Published: May 19, 2022
Adam Ripple
Jennerstown Speedway continues to make a name for itself across the country. Wednesday, the track was announced as the winner of the $50,000 first prize in the Advance My Track Challenge, a community engagement-based program which is led by Advance Auto Parts, the sponsor of the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series.
"It's an amazing feeling," said Jennerstown Speedway General Manager Bill Hribar. "You can have the strongest racing program in the world, but if you don't have the fans, sponsors and everyone in the community to back it up, it doesn't mean anything. I think we showed the entire world how strong it is at Jennerstown."
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Jennerstown beat out finalists Adams County Speedway, Alaska Raceway Park, Claremont Motorsports Park, New Smyrna Speedway and Rockford Speedway. The final round of voting took place from May 9-13. Fans had the opportunity to vote three times a day for their favorite track. The drivers, fans and Jennerstown racing community rallied together to vote the speedway to the top spot in the final round of voting.
More than 20 tracks were initially in the running for the top prize. Alaska Raceway Park finished second and won $15,000 while Adams County Speedway in Iowa took home a $10,000 third prize.
"This should really prove what we have been working so hard over the last eight years for," Hribar said. "We keep growing year to year. We felt the timing was right to join the NASCAR ranks again. It's proven to be true that we are right up there with all the other tracks that were in the final six. Everybody was in the running for the prize, but the Jennerstown fans made it happen."
Jennerstown plans to build a new restroom facility with the prize money. The new facility will replace the current one that was built in the 1980's.
"We take a lot of pride in what we have now," Hribar said. "It is really clean, though it does not accommodate those with disabilities very well. Every week, we get 12 to 20 people who are in wheelchairs. We want them to enjoy their night at the races and not worry about where they're going to have to use the facilities."
The speedway will also build a handicap viewing ramp for those in wheelchairs. It will be 8 feet off the ground to maximize the viewing experience.
Jennerstown continues to prove why its the best place to be on Saturday nights in Somerset County.
“Jennerstown is a true gem of the grassroots racing scene in Pennsylvania, and we’re proud to celebrate their team and community as winners of the Advance My Track Challenge,” said Jason McDonell, Advance’s executive vice president of merchandising, marketing and eCommerce. “Fans have supported racing at Jennerstown for generations and winning this challenge is a great example of their passion and dedication for their local track. We’ve enjoyed seeing how Advance My Track has been embraced by the racing community and we look forward to advancing grassroots racing in the years to come.”
Hribar was astonished by everyone's continued support surrounding Jennerstown Speedway, especially from the men and women putting on a show each week.
"The support of the racing community ... none of the other tracks had a response from their drivers like we did," Hribar said. "Our drivers took it upon themselves to make videos and try to promote the vote. It's just really amazing."
Jennerstown Speedway will host six-division racing for Armed Forces Night at the track on Saturday. Operation Vet NOW will have a small pre-race ceremony. The Veterans Village will also be set up with counselors on hand and informational opportunities available.
"It's a great way to honor those who served," Hribar said of Armed Forces Night. "The weather looks outstanding and we are looking forward to another great night for two weeks in a row."
