Onweiler moving on

Jeb Onweiler, former promoter of Champion Motor Speedway in Carson City has a racetrack to operate, but it won't be for race fans in Northern Nevada. His new home and business is in Midland-Odessa, Texas.

As the new co-owner and operator of Champion Motor Speedway, formerly Midessa Speedway, Onweiler said the track will operate from March through October offering a variety of entry-level to feature series racing on Saturday nights.

"Midland-Odessa needs and deserves a first-class speedway," said Murray Erickson, co-owner of the track and United States Auto Club sprint car racer.

"I feel Jeb's experience in the motorsports industry will be a great asset at Champion Motor Speedway. Jeb has more than 20 years of NASCAR and NHRA motorsports and promotional expertise. With the rapid growth and tremendous popularity of auto racing over the last several years, his knowledge and creativity will help us offer the best in racing and family entertainment."

Onweiler is a veteran motorsports promoter who's operated speedways in California, Idaho, North Carolina, South Carolina, Oregon, Hawaii and Nevada. He operated AMA Speedway Motorcycle racing at Fuji Park in 2005 and was promoter for CMS in Carson City in 2003.

"I'm real excited about this new venture," Onweiler said. "I feel confident we'll be able to provide strong entertainment value for the west Texas region.

Onweiler said the most important thing for success is Murray is willing to invest what it takes to get the track project on solid ground.

"So we're both committed to the future at CMS, and we both have a vested interest in the outcome," Onweiler said. "In short, I think we have the necessary resources in hand to produce success in west Texas."

Champion Motor Speedway is located between Midland and Odessa, just off Business Route 20. The track's Web site, www.ChampionMotorSpeedway.net, should be online in early October.

Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.