There are only two ways to turn a deficit into a profit — either increase revenue or decrease expenses.
The decrease in expenses is the route being explored by the Shawano Area Agricultural Society in its proposal to shorten the Shawano Speedway from a half-mile to three-eighths of a mile.
“They (drivers) don’t like the speed. The rating is better, I think, on a short track. It’s just more fun,” Bob Schmidt said. “Us guys on the board, we’re losing money. To continue this race track, we need to do something, because I’m afraid another year like the last couple years, it’s going to be over.”
Expenses continue to outpace revenues. The 2025 numbers aren’t available yet, but in 2024, operating revenues for the racetrack totaled $556,257, according to the ag society’s annual financial statement. Operating expenses were $589,107 for a loss of $32,850.
In 2023, the track had a loss of $32,637.
Members of the Shawano County Agriculture and Extension Committee agreed Oct. 2 to consider a formal proposal to shorten the speedway on the track’s north end.
Members of the ag society, which operates the county fairgrounds and the racetrack, cited several advantages to a three-eighths mile track, which is becoming more standard in racing circles.
Ag society members said advantages to a shorter track include:
• Less expensive to prepare the track each week.
• Moving the race program along in a timelier fashion.
• Potential for higher car counts, which could lead to higher attendance and gate receipts, concession sales and a boost to the local economy.
• Slower speeds on the track result in more competitive racing and more excitement for fans.
• Reduced dust on Green Bay Street.
• The additional 4.39 acres could be used for camping, parking or vendors, all to enhance the racing experience. It would also allow more room for the weekly flea market.
Attendance during the 2025 season totaled 13,698. The 2024 attendance was almost 20,000, but Breitrick said Shawano’s numbers are still higher than those at nearby tracks.
“We, by far, have a better turnout,” added Bob Krause. “Our fans are the greatest fans.”
Even though the payout to winners in Shawano is often higher than at other tracks, surrounding tracks get more drivers each week.
Shawano averaged 89 cars per week in 2024, and fewer than 72 in 2025. The Outagamie Speedway in Seymour averaged 126 cars per week in 2024 and 140 this past season. The 141 Speedway in Maribel averaged 156 weekly in 2024 and more than 175 in 2024.
The Outagamie and 141 speedways are each one-third mile tracks.
Ag society members said utility expenses are also significant.
Alyce Welk said Shawano Municipal Utilities has a demand charge that gets billed each month, separate from the usage charge.
“If we race all four weeks (in a month), our utility bill is over $9,000 because of their demand charge,” she said. “If we could get rid of that $3,000-$4,000 a month, it would help us out.”
Even during the offseason, the demand charge is $1,400 per month, Welk said.
During the season, a distribution demand charge doubles or nearly triples that amount.
Jim Davel, administrative coordinator, said the county faces similar problem with the Crawford Center. He will help facilitate a meeting with SMU to discuss the demand charge.
The biggest concern is whether a shorter track will help make the speedway more profitable.
“Like any other business, we have two options,” Krause said. “We either have to increase revenue or lower your expenses. I don’t know what the answer is for this track, but we’ve tried over the last five years, a lot of funds have diverted to take care of the race track. Unfortunately, those haven’t equated into more money.”
Holtger Bros. Inc. has already provided an estimate of $73,830 to shorten the track. The work could be completed within three weeks of final approval.
Krause said there is no way to know if this investment in the track will pay off, or how long it would take.
“The biggest stumbling block is you don’t know if it’s going to work,” Supervisor Randy Young said.
Troy Springborn said the only downside to shortening the track is the cost. Even if it doesn’t work out, the county and ag society still have space that can be used for other events.
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