WINNER FLATWORK SPECIAL INNOVATIVE

owosso Speedway

Location: Ovid, MI
Concrete Contractor: Fessler & Bowman
Concrete Supplier: Modern Concrete
Prime Contractor: Spence Brothers
Design Engineer: Hoppe Design, LLC
Project Owner: Rex Wheeler

Nestled in the heart of mid-Michigan, the Owosso Speedway in Ovid has long been a cherished destination for motorsports enthusiasts. Originally constructed in 1937, the speedway would go back and forth between dirt and pavement over the years. In 1988, the speedway closed mid-season and underwent a complete revitalization, replacing the half and quarter-mile combination with a 3/8-mile progressively banked oval. Over the decades, it became a launching pad for aspiring drivers and a gathering place for communities in the surrounding area.

The current revitalization project began in 2022 with extensive renovations to the track, grandstands, and facilities. New owners began additional renovations in 2023, which included a new tech barn, vehicle maintenance facility, perimeter fencing, and additional bleacher seating at turn two and the back stretch. Over 20,000 square yards of concrete were placed during this process.

To facilitate the nearly 520,000 square feet (almost 12 acres) of fiber-reinforced concrete pavement, Modern Concrete set up a portable batch plant on the Speedway's property. All pavement work was executed during the active racing season, amidst the peak of summer and the rainy season. Maintaining 7-day breaks was crucial to ensure track access for weekend racing. Fessler & Bowman employed 3-D equipment for grading and screeding the concrete, with an average pour size of approximately 45,000 square feet.

Since reopening, Owosso Speedway has hosted a series of high-profile racing events that have drawn crowds from across Michigan and beyond. These events have injected new energy into the local economy, benefiting nearby businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and shops.