For previous coverage please see Part 1.
North Platte, NE - Lincoln County Raceway has been the heart of dirt track racing in North Platte for more than a century. Since 1915, drivers, families, and fans have gathered under night skies to watch engines roar on its 3/8-mile dirt oval. The last two years, under promoter Joe Bellm, brought renewed energy, bigger crowds, and fresh racing shows. Now, as the Lincoln County Ag Society ends Bellm’s contract, long-time racers, fans, and volunteers are left grappling with what it means when the momentum built so recently suddenly ends.
For Jordin Jones, the loss is personal. “With the events transpiring at Lincoln County Raceway I thought it'd be fitting to show what North Platte & surrounding states would be missing out on by losing the track. At one point in time, LCR was one of the few main attractions in North Platte, and for some reason a few people decided that greed was more important,” she said. “Anyway, how devastating it is for people who put literal blood, sweat, and tears into this sport. Not to mention thousands of dollars in bodies, motors, parts, haulers, ATVs, track food, wrist bands, pit passes, and fuel.”
Jones described the lessons the track teaches its young drivers: “Kids that race are required to learn their cars inside and out, and to race it you have to help fix it. They learn to build cars from the ground up. Along with that comes constructive criticism, and friendly competition. How about consistency? To have a working car, you have to consistently work on it, and consistently practice. Let's get to respect… The tracks kept kids out of trouble… Racing is the American way, after all. Everyone pitches in. Every single year, the race family is concerned about what will come of the track and are fearful that it may close. I promise, without a doubt, a loss of the track would be a devastating blow to not only Lincoln County, but the surrounding areas as well. I PROMISE you that.”
Tria Hafer, who has worked the ticket booth for years, echoed that heartbreak while emphasizing the dedication of those involved. “I completely understand that Joe is a handful and not everyone's cup of tea, but like I stated last night, this man's heart is 100% for the racing community and he has been doing this for more than 25 years. Yes, I haven't agreed with every decision he has made, but I WILL stand behind him for years to come. He stepped up when no one else would… I have seen the stands being packed race after race, year after year and they just took it away from everyone. The racing community as well as the demolition derby community is saddened by this once again.”
For Herrick, he points out the loss also carries tangible effects on the local economy. “And, and then if you look at our community and when we have one of those big shows coming in here. I mean, everybody bought fuel to get home. Everybody went somewhere to get something to eat. A lot of them stayed the night. I mean, it brings money back to our community,” he said.
The century-plus history of the track is intertwined with generations of North Platte residents. From the early days of small, homemade cars to the modern sprint cars and demolition derbies, the racetrack has been a place where skills are honed, friendships forged, and entire families come together. The recent surge under Bellm, bringing bigger shows and more spectators, highlighted the potential to grow the sport further while preserving the traditions that make the track a cornerstone of the community.
With the Ag Society seeking a new promoter, uncertainty hangs over the 3/8-mile oval. Yet, the voices of racers, volunteers, and fans reveal a deeper truth: Lincoln County Raceway is more than a business or a venue—it’s a legacy. As Jordin Jones said, “Racing is not just a sport. It's a way of life. It's lessons learned, friendships gained, and a whole lot of other important necessary stuff.”
More Coverage on Lincoln County Raceway and BST Promotions to Come