Racing will return to what will be called the Warsaw Motorsports Complex on the grounds of the Kosciusko County Community Fair this May. Racing made its unofficial return last July as part of a one-night run at the fair. (File photo by Mike Deak)

WARSAW – The roar of race engines will once again be a part of weekends in Kosciusko County.

The Kosciusko County Community Fair announced last week that auto racing will return to the fairgrounds beginning this May. The mock run, which took place last summer at the Kosciusko County Community Fair, was very well received, and after hearing about for months, the board decided to bring the sport back to the track it once dominated over three decades ago.

According to posts to the Fair’s Facebook page, the Warsaw Motorsports Complex is having the backstretch wall and bleachers moved back, and clay is being brought in for the track. A test run will take place Friday, May 6, with the first official race set to run May 20 if all goes well. Racing would take place on Friday nights, however the KCCF has not formulated a formal event schedule as of yet.

Fair officials have stated that 600 micros – both winged and non-winged – as well as junior sprints will be the cars of choice for the reopening.

Here’s a look at some highlights for the 2016 season at area tracks:

Plymouth Speedway

Saturday, April 16 is the test and tune night to get the rust off and tires warm again. ‘Cabin Fever’ is set for opening night a week later, April 23.

The Speedway is planning for Tuesday, June 21, a Tony Elliott Tribute Speed Sport Challenge, honoring the late, great Tony Elliott who passed away in October. Featured for the night will be 410 wing/non-wing sprints, UMP modifieds and wing pro sprints.

Aug. 28-29 is the final Kenny Wallace Dirt Racing Experience of the season, which precedes the final race night set for Aug. 31.

For more information on races and everything going on at Plymouth Speedway, visit www.plymouthspeedway.net

Akron Speedway

The test and tune for Akron will be Saturday, April 30, gates opening at noon. The following Saturday, May 7, is the first regular show of the season.

A pair of notable events at Akron this summer will include the Sparkler 50 Clone 360 on July 2 and the Full Show on Sept. 17. The Lo206 Series bonus race and senior championship bonus race on Oct. 22 closes out the race calendar.

Akron has modified some of its rules and requirements for its carts and entries. For more information, visit the Akron Speedway Facebook or contact Sue Barton at [email protected] or (260) 739-2986.

New Paris Speedway

April 23 is opening night at the Elkhart County track, with Night of Destruction #1 on the docket for 7 p.m. The official opening night is the following Saturday, April 30, with the usual compliment of race series.

A couple nights of note for the NPS grid for 2016 is Thursday, Aug. 4, at the 15th annual Summer Sizzler and Saturday, Sept. 24, with the final Night of Destruction #6 and Mud Bog Bash Weekend to close out the calendar.

A full schedule, track news and rules and regulations for NPS can be found at www.newparisspeedway.com