It’s “Back to the Future” at Dixie

Don’t be surprised when you go to Birch Run’s Dixie Motor Speedway this year when you see a couple of familiar (albeit older) faces making their way through the stands or greeting you at the main gate. After a 3-year hiatus, Mike and Krista Kern will be returning as promoters of the local landmark.
 
After the 2008 season, the Kern's decided to take some family time away from the track which they have owned and operated since 1996. In looking back, it's no wonder they needed a break; they have significantly changed the face of the track over the years as they added numerous amenities including bathrooms, Skybox and offices. In 2003, they built the newest asphalt track in the Midwest; the 4/10-mile D-shaped oval complete with new state-of-the-art lighting by Qualite. That was followed by a Tech building in 2005, Scoreboard in 2007 and transponder scoring system in 2008.

And it didn't stop there. In 2003, by accident, Dixie ran the first "Big One".  Kern related the details: "We had just lost a Main Event race due to rain and didn't have a date where we could fit them back in the schedule. Chris Talloty from the Main Event Racing Series suggested we run it with the AV Super Sprints late in the season. My response was, "Man....that sure would be a big one" and of course, I was referring to the cost and the risk. Chris just wanted to get the race in; but Dixie had to pay for it. Wow, God is good! It REALLY WAS a big one; the place was packed. And so the name stuck, and now we'll be running the 10th Annual "Big One" on August 3rd".

Kern continued, "And then of course there's the "Eve of Destructions"; that took a few years to develop, but now those events are run all over the country. There’s nothing like seeing (and hearing) the grandstand come alive as fans just witnessed the most breathtaking, funniest (or dumbest) thing they’ve ever seen. That’s what it’s all about," Kern continued. "Boy, they thought we were crazy back then, spending all that money on the track, not to mention the Big One and Eve of Destructions!  But don’t worry; we still have a few tricks up our sleeve to keep fans on the edge of their seat."
 
The Kern’s continue to lay the groundwork for their return and, as always, expect their focus to remain on good clean family entertainment, great value and awesome racing. Eve of Destructions, the return of the Main Event Racing Series, an even bigger Big One "X" and some all-new events will highlight the Dixie 2012 schedule. Some of this is already posted on the schedule page and you can expect announcements in the near future detailing other developments.
As always, the Kern's will concentrate on fan and racer hospitality with a primary focus on running a great show, in a timely fashion. "It's important to remember that many of our fans and racers have young children and work Saturday's, so we will do our part to minimize down-time in order to get folks home at a reasonable hour, Kern says."

"We've met some great new corporate partners as well as many long-time friends, sponsors and racers who have wished us well in our return. So if you're in the neighborhood, stop by and say "hello", said Kern, "we'd love to visit with you". "Krista, Hannah and I are very excited about seeing everyone this spring,” he concluded.

Yes, 2012 will be a year of change at Dixie Motor Speedway, but it will be more like going “back to the future” with the Kern’s at the helm. Most of the old faces will remain, and a few new ones will be added; but Dixie will continue to be “the place to be on Friday nights” with racing action at 7:30.