Fairmont Raceway

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Fairmont: Fairmont Raceway

Al and Becky Thoreson became co-owners of Fairmont Raceway this February after making a successful presentation to the Race Committee at Martin County Fairground and later, the Fair Board. The Thoresons lease the raceway.

Al was exposed to racing through his stepfather, Al Thoms, a Fairmont stock car racer. “I remember first going to the races with my mom and stepfather about 1989,” said 31-year-old Thoreson. “I thought it was really neat. The cars were impressive and loud. Fairmont had the old bleachers then. People liked going there.”

From 1998-2007, Thoreson’s stepfather raced at Fairmont Raceway and Thoreson helped in the pit crew. He also helped his uncle farm. After high school, he earned in 2003 an associate’s degree in Internet design and advertising from Minnesota School of Business. After stints working as an information technician, web programmer, and IT systems specialist with Thayer Publishing, James Tower, and Midwest Electric, respectively, his interests turned towards aviation. After getting his pilot’s and flight instructor’s licenses, he worked as a private and commercial license flight instructor, mainly teaching new flight instructors how to teach.

“Then this January, my wife and I were talking to my stepfather, who was building a new car,” said Thoreson. “He said there wouldn’t be races in Fairmont this year. Becky said we could (own/operate it) and we looked into it.” After receiving approval from Martin County Fair Board, they took over Fairmont Raceway.

The dirt racetrack features five classifications of IMCA-sanctioned racing Friday nights from May 3-August 30. Winners earn up to $500. About 650 people attending see almost 100 cars total in five races. Admission is $12 for adults, $6 for children. Becky handles community relations and communications.

Said Thoreson, “The (drivers) race just because they enjoy it. It’s in their blood. They love the thrill of running a car and the potential of winning.”

Fairmont Raceway
Address: 1300 N Bixby Rd
fairmontraceway.com