Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Myron Grage

For the Herald

The 64th anniversary season of racing at Chateau Speedway inched a little closer to reality as the track held its first of two test and tune sessions Thursday night.

Around 50 cars showed up to shake out the cobwebs, renew old friendships and get acquainted again with the track that has sat on the banks of the Cedar River in Lansing since opening in 1956.

Drivers and Fans alike saw several changes that have taken place since last fall, and with the delayed start to the season, several more changes and updates were made this spring. The beer stand got a face lift, with a new roof and siding, and a brand new four level deck with 10 private boxes is nearing completion.

The final touches on the handrails have yet to be completed, but should be in place before the season opener. Anyone interested in getting a private box can contact the track through Messenger on the track’s Facebook page, or email chateauspeedway@gmail.com.

A second test and tune session will be held Tuesday before the season opener on June 26. The first green flag of the season will fly at 7:15 p.m. Seven classes of cars will be featured every Friday night.

With the late start to the season after the shut down in Minnesota, the planned schedule for the season has taken a beating.

The track will be announcing the changes and promotions on a week to week basis. Some of the events lost include the Kids Night Bike Giveaways and the track wants it known that it will be put back on the schedule somewhere along with the kids car rides.

Also lost was the Memorial Day Weekend Marquee Event “The Spirit of 83 Memorial,” the race in memory of track legend Mike Guttormson and those who shared his spirit and love for the track, it will be added back in somewhere during the year.