| Hendry County Speedway Gets New Owner and New Name | By Jack Smith - UDLMCS Media
Late Models take to the track at the southernmost short track in America
The United Dirt Late Model Challenge Series (UDLMCS) has purchased Hendry County Speedway from current operator Chris Ponsoldt. The track will be renamed Hendry County Motorsports Park and a new web site is being put together at www.hendrycountyracing.com.
 Dirt World breaks the news on the sale of the track - Detailed audio report.
A grand opening date is set for weekend of March 7, 2009 with a three day community event and the 3rd Annual Ponce DeLeon Classic being the highlight.
On the purchase of the facility located in Clewiston Florida, Ken Kinney stated, "I wanted to make a statement that I am in and committed to dirt racing for the long haul." Ken Kinney's UDLMCS was a huge success in 2008 with races in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. Over 190 drivers from six states raced in the series, which received accolades from racing media around the country, including Circle Track Magazine.
Hendry County Motorsports Park will feature Street Stocks, Pure Stocks, 4 & 8 Cylinder Bombers and Mini Stocks along with special events with Modifieds, Sprint Cars as well as the Late Models.
"People not familiar with South Florida may not understand how well situated the track is", Kinney said. The track is easily accessible from both the east and west coasts of Florida, taking in the Fort Myers, Naples markets in addition to the West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale areas.
It should be pointed out the very important role Chris Ponsoldt played in the history of the track. When Steve Medinger the 42 year old owner of Hendry County Speedway, died September 18, 2004 at the track, the future seemed empty. In the wake of 4 hurricanes that devastated Florida, Medinger's family members tried to sell the property and for a time it appeared certain it would never again be used for racing. Chris Ponsoldt literally saved the track from extinction by arranging the purchase and getting the County behind the reopening. Not bad for a man with no real ties to racing.
Ken Kinney has already begun the process of getting a viable track surface, so important in the operation of a dirt track. "We are really close to getting this together, we have bring in major amounts of new dirt with the help of local sponsors.", Kinney stated last week. The staff is in the process of being assembled and a marketing and sales team is already at work.
One of the keystones of the success of the United Dirt Late Model Challenge Series has been the effective use of media and a solid promotion program and fans can expect the same with the Hendry County Motorsports Park.
The UDLMCS has retooled a bit for 2009. New Competition Director Terry Caton brings a wealth of racing as well as business and marketing knowledge to the series. Race Director Billy Ausburn will maintain the high level of professionalism the series represents with the expanded roles of assistant Series Director and Tommy Kelly returns as head of tech.
The media team from 2008 returns with the addition of Wall & Associates heading up national and corporate sales. A four race TV package is in the formative stages and an announcement is expected soon with the venues that will televised.
Hendry County Speedway hosted two UDLMCS events last year, both drawing record crowds, and there are two events scheduled for 2009.
This Saturday December 6, Hendry County Speedway will hold its end of year event with awards ceremonies and other activities including eight divisions of racing. The speedway is located at 9985 W US Hwy 27 in Clewiston.
For more information and to join the HCMP mailing list use this link: www.hendrycountyracing.com
For more on the United Dirt Late Model Challenge Series use this link:www.uniteddirtlatemodels.com
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