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After four years of running the Upper Peninsula International Raceway under the oversight of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce, a member driven non-profit organization is jumping in the driver’s seat.

An election took place in December to elect four officers and seven members at large to provide leadership for the race venue. The board of directors has been meeting weekly and monthly membership meetings are held to update members, gain input and make major decisions. Vickie Micheau, Delta County Chamber of Commerce Director stated, “This is a forward move for racing in Escanaba. The dedicated group of race organizers, racers, fans and local businesses have shown racing is here to stay in Escanaba. The time has come for us to step back and turn the steering wheel over to the race organization. In 2009 the Chamber was approached by a group of racers determined to bring racing back to Escanaba. We volunteered our time and advice to work with the racing group to gauge interest in racing. The past four race seasons have proven the race organization has grown to the point of being able to sustain their program and contribute to the fairgrounds. As the Chamber is contracted to operate the fairgrounds, it is our responsibility to insure events generate income and promote use of the facilities.”

As president of the Upper Peninsula International Raceway Association, Tom Dubord agrees. “Our positive working relationship with the Chamber of Commerce, the management agent for the U.P. State Fair, will continue. It is the recommendation of the Authority that UPIR will have exclusive rights to wheel events at the race venue. Any wheel events independent of the race organization will need our approval to rent the race venue. The UPIR group will be responsible for paying rent and reimbursing the Authority for all racing expenses.”

Membership is open to the public with no age restrictions. Membership cost is $25 and provides voting rights for members age sixteen and over. A $5 savings on the $25 pit pass is a membership perk. Bylaws have been reviewed by a local law firm and will be presented to members for approval at the general meeting on April at the Heirman Center at Bay de Noc Community College at 7:00 PM EST.

This article posted by Upper Peninsula International Raceway. Click here for more track information.