While Ed Beckley and Dodge City were putting in long hours to prepare for the World of Outlaw race, they didn't know that all that effort would lead to one of the most prestigious racing awards.
The World of Outlaws Promoter of the Year. Which Beckley and the city of Dodge City were awarded this honor recently during the Champions Banquet in North Carolina.
"It really shocked me," Beckley said. "I knew we were in the top five, but I didn't know we'd win."
According to Tony Veneziano, Public Relations Director for the WoO, the officials and series director meet at the end of the season to decide who the winner will be.
Veneziano said there is no set criteria, but they do focus on who has the most dedication, as well as how nice the facility is.
"We looked at 50-plus tracks," Veneziano said. "Dodge City really is one of the nicest tracks. Ed did a heck of a job getting that facility ready. They stood out above all the rest."
Veneziano said that Dodge City Raceway Park is only one of three tracks to have the paved pit area, which drivers appreciate. He also said that the aluminum bleachers and the elevator contribute to making DCRP one of the most beautiful facilities.
Beckley beat out racing greats such as Tony Stewart and Ken Schrader, who also own similar tracks.
"I'm very excited," Beckley said. "It's a perfect example of how a good crew can make the captain of the ship look good."
Mayor Rick Sowers said this is a great honor.
"We've been working really hard the last few years to get the track in the direction we wanted it," Sowers said. "This is a big affirmation of that success."
Beckley said that this award is a dream come true.
"I'm just so happy to be here and be part of this," Beckley said. "This proves there are progressive people in Dodge City and that there is good stuff to come."
City Manager Ken Strobel is very excited that WoO representatives recognize the quality of the “Why Not Dodge” facility and appreciate the exceptional work that Ed Beckley and his staff perform.
"It was our hope when we committed to bringing a Nationally recognized promoter, such as Ed Beckley, that he would bring National attention to our facility," Strobel said. "Congratulations to him and his staff."
Sowers agreed that Beckley is going a great job bringing national attention to a small town. He also said the event already brings a significant number of people to Dodge City, which was part of their original vision.
"People come from all over," Sowers said. "Our vision was to bring high quality racing to viewers. It's sort of a pilgrimage to people. It's a neat thing."
Beckley said now their new goal is to back up this award, and prove they deserved it.
Sowers agreed that now the idea is to build on this and do more.
"We have won," Beckley said. "They can't take that away from us. We've already been working on the event for next year. We want to make it bigger."
Reach Susie Van Heule at (620) 408-9913 or e-mail her at susie.vanheule@dodgeglobe.com
