MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After a successful debut season in 2024, Salt City Racing is returning to the Hutchinson Fairgrounds with an expanded 2025 schedule, new series, and renewed community enthusiasm.
Track promoter Phil Nightingale said lessons learned during the inaugural season have paved the way for a smoother and more exciting year two.
“We learned a lot about running a racetrack,” Nightingale said in a BW Morning Show Interview. “The crowd, the drivers—everyone had great enthusiasm. And now that we’ve got a three-year contract with the Fair Board, we’re in it for the long haul.”
Last year’s highlight was the Silver Crown race in July. Despite skepticism, Nightingale and his team successfully hosted the track’s first 100-lap race in more than a century, proving the updated track surface could go the distance—and then some.
“We could’ve gone 150 laps,” he said. “That’s how good the track was.”
Credit for the improved surface goes to Mike, a track specialist out of Iowa with experience prepping NASCAR’s dirt event at Bristol Motor Speedway. He spent three days reshaping the Hutchinson track last season—no new dirt, just new angles and better preparation.
This year, more improvements are coming. Nine new wall panels will be installed before the April opener and the pit entrance is moving from the east side to the west for better flow.
Joining Nightingale again this year is Nick Baalman, who co-manages the operation and brings decades of racing experience to the table.
“I’ve raced my whole life, but I had no idea what goes into putting on just one race night,” Baalman said. “It’s a massive behind-the-scenes effort. But the support from the community here has been incredible.”
Baalman, who helped launch Mel Hambelton Racing seven years ago, praised the collaboration between the dealership, racing division, and Salt City Racing. He said the enthusiasm from sponsors this year is stronger now that a long-term agreement is in place.
Salt City’s season kicks off April 25 with the Heartland Modified Touring Series, one of the fastest-growing modified divisions in the region. That race will also feature the United Rebel Sprint Series, setting the tone for a thrilling season.
“We’re expecting 40 cars, maybe more,” Nightingale said. “It’s going to be a great show.”
Drivers are anticipated from across Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, Nebraska and Colorado, emphasizing the event’s regional draw.
Fans can also look forward to additional major events, including:
- May 6, 30 and Oct. 10–11: ASCS National Sprint Car Series
- May 9: Thunder Through the Plains, Rebel Late Models and SSS Sprint Car Series
- May 23: IMCA Points Season Opener
- July 19: USAC Silver Crown Series, one of last year’s standout races
Salt City Racing will continue streaming races in 2025, primarily through RacingDirt, while ASCS and Silver Crown events will be broadcast on DirtVision and FloRacing, respectively.
For Nightingale, the secret to success is teamwork.
“Nick and I share everything—responsibilities, ideas, frustrations. You can’t run this kind of thing alone,” he said. “I couldn’t do it without him.”
Tickets for the upcoming season are available at saltcityracingllc.com or through the My Race Pass app. All purchases are cashless to streamline operations and support long-term sustainability.
“We’re just getting started,” Baalman added. “This facility is one of the best in Kansas, and we’re proud to keep it alive for this community.”
The green flag drops April 25. Racing fans, buckle up—Salt City is back.