Clement Family Becomes Principal Owners of Iowa Speedway
Clement and his sons, Tracy, Eric and Stand, all originally from Newton, purchased the track from U.S. Motorsports Corporation, which took effect June 30.
“My family has a 20-year history in the motorsports industry through our involvement with Featherlite," Conrad Clement said. “We’ve been intimately involved with Iowa Speedway since it was founded in 2006, and we’re looking forward to building on the momentum created over the last five years."
The Iowa Speedway will remain intact.
In the press conference, Clement claimed NASCAR has been excited in the change and had asked when they can start discussion the new ownership. He also said the track is looking for more and bigger races to Newton, including the ultimate goal of hosting a NASCAR Sprint Cup race. Clement said the change won’t be “changing the way we do business" at the track.
He wants to see the track continually grow. It already hosts the IZOD IndyCar Series Iowa Corn Indy 250, NASCAR Camping World Trucks Series Coca-Cola 200 presented by Hy-Vee, and two NASCAR Nationwide Series races – John Deere Dealers of Iowa 250 and the U.S. Cellular 250. The IndyCar race won by Marco Andretti was in June and Ricky Stenhouse won the first Nationwide Series race in May.
The Trucks Series race is the next big event on July 16 with the second Nationwide Series race scheduled for Aug. 6.
The Clement family has expressed their willingness to invest in the track, its infrastructure and its future," said NASCAR racing legend, and Iowa Speedway co-owner, Rusty Wallace in a news release. “Together, we can establish Iowa Speedway as one of the Midwest’s premier entertainment venues, and achieve our ultimate goal — hosting a NASCAR Sprint Cup race."
Iowa Speedway President Jerry Jauron fans will continue to have an enjoyable experience and an exciting atmosphere.
“We’ve added new races, fan amenities, sponsors and vendors every season — and we’ll continue to do so under the guiding vision of the Clement family," says Jauron. “We’re looking forward to the remaining races on the 2011 schedule — and then we’ll gear up for 2012. We’ve got a very bright future ahead."
Below is a news release from Iowa Speedway:
07/05/11 NEWTON, Iowa – Principal ownership of Iowa Speedway has transitioned from one Iowa family to another. Featherlite®, Inc., founder Conrad Clement, originally from Newton, Iowa; along with his sons, Tracy and Eric; and his brother, Stan Clement, also from Newton, purchased U.S. Motorsports Corporation (USM Corp.) — the holding company that owns Iowa Speedway — effective June 30.
“My family has a 20-year history in the motorsports industry through our involvement with Featherlite," explains Conrad Clement. “We’ve been intimately involved with Iowa Speedway since it was founded in 2006, and we’re looking forward to building on the momentum created over the last five years."
The entire staff will remain in tact so fans continue to have a world-class race day experience at Iowa Speedway. Stan’s sons, Luke and Tyler, have also been appointed as corporate officers.
The Manatt family — owners of Manatt’s, Inc., a heavy construction company based in Brooklyn, Iowa — have been the primary investors since the track was built. They intended to help launch the Speedway and improve Newton’s economic vitality, and then transfer controlling interest so they could focus on their core family business.
Clement says he is very grateful for the Manatts’ contributions to the track, and acknowledges that this is an ideal time for his family to take principal ownership. He believes that fan support is critical to the track’s continued success, and ensuring that ticket-holders have an enjoyable race day experience is one of his top priorities. Clement and the staff will continue to explore new amenities and facility improvements to accommodate larger races and additional events at Iowa Speedway.
“The Clement family has expressed their willingness to invest in the track, its infrastructure and its future," says NASCAR racing legend, and Iowa Speedway co-owner, Rusty Wallace. “Together, we can establish Iowa Speedway as one of the Midwest’s premier entertainment venues, and achieve our ultimate goal — hosting a NASCAR Sprint Cup race."
Iowa Speedway President Jerry Jauron says fans can expect the track’s monumental growth to continue under its new ownership.
“We’ve added new races, fan amenities, sponsors and vendors every season — and we’ll continue to do so under the guiding vision of the Clement family," says Jauron. “We’re looking forward to the remaining races on the 2011 schedule — and then we’ll gear up for 2012. We’ve got a very bright future ahead."
Brad Manatt says it has been an honor to be involved with Iowa Speedway’s creation and legacy.
“It was our privilege to help build the track five years ago, and like a proud parent, we’ve enjoyed watching it thrive and grow — and we’ll continue to do so from the stands," says Manatt. “We wish great success to Iowa Speedway and the Clement family."
