Ponderosa Speedway bouncing back from reported copper theft

The track says someone stole thousands of dollars worth of materials this week, before one of the biggest races in Ponderosa Speedway history.

Even after reporting the copper theft along with some other items, race ownership says that they have to keep going, they have a historical race set for Friday night.

A short drive, off the beaten path, over a stream and you’ve arrived. Ponderosa Speedway is about as unassuming as they come, tucked away in Junction City.

"And we struggle to survive on a weekly basis. There’s not a lot of money to be made here if any. It’s more of a love for racing than anything," says speedway promoter, Jerry Denson.

That’s love that isn’t lost, even though Denson says $2,000, maybe more, in equipment and copper wire was stolen this week.

"The worst part about this is this is the biggest event that’s ever been held at this racetrack."

Seats, empty now are expected to be filled Friday night because of the World of Outlaw drivers, who’ve never raced at Ponderosa in the track’s 43-years.

"So this just gives the race fans in this area a chance to see these drivers that they read so much about," says Greg Wesley, who spent the past week working to get the track ready for Friday night.

You can understand the added stress the reported theft is causing for organizers–already tight on time.

"We had so much other work to do with adding the bleachers. We’re adding 600-700 more seats."

Denson and the track have filed a report with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Friday night’s race is scheduled for around 7:30.