See Part 1 and Part 2 for more.
North Platte, NE - The Lincoln County Agricultural Society says racing at the Lincoln County Raceway isn’t ending — it’s simply changing hands.
After speculation and passionate debate across social media, Ag Society President James Vanarsdall confirmed that the board voted 9–4 not to renew its lease with BST Promotions, the company that has operated the track for the past two seasons. The decision followed what he described as months of discussion over lease terms, maintenance responsibilities, and ongoing communication challenges.
According to Vanarsdall, the Society had hoped to continue working with BST but ultimately determined it was time for a new direction. “We thought we had the issues taken care of,” he said, referring to about ten separate lease concerns that had been discussed throughout the season. “But some of those problems continued, and it came to a point where the board felt it was wrong to move forward.”
Vanarsdall emphasized that the board’s decision was not made lightly and that it had nothing to do with wanting to eliminate racing in Lincoln County. “It’s not that we don’t want racing,” he said. “We just have to rebuild and restart the right way.”
He credited Joe Bellm and his BST Promotions team for bringing fresh energy to the raceway, noting that attendance had been strong and events had drawn larger names to North Platte. “BST actually did very good,” Vanarsdall said. “They brought in bigger races, bigger crowds, and were on the right path to do great things.”
But he said the board also has a duty to be careful with taxpayer funds. The fairgrounds, he explained, is not a private enterprise — it operates as a public facility that must remain financially sustainable. “We have to be good stewards of taxpayer money,” Vanarsdall said. “When contract violations and outside complaints start to affect other parts of what we do, we have to make the hard decisions.”
Still, the decision to move on from BST has left many in the racing community worried about what comes next. Vanarsdall said he understands the frustration and hopes the public will stay engaged by attending board meetings instead of relying on social media rumors. “We want the community behind us,” he said. “Instead of being keyboard warriors online, people should come to meetings and be part of the conversation.”
Former racecar driver and Lincoln County Raceway track promoter, Terry Fletcher said the board even reached out to him about returning to oversee race operations, but he declined. Fletcher, who has decades of experience in the local racing scene, said the decision wasn’t about his lack of love for the sport — it was about the growing tension within the racing community itself.
He pointed to what he described as increasingly negative attitudes and infighting among racers as one of the biggest challenges any new promoter will face. "And the main reason I won't do it is because it doesn't matter what a promoter does," said Fletcher. "It's never good enough for the racers."
As the Ag Society is now seeking new promoters for the 2026 season, proposals are expected to be heard at its November meeting. The smaller kart track on the fairgrounds will remain active, keeping young racers involved and giving the next generation a place to learn.
One board member has already stepped forward to help oversee kart racing operations in the interim. “Our goal is to stay true to what we’re here for — the kids,” Vanarsdall said. “That’s what the Ag Society has always been about.”
For now, the roar of engines has quieted at Lincoln County Raceway — but the conversation around its future is only getting louder.