Aztec Speedway

San Juan Rotary luncheon

August 25, 2015

 

Our speaker today was Mike Tenski, manager of Aztec Speedway.  His presentation was about the history and current operation of Aztec Speedway.  In the late 1940’s, stock car racing became popular as a form of family entertainment throughout the U.S. The first car racing in our area was in Farmington, Aztec and Durango.  The races were held on the horse tracks without much concern on safety.  The fairgrounds were located in Farmington where Ricketts Park is now. 

In 1952, a group of men that were members of the American Legion Post #9 opened the Aztec Speedway.  Originally the track was near highway 550.  It was ½ mile in length with banked corners on the north and south ends with a clay racing surface.  At that time, there were no catch fences between the spectators and the track. The races were held on Sunday during the day. 

The location for the track was changed in 1956.  At the new location, the American Legion hired a manager and promoter.  The goal has been to operate a safe, organized race track for all to enjoy.  The racing classes are IMCA modified, IMCA stock cars, IMCA southern sportsmod, southwest late models, NMMRA non-wing sprint cars, ASCS winged sprint cars, hobby stock cars, mini stocks, USAC quarter midgets, and IKF flat karts.  The current racing schedule is March through October.  This year the speedway had Speed Shift TV televise the races on the internet.  Future plans are for Xfan TV to televise Witten’s Warriors Weekend.

Ed Horvath donated his Rotary drawing win of $100 for t-shirts that will be made for the upcoming speedway cancer event fundraiser.  Admission is adults $12, senior/military $10, youth $7, kids 5 and under free.  For more information, you can contact the staff at 505-258-3978 or email tenskim@sanjuancollege.edu.  The website is www.aztecspeedway.com, as well as,on Facebook.