Owosso Speedway is up for sale

After 15 years, the track owner is ready to pass the torch

Michigan’s premiere short track has been listed on the market. Owosso Speedway is known to the local racing community as the ‘Big O’. The 3/8-mile asphalt oval track is currently in it’s 78th year of operations.

“I’ve just owned it for 15 years and I’m getting older. It’s time to pass the torch,” track owner Dave Bigos explained to RacingNews.co .

The complex is located in Ovid, Michigan. It sits just outside of the state capital city of Lansing, Michigan.

They broke ground on the track in 1938, it hosted it’s first race in 1939. At that time, it was a 1/4-mile dirt oval.

The track obviously comes with a full history book. Between 1944-45, the grounds were used as a POW Camp for captured German soldiers during World War II.

When it re-opned in 1946, a new 1/2-mile dirt track was built to surround the 1/4-mile. In 1953, the 1/4-mile was paved as the 1/2-mile remained a dirt oval. In 1972, the 1/2-mile was also paved. In 1983, all the pavement was removed as the track was converted to dirt once more.

In 1989, the Simko Family brought back the pavement. They created the current 3/8-mile configuration that still stands today.

In 2000, the track was sold to Karl Keifer and Donnie Shaw. After the 2003 season, Bighause Inc purchased the Michigan asphalt track.

The track has seen a full list of stars roll through the grounds on their way up the racing ladder including Benny Parsons, Brad Keselowski and ANSCAR newcomer Erik Jones. Jones collected his very first feature win at the track at the age of 13.

The complex sits on 40 acres of real estate. On the property sits two race tracks. The 3/8-mile oval has a grandstand capacity of 3,500. Weekly racing on the oval includes Late Models, Mods, Street Stocks and Pure Stocks. Aside from pavement racing, they also have a motocross track.

In other cases, tracks have seen a decline in attendance and participation. That’s not the case at Owosso Speedway. Things like that aren’t playing a role in the race track being listed for sale.

“I’m older and I own three businesses,” Dave Bigos details. “I can’t give it the time that I want to be able to give it. So, I’m trying to let it go. I can’t do nothing about it. There’s only 24 hours in a day and I just don’t have the time to do everything I used to do.”

Bigos also owns a rental company and a separate ready-mix concrete company.

“I was racing out at the Owosso Speedway and the track came up for sale. So, I bought it with my cousin back in 2003. I bought it with my cousin who was my best friend.”

“He passed away 7 years ago. That’s another big reason. When I originally bought it, I had a partner. We were best buddies and we did it together. I’ve been running it by myself for 7 years. It’s just time. This is my 15th season and it’s just time to let it go. I can’t do it all anymore.”

Bigos still races at the speedway in his late model to this day. It’s hard for Bigos to give up his passion project. However, he recognizes that the track could use more attention than he can provide at this time.

“It’s a great track, it’s turnkey. There’s nothing wrong with it. It’s 100% up and running. It’s got all the equipment and everything. The staff, the whole nine yards comes with it.”

“There’s a lot there. It’s a beautiful facility. It’s a big opportunity for somebody and it’s priced right.”

“I just can’t do it anymore. I’m an old man. I’m close to 60 years old and I don’t have the time anymore. Hopefully, we can find a new owner for it. A good promoter and we can keep the ball rolling.”

Most tracks that come up for sale on the market are under threat of closure. That is not the case here.

“I will not close the track if I don’t sell it. It’s not like it’s in jeopardy of closing. It’s just that I’d like to not have to run the race track anymore.”

Owosso Speedway Features

The turn-key facility comes ready to operate and includes:

– Full Sound System
– Full Lighting System
– Tow Truck
– Broom Tractor
– Water Truck
– 2 Safety/Track Clean-Up Trucks
– Tire Garage
– Concrete Pits
– Weigh-In Scales
– 5 Position Score Board
– Timing Equipment
– Guest Suites
– Concessions
– Fully Functional Kitchen
– Souvenir Building

The speedway is being listed for: $320,000