s at stake; they know what we came out of. So I feel really comfortable.” He added that the timeline is critical, as the city aims for a March 1, 2026 completion date, with demolition expected to start around August 11.
The renovation plans include comprehensive work on the track, such as demolition, grading, and installation of a new timing system, along with enhancing safety features like crash walls. Councilman Gary Parr noted the total investment is nearing $7 million, highlighting the community’s commitment to making the dragstrip a safe and enjoyable venue.
“There’s a lot of people that have missed this for a very long time,” Parr said, reflecting the local sentiment as anticipation builds for the return of racing.
As construction mobilizes, the community can expect to see rapid developments in the coming weeks, with paving crews set to arrive by mid-September. The city’s proactive approach and collaborative efforts signal a new era for the dragstrip, ensuring that it meets modern safety standards and offers an exhilarating racing experience for fans.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as Great Bend races towards a revitalized future.