MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
The engines are roaring, and the excitement is building as Salt City Racing gears up for its biggest event of the year — the Salt City 100. The two-day racing festival kicks off Friday night, at the Kansas State Fairgrounds with a full slate of races, fan events, and a special guest appearance by NASCAR legend Ken Schrader.
“This is our biggest race of the year. It’s the most fun, and it’s our first two-day event of the season,” said Salt City Racing’s Phil Nightingale. “The buzz is out there, and we’re expecting a great turnout.”
Friday’s events begin with Silver Crown cars hitting the track for practice rounds. Fans will also be treated to full races in the sport mod, modified, and stock car classes. Saturday night features the main event: a 100-lap Silver Crown race — the 18th time such a race has been held on the Hutchinson half-mile dirt oval.
Adding to the excitement is Schrader’s appearance in an IMCA Modified race both Friday and Saturday. He’ll also be signing autographs Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the soft opening of 25 Steak & Social, located at 25 East 30th. A $5 donation at the event gets fans a pulled pork sandwich, chips, and drink, with proceeds going to the Cancer Council of Reno County.
Salt City Racing has seen strong momentum this season, with community partnerships and local support helping fuel its return to prominence.
“We don’t just look for sponsors, we build partnerships,” Nightingale said. “The businesses in Hutch and Reno County have been amazing — from Hutch Regional Medical Center to Pizza Ranch, to Evans Building and dozens more — it’s been overwhelming support.”
Tickets for the Salt City 100 are available at saltcityracingllc.com or in person at the west ticket booth starting at 5 p.m. both nights. Fans can also scan QR codes on site for fast digital purchases.
Gates open at 5 p.m., with racing action starting at 7:30 p.m. Friday’s races include final practice for the Silver Crown cars and full programs in several divisions. Saturday’s schedule features the main Silver Crown 100-lap event, sprint car features, and IMCA Modified races.
This is the only Salt City Racing event in July. The next two-day race weekend is scheduled for August 22–23, featuring the United Rebel Late Model Series and Super Stocks.
“Grab your neighbors, grab your friends — come out to the fairgrounds and enjoy the show,” Nightingale said. “You won’t want to miss it.”