The post has since been deleted but the internet lives forever
On July 15, 2021, Kossuth County Speedway hired a fill-in announcer for their Algona, IA facility. Ahead of the National Anthem, the announcer went on a long rant.
“Here’s our social service announcement if you won’t stand for our flag, if you’re going to take a knee… I got four words for you: find a different country. If you won’t do it, get the hell out of dodge,” the announcer said over the track’s speaker system.
Related: Dirt track announcer goes on Black National Anthem, NFL rant
The rouge announcer went on to knock the NFL. He noted his personal dislike of the NFL considering the use of the Black National Anthem instead of the National Anthem ahead of football games. Further comments noted the alternative anthem was for the ‘Blacks’.
Days after the event, a video of the speech went viral on social media. The track soon stated that they were unaware of the rant until they saw the video.
Kossuth County Speedway released a full statement noting the announcer would not be used in any future events.
“Kossuth County Speedway and the Kossuth County Fair Board do not condone the comments made by the fill-in announcer. We do not tolerate discrimination at our racing events and welcome race fans of all color, gender, religion and creed to join our racing family.”
The story has since picked up national attention. It’s been covered by all of the national news companies.
Related: Bubba Wallace comments on kneeling and the Confederate flag at NASCAR races
Lon Oelke
Lon Oelke has since been identified as the announcer who made the comments. He works full-time at Fairmont Raceway in Fairmont, MN.
The man’s name went mostly unidentified. Until, Fairmont Raceway promoter Jon McCorkell pointed out that he intended to keep Oelke employed at his track.
McCorkell stated, “I agree with all of Lon’s comments and opinions.”
Fairmont Raceway Statement
The full comment from the Fairmont Raceway facebook page:
“Lon Oelke has been out track announcer at Fairmont Raceway for many years. He will absolutely be announcing tomorrow night.”
“I, Jon McCarkell am the promoter at Fairmont, And I do agree with all of Lon’s comments and opinions!”
“Please like and share if you agree. Join us tomorrow night and listen to Lon in person!”
McCorkell later added that Lon would receive “the loudest standing ovation” ahead of the race.
The post has been deleted from Facebook.
The Fairmont Raceway facebook page is now under attack. Comments in the community section of the page have seen people bash the track for endorsing the comments.
Related: NASCAR now allows kneeling during the National Anthem
True Value Hardware comments
Sponsors seen in the viral video have also commented following a backlash on their end:
“Thank you very much for reaching out. True Value Company is not a sponsor of Fairmont Raceway,” the company opened.
“As you may or may not already know, all True Value-branded hardware stores are independently owned and operated and one of our retailers formerly sponsored Fairmont Raceway.”
“While this True Value retailer stopped sponsoring Fairmont a few years ago, unfortunately the store’s logo was still featured on their website.”
“The retailer has requested that Fairmont remove our logo immediately. Please know that True Value Company does not condone or tolerate racism of any kind.”
