Adams County Speedway

Adams County Speedway is a one-half mile dirt track located in Corning, Iowa.

On August 14, 1958, automobile racing came to the half-mile horse racing track at the Adams County Fairgrounds. Races were held on Sunday afternoons, with lots of dust that hung in the air in front of the covered wooden amphitheater . The only night races were held during the fair.

In 1968, no races were held in Corning because the front straight wall was unsafe. That year the drivers raced at a track in Greenfield, Iowa. Races returned to the Adams County Fairgrounds in 1969, after a new wall was installed.

In 1970, the race track took on a new look as the once-flat turns were banked. That year also saw the first Late Model races. Bob Widick of Carson, Iowa won the first-ever Late Model "A" feature over Varel Schmidt of Massena, Iowa. Also in 1970, the races were held on Sunday nights and the track took the name of Adams County Speedway. Through the 1970's the race night was changed several times, trying to get more cars and fans. In 1976, the Adams County Fair Board leased the track to Bun Sheridan and Lawrence Peterson. The fair board took over the races again on July 1, 1976.

The fair board ran the races until late May, 1983 when Gail Hampel took the reins.   Adams County Speedway came under NASCAR sanctioning  in 1984, a tradition that continues to this day.

The Adams County Fair and Racing Association continues to make  many improvements and upgrades to the track and the entire facility to accommodate the growing numbers of cars and fans. Improved lighting, sound systems, clean restrooms, additional seating and  private viewing decks have been added.   The rich tradition of making ACS one of the finest race facilities in the midwest is being carried on into the 21st century.

Please contact me If you have more historical information about Adams County Speedway to add to the Short Track History archive.