New Ownership and Management
Set Beckley Motor Speedway in a
New Direction
Speedway owner, Jack Williams, a native of nearby Bradley, WV, is a man who knows what he wants. For Williams, the dream of owning Beckley Motor Speedway became a reality at the beginning of the 1982 season. “We invested quite a bit of money and effort into this facility over the period of a year,” says Williams, “because we want West Virginia to be recognized as a leader in Late model Sportsman Dirt Track Racing.”
Williams selected a lifelong friend Tom Broyles, of Bradley to handle the promoting efforts at the oval and with this years USA 100 boasting a purse of over $60,000, Broyles seems to be headed in the right direction. Broyles and his crew work endless hours preparing the speedway for their racing events. “It’s a never ending struggle to put on the best show possible,” says Broyles. “Our efforts are put into this speedway each day of the week, and I think it makes quite a bit of difference in your success.” Broyles was the founder of the West Virginia Motor Sports Hall of Fame, with its initial induction taking place last month, with 6 former drivers and car builders being inducted.
Owner: Clyde Spencer
Driver: Gene McNeely
Homestate favorite Gene McNeely of Charleston, WV, would have to be considered the master of the Prosperity based dirt oval with command performance in his familiar car number 20. Although that particular number is retired at this time, McNeely will be at the wheel of the Charleston Heating Company WRC Firebird for this years running of the 100. McNeely who has dominated racing at Beckley from 1976 thru 1980 seems to have the style of driving that works at Beckley doen to an art. Charleston, WV will be well reoresented in this years USA 100 when the #12 takes to the racing surface—count on it. McNeely is no stranger in the Beckley USA 100, for he ran in the inaugural event in 1977.
Owner: Jack Williams
Driver: 1981 USA 100 Champion Dickie Bartusiak
Beckley’s own Dickie Bartusiak, age 35 states that “higher stakes always present tougher competition.” The former USA 100 Champion has been racing since 1974 and knows stakes are even higher and the cars more expensive and sophisticated. Tamroy Mining serves as Dickie’s sponsor for a second season. When racing was simple Dickie had no sponsor, later finding it mandatory to gain sponsorship to continue to be competitive.
Dickie’s 1982 WRC Firebird is equipped with a Draime racing engine and plans to make a good showing for his hometown crowd. Helping on the sidelines and in the pit area are Larry Weidensall. Jim Walker, and Dickie’s son, Sam Bartusiak. Jack Williams, owner of Tamroy Coal Car also helps in the pit crew when out of town. Dickie runs Beckley Motor Speedway weekly and follows through with NDRA competition when the race is close to home. In 1982 Dickie moved into victory lane at Beckley’s Coal Festival 100.
Dickie’s wife, Linda, and son Sam,are both supportive of his racing career. They reside in Beckley, WV.
