Contributed by The People at Alaska Raceway Park Club 1320 is being built, with each donation given, one patron at a time. The goal of the growing crowdfunding group is to build a concrete barrier to increase safety at Alaska Raceway Park, and also for the purchase of a new timing system and scoreboards. Alaska Raceway Park is ultimately looking for 1320 people to join and donate a minimum of $100.00. With each donation of $100.00 or more, the patron’s name (or a name of their choice) will be permanently placed on the wall - but Club 1320 gladly accepts donations of any amount! Alaska Raceway Park, nestled beneath the picturesque mountains of the Matanuska Valley, is a mainstay in the local community. It has grown with the community of Butte, Alaska, since 1964, when the 1/4-mile drag strip was
first built. The facility has seen many improvements since Earl and Karen Lackey took over in the late 1990’s, and this is the next step. By building a concrete barrier wall, Club 1320’s patrons will increase safety at the strip, replacing the current ¼-mile doubleguardrail at the NHRA strip.
but the new LED system is more energy efficient, too.
“When accidents do happen, the posts of the guard rail give way, and we run the risk of cars leaving the track,” said Michelle Lackey Maynor, daughter of the Lackeys and current owner and President. “Concrete barriers are much safer for our motorcycle racers and for our drivers racing at higher levels of speed.”
JOIN THE CLUB Those who would like to support this need can choose from multiple levels of support by going online, at www. RaceAK.com/club1320, or by calling 907-355-7223 to arrange cash or credit card donations. Donations can also be made using Venmo, @alaskaracewaypark.
In addition to the new concrete barrier, Alaska Raceway Park will also be upgrading their outdated timing system, which has been in use for 21 years, with a state-of-the-art Portatree brand system. Not only will this create a better experience for racers and fans,
Patrons can also mail a check to: Alaska Raceway Park S. Race Way Palmer, AK 99654
Most of the money for this project will come from Alaska Raceway Park, but Club 1320 is an opportunity for race fans from all over to make their mark at this iconic, Alaskan race track.
ABOUT ARP Alaska Raceway Park is a Palmer, Alaska,
motorsports complex, conducting races from Mother’s Day to Labor Day. Located near Butte, the Knik River, and Knik Glacier at Mile 10.4 of the Old Glenn Highway, it is about 41.5 miles northeast of Anchorage, Alaska. Nearby 6,398foot Pioneer Peak looms over the finish line, providing a scenic racing venue recognized worldwide among race fans. The complex, owned and operated by Michelle Lackey Maynor, sits at an elevation of 63 feet above sea level, offering excellent air pressure for racing. The 1/4-mile drag strip was opened in 1964 and operates in the NHRA Northwest Division 6. In 2016, ARP debuted a 1/3-mile asphalt oval track in the NASCAR All American Series. Emphasizing family and community spirit, ARP hosts multi-generation racing families and fans for food, fun, fast cars, and long weekends of quality time in a breathtaking Alaska setting in view of Matanuska Glacier.