Badlands Entertainment Group has struck a deal to purchase the famed Huset's Speedway in Brandon, South Dakota. The 1/3 mile high-banked dirt bull ring hosts weekly Sunday night events featuring 410 Outlaw Sprints. The speedway also hosts special events like the World of Outlaws and National Sprint League.
"I am a long-time fan of Huset's, and the opportunity to bring it into the Badlands family is a dream come true for me," said Chuck Brennan, CEO of Badlands Entertainment Group. Brennan is a native of Sioux Falls and a nationally renowned businessman and philanthropist who has been attending the famed speedway for more than 40 years. Several of his business enterprises were founded in the city, including Dollar Loan Center, Brennan Rock & Roll Academy and Badlands Pawn, Gold & Jewelry, opening Thanksgiving Day 2015.
"We are planning a massive facelift for this iconic family racing facility and have budgeted millions in improvements over the next several years," said Brennan. "It will continue to be known as Huset's Speedway through the 2015 season and will be operated by the current owners. At the end of the season it will officially become Badlands Motor Speedway for the 2016 season. It will be one of many entertainment options from Badlands Entertainment Group."
Badlands plans to integrate the Speedway into its suite of services, offering guests the opportunity to purchase tickets at its box office or online. Reserved seating, general admission and a vast array of VIP experiences will also become available. Brennan even plans to close Badlands Pawn early on Sundays to allow patrons to park and take a shuttle to the Speedway. "You can grab a nickel cup of coffee for the road, leave the driving to us, and we will open up the Badlands Deli for a late night sandwich if you like when we get back," says Brennan.
The improvements will start this season and continue right up until opening day of the 2016 racing season. There will be improvements to all facets of the facility including track, grandstand area, parking, food and beverage, sound system and overall look and feel. The speedway will also feature live radio and television coverage including streaming the races on-line. New VIP options, group packages and sponsorship opportunities will also become available.
"I have so many great memories at Huset's Speedway," said Brennan. "From attending as a youth with my father and friends to promoting one of the biggest rock and roll concerts ever at Huset's in 1998 with Quiet Riot, RATT, LA Guns, Firehouse and Slaughter, I've seen it all," he said. "We plan to convert the infield into the leading outdoor concert venue over the next few years and will be giving the public a taste of this venue on Saturday, August 29 th for the 'Farewell to Huset's Speedway' concert and festival. The acts and details will be announced later next month at the track."
Brennan plans to page homage to the facility, its previous owners, fans and drivers with a race track hall of fame onsite with the name dedication to Huset's Speedway. "We envision this facility to be open year round and a place that race fans of all ages can come by and check out the incredible history of this legendary facility for the past 50 years!" said Brennan. "Great retro and current merchandise will also be for sale at the Hall of Fame building and folks will be able to come in and purchase single show or season tickets to the track. For the first time ever, like at most venues these days, you will be able to buy your seats and own those same seats for the entire racing season.
Badlands Pawn general manager Steve Przybocki grew up around racing in Pennsylvania and later in Las Vegas. "This project just keeps getting cooler by the day," said Przybocki. "Now we will have a showcase music venue at the Badlands and the best outdoor concert facility in the region. Whether you want to visit the shooting range, see a show, shop, get a tattoo, see $1 million in gold on display or go to the races, Badlands will have you covered."
- Shawn Neisteadt on Apr 21, 2015
- Article Date: 4/21/2015