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Eldora Speedway & Darke County Emergency Management Agency
Grant Assistance
Makes Weather Alert System Possible
ROSSBURG– Fan and participant safety continues to be a high priority at
Eldora Speedway for owner Tony Stewart, as reinforced by this week’s
announcement that an outdoor weather alert system will be placed on the
grounds of the famed speedway. The unit, which will be unique to the
area, will be erected within a month and will be fully functional prior
to the 59th season opener on Saturday, April 14.
The placement of the multiple purpose alert system was made possible
through ongoing efforts of Larry Kemp, Eldora Speedway senior adviser
and Rick Lee, Darke County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) director,
after Lee made the popular destination aware of an available Special
Project Grant through the Ohio EMA.
Kemp approached Stewart with the concept, who gave immediate approval
to proceed.
“Eldora Speedway wants to continue its position as role model when it
comes to safety for fans and participants,” stated Kemp. “The
completion of this exciting project emphasizes the concern that we have
for not only our race fans, but for our neighbors.”
Purchased through Whelen Engineering of Chester, CT, the alert system
has an audible circumference range of one mile, and is equipped with a
public address system to aid in special instructions to the patrons
following the activation of the alert siren.
The audio capability is unique to the area and is considered a plus by
Lee. “We are excited about the capabilities this Whelen unit has to
offer. Our primary focus with this system is to offer advance alert to
the many campers that populate Eldora during its major race weekends.
Not only will the system warn the campers and fans of impending severe
weather conditions, but collaborative efforts between our offices, the
Darke County Sheriff’s Office and the Eldora Speedway officials to
offer evacuation and sheltering instructions can be delivered.”
In addition to the race fans, neighbors of Eldora Speedway will be
afforded an extra level of protection from severe weather, as the alert
system will complement existing units in Rossburg and Burkettsville and
will be fully functional 365 days a year, not just on race populated
weekends.
Lee credited Stewart for his concerns, “Eldora Speedway is a key player
in putting Darke County on the map, and annually brings thousands of
people into our community. Our office is here to assure that in the
event of an emergency, we can offer assistance. Tony Stewart
exemplifies true allegiance to safety for his patrons through this
project, one which offers us another level of preparedness.”
Erection of the system is expected to be completed in mid-March with
the unit to be fully operational within a few days of the completion of
that construction.
Activation of the unit will be primarily through the Darke County
Sheriff’s Office based upon weather alerts issued by the National
Weather Service; however, the Eldora Speedway officials will have the
ability to issue alerts and public address instructions as well.
Kemp added, “On our major event weekends, we virtually become another
city within Darke County, and we feel the need to provide as much
safety and concern for our citizens as any other municipality.”
And while Lee expressed his excitement of Eldora Speedway’s
cooperation, he was quick to offer that “the alert system is in place
to offer another level of caution. The race fans need to be continually
aware of impending weather situations, and monitor NOAA (National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and National Weather Service
issued alerts and warnings.”
Eldora Speedway’s season swings open Saturday, April 14, with
tripleheader program featuring the Sunoco sponsored American Late Model
Series, UMP DIRTcar Modifieds and Stock Cars. Complete event
information and a full schedule of race dates may be downloaded from
the track’s website www.EldoraSpeedway.com.
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