New Jennerstown Speedway GM eager as 2024 racing season begins

The 2024 Jennerstown Speedway Complex racing season begins on Saturday night. For the second straight year, the track will have a new general manager.

Jared Adams, who has been a part of the speedway in various roles since 2020, takes over for Brad Boxler. Adams is gearing up for a jam-packed racing schedule.

"We are looking forward to this season," said Adams. "There's so much to prepare and get ready for, but we are ultimately working on the fan experience. We want to make sure that every fan that comes here has a good time. We put on such a good show and our drivers do a good job. As soon as you come in the gate, you will notice changes."

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The expanded midway and fan area is much larger than in years past. The ADA restrooms have been built with the $50,000 prize won in the Advance My Track Challenge two years ago.

Jennerstown made some rule changes during the offseason as well. It is all a part of bettering the competition for the drivers and elevating the fan experience.

"We're just trying to make it the best place in town," Adams said. "The racing is a big part of that. We have six divisions, so there is a lot to see. The rule changes were to help with some of the costs for the drivers, and a lot of it is safety related. We want to make the cars as safe as possible. We did some tests with the 4-cylinders, specifically, and put a spoiler on the back. It really helped with their drive through the corners."

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One of the drivers returning this season will be defending Pro Stock champion, Josh Dunmyer. He won seven times last year and earned a top-5 finish in all 17 of his starts. While the wins are great, Dunmyer takes to the track each week for more than just trophies.

"We had scot-free year last year and it turned out well for us," Dunmyer said. "We are hoping for more of the same this season. Racing every weekend is special. You look forward to it every week. I grew up around a racetrack watching my dad, so it's fun to follow in his footsteps and the rush of it all. Having a big fanbase makes this all worth it."

There will be plenty to see each week on top of the six weekly divisions. The Crown Vic's make their Jennerstown debut on May 11, following the Ohio Wheelman Series race the week prior. Jennerstown Salutes 100 is slated for May 25, headlined by a 100-lap late model feature.

The Jennerstown Night of Thrills will take place on June 29. The SRL Super Late Model Motor Mountain Masters 150 will go down on July 11. The ARCA trucks return July 20. A 100-lap United States Auto Club Silver Crown Showdown will take place on Aug. 10, with the Fama Construction 100-lap modified feature scheduled for the following Saturday. There will be an extended 75-lap late model feature on Sept. 7, ahead of championship night, Sept. 14.

There's never a bad night to attend a race at Jennerstown Speedway, especially with so many events lined up this season.

"Every weekend, we try to make each event unique, even if it's just the weekly series," Adams said. "The SRL race is the week of Pocono, so we're trying to get some NASCAR names in here for that. We have something special throughout the season. Last year, the schedule was front-loaded with events, where this year we spread things out."

Gates open at 4 p.m. on Saturday. Opening ceremonies at slated for 5:50, with heat races and features to follow.

Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on X @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Jared Adams takes over as Jennerstown Speedway GM; season set to begin