The fair board meeting was heavily attended by race fans.

KOSCIUSKO — Racing fans came out in abundance to offer ideas and support at the Kosciusko Community Fair Board meeting held last night, May 14.

Board Member Randy Shepherd began the discussion of the Warsaw Motorsports complex racing by giving a review of the hearing held last week. While arguments on both sides were presented, no formal decision was made by the judge and the case will be continued until a later date.

“At this point we are moving forward with anything at the fairgrounds,” said Shepherd. “Right now we don’t have a ruling. We want to fight this thing and keep it moving.”

He continued by saying that the fair board appreciates all the support, but the board is asking for more financial support. “If you guys can help with funding, that’s what we need.” It was also mentioned that publicity and “butts in the seats” were other ways supporters could help out.

John Gurley, of the Gurley Leep family, was in the audience and offered an abundance of advice to the board members. He told the board that while modified midget racing could still be included as a class, the racing needs to expand to other vehicles in order to bring in revenue.

“I’m going to tell you all one thing, if you guys are counting on revenue, you aren’t going to get it racing modified midgets,” said Gurley. “I know this for a fact and everyone I’ve talked to will agree.”

He threw out a few basic figures, calculating that if the race brought in a 600 person crowd, the fair could profit around $25,000 per race. He stressed that the board needs to act now while they have the support because if they wait it could be too late and they would lose all the momentum they’ve gathered.

“Strike now and strike while the irons hot. You’ve got the green light,” he said. “I will commit to the Gurley side of the family to help in any way I can.”

He also stated that he was confident he could bring in other financial supporters if the plan got moving quickly. “Business owners are behind this, they just believe it’s not going to happen,” said Gurley. He urged them to make a decision on moving forward in the next few weeks and to have a plan by July if the board wants to use the support they have now.

Other audience members also spoke up. Joe Shepherd suggested that the fairgrounds move from the current location as it is landlocked and has no room for growth. Many audience members emphasized how dedicated racing fans are and committed to racing if the quarter mile track was brought back.

The board didn’t say much once the audience gave their advice and support. “We are honored to have the support that we do in the community,” said Shepherd. “We need to see what the options are and what we are going to do.”

The next race, consisting of micro sprints, will occur on June 15.