"I'm really excited about zjautoparts. I'm ready to rock and roll," says Rod Olson. The Paullina resident and former racer took over management of the Denison racetrack a year ago, and recently contracted with the fair board to run the Alta oval for 2016.
Only a couple of weeks into his tenure, there has already been controversy for the facility most recently known informally as "The Beaver," or previously, "The Bubble."
The track will eliminate the bomber class - an announcement that has some racers and fans upset. It will also start the season later, with the first race expected on June 1, a choice some are questioning.
In an interview with the Pilot-Tribune, Olson explained the decisions. "In getting rid of the bombers, I need to focus on what I know," he said. "As far as I'm aware, BV was the only racetrack in northwest Iowa running bombers, so we don't have any other tracks to attract racers in that class from."
He is hopeful that those who competed or planned to compete in that entry level Main nozzle will move up in class and still race.