John and Camille Sarppraicone, originally from Long Island, New York, are now the owners of DeSoto Speedway. The announcement was made today that the former NASCAR driver and assistant tech official for the Florida Pro Series takes ownership of the South's Fastest Short Track effective immediately. "This will be a family run business," Sarppraicone said. "I plan to be a hands-on owner and I'll be here five to seven days a week. We're going to start from scratch to bring it back a family atmosphere and have a lot of fun."


Sarppraicone brings extensive experience to DeSoto Speedway, in business and racing. He was in commercial real Estate in New York and he's been around racing since he was eight years old. He raced at Islip Speedway and Riverhead Raceway and in his first year he was voted Rookie of the Year at both tracks. He went on to win the track championship. He has raced extensively in Florida and is well-known to the Super Pro drivers. "I've been looking for a track for about four years," he said. "I had my eye on this track and tried to negotiate a deal two years ago but it fell through."

A family atmosphere is a must for the friendly, hospitable couple. John and Camille have been married 20 years and have two children that will also be involved with DeSoto Speedway. John Jr. is 14, a go-kart racer, and Jacqueline is 16. Changes are already underway for the new track owner. Long time friend, Dick Proulx, will become Track Director and children will be allowed in the pits; if a release is signed and they are accompanied by a parent. "We're also reducing the price of pit entrance to $20," Sarppraicone. "And we're moving the winner's circle back to the grandstand side. Other changes will be coming but we're just taking it one day at a time. The biggest challenge will be filling the stands."

It is a challenge the Sarppraicones are ready to face, eagerly. "I've never been afraid to shake hands," he said. "And you'll probably see me with a little grease or dirt on my hands. I'm hands-on."

Outgoing owner DeWayne Musick voiced his well wishes for the new owners as he turned the track over to the Sarppraicones on Tuesday . "I wish John and his wife all luck in the world and hope DeSoto Speedway continues to be one of the premier racing facilities in the South," he said. "John has a lot of good ideas and is planning on devoting 100% to the speedway. Please show him the support and respect you have to me these last 10 years. I want to thank all the fans drivers, and crews for their support. I especially want to thank all the great employees who I have had the opportunity to spend time with and sincerely appreciate all they have done for me and DeSoto Speedway."

After ten years of operating DeSoto Speedway Musick also closes out his ownership with a note of advice and appreciation. "This is a tough business," he said. "Unlike most other businesses, if you have a bad day you always have tomorrow to recover. When we get rained out, the expenses and associated costs keep running. You must wait until the next Saturday night and hope to have a good turn-out. I know John will insist as I have that safety is our number one concern at DeSoto. This is a fast track and the safety factor cannot be taken lightly. I can only pray that our record continues with no serious injuries for many years into the future." "I also want to thank Earl Savage, who has stepped in this season and really took the bull by the horns and operated the speedway like it was his own. He has done a great job and owe him many thanks...Thanks Earl! "Last but not least, a special thanks to Pat Bianchi. Without her I would have never been able to provide the shows like we have all these years. She is the greatest and I will really miss working with her. You will get to see her as she has agreed to help John and his wife on a limited basis. Stop by and say Hi to her. " Pat, I will miss you!" "Thank you again for many friendships and 10 fun, exciting seasons. Look forward to seeing you at "The South's Fastest Short Track" real soon!

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