What can be better than breathing new life into an old gem? NASCAR has embarked on similar efforts in recent years, reviving racetracks like North Wilkesboro Speedway or Bowman Gray Stadium. The short-track racing world has taken a leaf out of NASCAR’s page in this regard.

Slinger Super Speedway, a hallowed venue in short-track racing, is preparing for its 78th racing season. In addition to the new season, the track can relish a batch of new owners.

NASCAR-dominated short track shuffles its owners

Yes, Slinger Super Speedway has been frequented by NASCAR celebrities. The Slinger Nationals, a prestigious short-track racing event, has witnessed NASCAR Hall of Famers. They include Alan Kulwicki, Mark Martin, and Matt Kenseth among the older veterans. The current active drivers include NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch, two-time Daytona 500 winner William Byron, and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Ty Majeski. As the track prepares for the Jerry “Bear” Priesgen Memorial race on April 27th, it has a big update to share.

Slinger Super Speedway owners Todd and Elizabeth Thelen updated on Facebook that the Wisconsin racetrack is being sold to a new batch of owners. They did not name the potential buyers yet, but indicate that they are local fans-turned-racers. The Thelens’ statement hinted at the importance attached to this sale: “Having been involved with the ‘business side’ of Slinger Speedway since 2005, fans since the late 70’s, and a Super Late Model racer in the late 90’s to early 2000’s we knew that if we ever stepped away, it needed to be under the right circumstances.”

The statement further added, “Most importantly, we needed to be assured that it would remain a racetrack. That time may have arrived. We are pleased to announce that local buyers are in the process of purchasing the speedway. The potential buyers also began as fans, transitioned into racers, and are excited to take the track into the next chapter of its historic existence…While we wish we could have told all of our friends, teams, and partners personally, stories are starting to circulate. We are sharing this news here to lead and help facilitate a smooth transition as Slinger Speedway enters its new stage of growth.”

Clearly, Slinger Super Speedway is entering a new chapter of its existence. It is a NASCAR asset, as it has been less than a year since a Craftsman Truck star won at the track.

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Beating the odds to win

Ty Majeski, a 6-time Craftsman Truck Series race winner, clinched the 2024 title in NASCAR’s third tier. He led 132 of the 150 laps in the championship race, beating stars like Corey Heim. However, before his end-of-year NASCAR glory, Majeski achieved a short-track racing trophy as well. He left a blazing trail at the 2024 Jerry Priesgen Memorial, on the opening day for the Wisconsin quarter-mile. Although Majeski owns five ASA Midwest Tour championships, doubts crept up on him initially. The qualifying effort left him in 9th place, and Majeski was second-guessing his chances. However, he took the lead on lap 21 of the 100-lap race.

Then Majeski crossed the line more than six seconds ahead of runner-up Max Kahler. The three-time Slinger Nationals winner was ecstatic after achieving this victory. Post-race, his emotions were apparent: “We thought we had a great car yesterday. Then we unload today, race day, we fought the same thing at Slinger Nationals. You start second-guessing yourself, if you’re good enough. Man, this place is tough. It challenges us a lot, but we love coming here. It puts on a great race. I’m just so thankful to have the opportunity to come back here and race great Late Models, do it with some of my best friends in my life.”

This year’s Jerry Priesgen Memorial is upcoming in two months. And this time, Ty Majeski and other NASCAR stars will experience a different ambiance with the changed ownership.