Uranium Capitol Speedway; 2021 season up and running

CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. - Uranium Capitol Speedway has been established and operating in the Cibola County area since 1966 and moved to its permanent home of Milan, New Mexico in 1969. The speedway is a “nonprofit grassroots racetrack,” according to Uranium Capitol Speedway President Don Taylor.

He was recently elected as president in 2020 but has been going to the track since he was seven years old and racing there since 1994. Taylor is enthusiastic about the current season and ready for more people to attend and enjoy quality entertainment as the season continues.

The COVID-19 pandemic prevented the 2020 speedway season.

“It was rough on us,” said Taylor.

It is a new year now, and as COVID cases continue to decrease, so do the number of activities available to area residents. The UCS officially began their 2021 season on April 10, and the season extends to October. The track facilitates two main types of racing - USRA (United States Racing Association) and IMCA (International Motor Contest Association).

Races are typically held on Saturdays, but the season will also host two two-day events on Fridays and Saturdays: The Founders Memorial Mid-Season Two-Day Show, July 2 and 3, and the Fall Frenzy Two-Day Show, September 3 and 4. The full season schedule can be found on the Uranium Capitol Speedway Facebook page or on their website, www.uraniumcapitolspeedway.co m.

Anyone can join the races, but they must be over the age of 13 years old, have a safe and legal car, and be capable of driving the car, according to Taylor.

“Safety is our biggest concern,” stated the racetrack president. Payout prizes for winners are also posted on the UCS website.

Admission prices are listed on the website under General Admission and Special Events. General Admission, adults, $8, students (11-17), $5, seniors/veterans, $4, and ages 10 and under are free. Special Events admissions include adults, $10, students, $7, seniors/veterans, $4, and ages 10 and under are free. Parking is always free.

Turnout for the season has been good so far said the speedway president.

“It’s been great this year. You know, we’re seeing more people come that usually haven’t came. As a nonprofit, we give out free passes throughout the season to people through the community who don’t usually go to the racetrack or have never been to try to get that community activeness back out there so people know that we’re actually still in business and we do still race. We still provide good entertainment,” explained Taylor.

He recalled the atmosphere of crowds and events at past events, compared to where it is now, and the direction it is going.

“You know, it feels really good right now. In the past, it had gotten out of control and we put in a code of conduct in 2020, and it’s really brought racing back to something good here in the community. We’re not out to – it’s not a boxing match anymore, it’s actually a sporting event now,” said Taylor.

The UCS president talked about the changes in the role of local law enforcement, not only in monitoring races but also through participation in the races. Taylor said that Uranium Capitol Speedway will be holding events in which various groups get free passes, such as law enforcement, first responders, and other groups.

Taylor and the rest of the Uranium Capitol Speedway staff are excited to continue with the season and want the community to know that they are there, looking forward to providing the community with good entertainment, and are satisfied with how far the racetrack has come.