3/12/2019
Ransomville Speedway
Ransomville Speedway named Ransomville Business of the Year!
The Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce is pleased to Ransomville Speedway as the recipient of the Ransomville Business of the Year Award.
Is there a better way to spend a Friday night than at the “Big R”? Ask any of the thousands of racing fans in the stands and crews in the pits, and they would tell you there is no better place to be on a summer night to experience dirt-track racing! Ransomville Speedway (also known as the Big R”) has been a featured attraction in the Town of Porter for the past 62 years. The original speedway was built behind Ed’s Service Garage on Youngstown-Lockport road in the mid-1950's. In 1958, the Ransomville Speedway opened up at the current location at 2315 Braley Road by a group called the Ransomville Slo-Pokes.
In December of 2015, the Atwal family purchased the track and immediately started renovations. The family quickly made improvements to the concession area, restrooms, jumbo-tron, updated suites, tech barn, pit pads, office & novelty building and a new logo. The racing season begins mid-April each year with approximately 50-60 employees with Jennifer Martin, the General Manager, working year round. Everyone works as a team to prepare for the May opening. This year, opening night will take place on Friday, May 3rd. The season runs until mid-September and provides a positive economic impact during the season for the local businesses and restaurants.
Thursday nights consist of a popular Go-Kart program. Friday nights feature Modified, Sportsman, Street Stock and Novice Sportsman cars. Racing careers have progressed at Ransomville Speedway from the go-kart program to the Friday night program with drivers going on to race all over the United States. Many of the drivers/teams and fans are from Western New York and Southern Ontario. The atmosphere is fun and affordable. Concessions are also available at the track with family deals including entry and food. The concession area is known for their fresh cut fries and flat dogs.
The World of Outlaws national program made an appearance at the track the past two years, and will return again in 2020. Attendees fill the stands however suites are also available to rent. There are many opportunities to support the track in addition attending from marketing options to sponsorship. Special event nights have been planned for the 2019 season including First Responders Night, Scout night, and company sponsored nights. Miss Ransomville contest is held every Spring at the annual Niagara Fashion Outlet mall racing show. The representative chosen volunteers each Friday night and helps promote the speedway at events and parades. Up to date information and full schedule of the 2019 season is available online at www.ransomvillespeedway.com.
The Atwal family has continued to keep the speedway a family friendly location and a highlight of Friday nights in Ransomville. They have contributed passes to local schools and fundraisers and help support many non-profits in the community. Their goal is for the Speedway to remain a safe place for fans and racers and reinvest in upgrades at the track.
The Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce along with the Ransomville Business and Professional Association proudly congratulate Ransomville Speedway as the 2019 Ransomville Business of the Year.
Submitted By: Jeff Anstett