Track History

Cedar Lake Speedway was founded in 1957 by Elmer Cook and his oldest son, Bob. A field of 12 cars and 85 spectators were on hand for the opening show on a flat clay oval. Over the years, the Cook family continued to expand and improve the raceway and the grounds. In 2001, five new partners came on board: Ron Bernhagen, Brad Both, and three brothers – Bob, Chuck, and Steve Kaufman.

Today, Cedar Lake’s state-of-the-art 3/8-mile high-banked clay oval has developed into one of the nation's leading short track facilities. The weekly Saturday night racing program features DTRA Super Late Models, Modifieds, Super Stocks, Midwest Modifieds and Street Stocks taking to the track. The show features some of the finest dirt track drivers in the Upper Midwest, and fans witness fields of over 150 entries compete.

In addition to having one of the most successful weekly racing programs on Saturday evenings, the track also hosts many nationally-sanctioned and premier racing events including:

Two of the nation's most prestigious dirt Late Model events each year - the Masters event in June and the USA Nationals in August.
Outlaws sprint cars brought to you by the World of Outlaws (WoO) - the most prestigious Sprint Car Series in the country!
IRA (Interstate Racing Association) sprint cars, one of the strongest 410 racing groups in the nation. They traditionally bring 35-40 cars to our track.

Cedar Lake Speedway Racing Divisions

DTRA Super Late Models

Super Late Models head up the list of divisions competing weekly at Cedar Lake. These cars are built as race machines from the ground up and fully fabricated for racing. They run up to 410 c.i. engines and may run gasoline or alcohol. These cars run as light at 2,300 pounds and really rocket around the track.

DTRA Modifieds

Fast and exciting the Modifieds are very popular among fans and drivers alike. The cars run on a minimum wheelbase of 107" and use a modified street car frame. The engines may run methanol and have maximum displacement of 410 c.i. The minimum weight for the Modifieds are 2,450 pounds.

DTRA Super Stocks

The Super Stocks are built off a modified passenger car frame and have a minimum wheelbase of 107". The cars run stock suspension components with minor modifications. Engines are limited to 360 c.i. and they must run gasoline. The total weight of the cars must be 2,800 pounds. This class is highly competitive since the rules limit modifications to keep everyone equal.

DTRA Midwest Modifieds

The Midwest Modifieds are designed as an economical way to enter open wheel racing. Very similar to the Modifieds the Midwest Modified engine is tamed down and makes the class very competitive. Midwest Modifieds have a much smaller rear spoiler.

DTRA Street Stocks

The Street Stocks are designed as an economical entry-level division. Street Stocks are built out of any American-made full-frame car with a minimum wheelbase of 108". Engines are limited to 357 or 358 c.i. depending upon if you would run a Chevrolet or a Ford. These cars must run gasoline. The total weight of the Street Stock is 3,200lbs.

A Special Thank You to the Following Sponsors