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Before the new season’s action began…there was a Bemidji Speedway car show

By Dennis Peterson

BEMIDJI, MN (May 17) - Bemidji Speedway officially kicked off the 2025 racing season on Saturday, May 17 with its annual car show held at Roth RV. The event brought out 39 new, shiny, ready-to-race cars on a cloudy and rainy day.

The car show was special time for all ages with face painting, snacks, and a special young lady — who happens to be a big race fan — 9-year-old Sophia Ledford. Sophia had her “Sophia’s Lemonade” stand at the show, raising funds for her uncle Jon who is in poor health and in need of hospital care.

Many of the drivers expressed excitement for the new season and when asked what their goal was for the season, here is what they had to say:

Alan Olafson: “Consistent top five.”

Jeff Reed: “Track championship.”

Nic Lewis: “Three wins and improve points.”

Josh Beaulieu “Have fun.”

Deryk Weleski: “Keep it rubber down.”

Devyn Weleski: “2 wins.”

Chris Dudley: “Show up and no rolls.”

Billy Binkley: “No wrecks.”

Caylyn Binkley: “Keep it pretty.”

Matt Sparby: “Enjoy the racing with my family and my race family.”

Alexa Sparby: “Win a race.”

Skyler Smith: “Just race and have fun.”

Kevin Bahr: “Have fun and watch grandson Jayden improve over last year.”

Track owner and promoter Tonja Stranger is excited for the new season, and looked forward to their Chicken Shack Nationals and Jack Sparby Memorial to kick it all off.