Onawa Racing and Events Complex
FOR SALE OR LEASE, ONAWA RACING and EVENTS COMPLEX
Onawa, IA – Opened in June 2018 with over 111 Acres, 9,000 square feet Events Center, all concrete race surface and walls, this is one of the 
nicest facilities in the mid-west. With Accutime Timing system and LED scoreboards the track is operated as an eighth-mile IHRA Member Track and could easily be converted to quarter mile competition.
There is so much more to this stellar facility. If you are seriously interested in owning or leasing it, a prospectus is available. Please contact Scott Gardner by phone at 309-738-5472 or by email at office@gardnerrtc.com
THUNDER ON THE PRAIRIE GRAND OPENING SPECTACULAR SET FOR SATURDAY, AUGUST 4
The sound of thundering feature cars including nitro entries will fill the air at the Onawa Racing and Events 
Complex, Onawa, Iowa on Saturday, August 4 with Thunder on the Prairie; the official Grand Opening Spectacular.
Headlining the feature car show includes the burner popping Miss Elle’ Jet Dragster, America’s favorite wheelstander the “Chevy Rebellion,” and the outrageous funny cars, altereds and pro-mods of the Quick Performance Midwest Pro-Outlaw circuit. In addition to the stellar professional line-up, a full sportsman bracket program with all the regular classes will be contested.
“We are happy to finally reach the point of hosting a major event at the facility, said OREC Board President Phil Schroder, it’s been a lot of work to get here but I’m sure the efforts will be worth the result” he continued.
The pit gate opens Saturday, August 4 for sportsman competitors at 9 AM, with time trials underway at 10 AM followed by eliminations. The feature show will be underway at 6 PM.
BLACKBIRD BEND CASINO ENTERS MARKETING AGREEMENT WITH THE ONAWA RACING AND EVENTS COMPLEX
The Blackbird Bend Casino known as the friendliest casino around and located near Onawa, Iowa has reached a 
marketing agreement with the Onawa Racing and Events Complex in Onawa, Iowa.
As a part of the multi-layered marketing program, fans and racers who attend events at the Onawa Racing and Events Complex (OREC) and present proof of admission (armband or receipt) at the Blackbird Bend Casino will qualify for player’s cash with exclusive Club Blackbird membership. Regulations and restrictions apply; contact Blackbird Bend for details.
“This is an incredible opportunity for people who attend events at the Onawa Racing and Events Complex, said Scott Gardner of Gardner Race Track Consultants, we couldn’t be happier to have brought both of these great entertainment venues together with a spectacular marketing program” he continued.
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.
DETAILS ON OREC OPEN HOUSE ANNOUNCED EVENT SET FOR SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14
Officials of the Onawa Racing and Events Complex (OREC) in Onawa, Iowa announced the details of the open house 
today. The event will be Saturday, October 14 at the facility and will include street vehicle fun runs.
“We want the public to see the construction progress that has been made while allowing street legal cars, trucks and bikes to make runs down the track” said Scott Gardner of Gardner Race Track Consulting. Progress has been made in a variety of areas including the installation of the safety wall, the finish work on the track surface, grandstand assembly, installation of spectator fencing, paving and more; but a lot of work remains to in making the facility a fully operational drag strip.
