Gardner Race Track Consultants
Ron and Darla Conner Named Managers of Onawa Racing and Events Complex
Familiar names to many Midwest racers have accepted management positions at the Onawa Racing and Events 
Complex (OREC), Onawa, Iowa. Ron and Darla Conner who have many years’ experience in drag racing operations will begin their new management positions effective immediately.
“We are elated to have Ron and Darla as managers”, said OREC Vice President Phil Schroder, “they bring a lot experience and will operate the race track and events center on a daily basis.”
The Conner’s have an extensive resume of drag racing event production and operations including many years with NHRA Division 5 along with the Safety Safari and credentialing. Specific race facility operations include at the now defunct, Lawrence Dragway (Lawrence, KS) and most recently with Heartland Park (Topeka, KS).
“We love the Midwest and Midwest racers and fans and can’t wait to get started” said Darla Conner. In addition to responsibilities specific to the events center, Darla will oversee gate operations, sponsor sales, promotions, social media, event planning, concessions and more.
WORLD FUEL ALTERED NATIONALS GOES OUTLAW
ERP Welcomes Nitro Funny Cars to Compete in 2018
The 13th annual World Fuel Altered Nationals (WFAN) at Eddyville Raceway Park (Iowa) is moving to an outlaw 
format beginning in 2018 by welcoming Nitro Nostalgia Funny Cars to the mix. “We have seen an insurgence of outstanding Nitro Nostalgia Funny Cars looking to participate and by allowing them to run against the world’s fastest nitro fueled altereds will be a unique and powerful experience for the fans” said Track Operator, Gerald Kramer.
The WFAN is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, August 17 and 18, 2018 at the scenic Eddyville, Iowa facility. The class structure will also see some changes in 2018. The event will include three 8 car fields with a total purse of more than $30,000 plus bonuses. A $500 bonus is being posted for any altered or funny car running at least 85% nitro to qualify in the quickest field (A) or a $250 bonus should they qualify in one of the other fields. Another $250 bonus is being posted for each “A” field qualifier who made competitive runs in each of the two qualifying sessions.
BIG OPEN HOUSE KICKS OFF A NEW ERA AT OREC
The Onawa Racing and Events Complex (OREC) in Onawa, Iowa held an open house on Saturday, October 14 to a 
packed crowd of enthusiast racers and fans.
“With over 500 people in attendance we gave out more than 200 racer surveys as we continue to measure the pulse of the racers” said Scott Gardner of Gardner Race Track Consultants. “That information will be used to develop the class structure and programs that will be announced early this winter so the racers and fans can plan ahead for the 2018 season” continued Gardner.
OREC will open in 2018 at an IHRA eighth-mile dragstrip and events center and will be developed into a quarter-mile facility as additional funds are raised. “The opening date is a moving target based on the weather conditions for the work that needs completed as the board of directors are committed to getting the facility opened as soon as possible next year” mentioned Gardner.
PAVING, PAVING AND MORE PAVING OREC TAKING SHAPE
The week of September 10th has been a busy one as multiple projects have been underway at the Onawa Race and 
Events Complex (OREC, Onawa, IA). Projects included work inside the events center (bathrooms, concessions, offices, etc.), additional concrete barrier wall installation on the dragstrip, assembly of a grandstand seating section and preparation and paving of the pit roadway, return roads and staging lanes.
“We are taking full advantage of the dry weather and getting a lot work underway or completed” said Scott Gardner of Gardner Race Track Consulting. GRTC consultant Dan Driscoll just wrapped up a 2-week stint at OREC and will return next week to keep the momentum going. “We need to keep pushing if we want to meet our goals” mentioned Driscoll, who is the day to day project coordinator.
Gardner Race Track Consultants to Begin Immediate Work on the Onawa Racing and Events Complex
Gardner Race Track Consultants (GRTC) has reached an agreement with the Onawa Racing and Events Complex 
(OREC) Board of Directors to begin immediate representation and consulting services. OREC is in Onawa, IA just off of Interstate 29 and is under construction as an IHRA eighth mile dragstrip facility with an events center.
GRTC has developed a comprehensive plan to pump adrenaline into the partially completed facility in full anticipation of a complete racing schedule of events in 2018. Work includes management of the construction phases, including installation of the concrete walls, the final finish technique for the race track surface, guidance in the selection of timing and P.A. systems and much more. Long time associate Dan Driscoll will lead on-site planning. In addition, Scott and Laura Gardner will assist in public relations, fund raising, event development, marketing, scheduling, planning, rules, regulations, sponsorships and more.
