DeLonjays’ purchase of Adams County Speedway ensures future of dirt-track racing in Quincy

QUINCY — Jeff DeLonjay’s reasoning for wanting to buy Adams County Speedway was quite simple.

“I just want to make sure that track is always there,” DeLonjay said.

DeLonjay and his wife, Renee, have purchased the 28.5-acre, .295-mile track and surrounding area from Paul Holtschlag, who had served as either sole or co-owner of the property at 8000 Broadway since 2009.

DeLonjay, 42, is a local businessman who also has two sons, Jeffrey and Jaden, who are weekly racers at the track.

The purchase price was not disclosed. The land was appraised for $312,000 back in 2012, but that figure did not include any structures, equipment, etc., that would have been part of any sale.

The agreement between the DeLonjays and Holtschlag was signed Friday, June 21.  Holtschlag said it will probably “be a month or so” before all the legalities of the transaction are complete.

“It all came together pretty quickly,” acknowledged Holtschlag, who said the two parties had originally the discussed the idea late in 2023.

Jim and Tammy Lieurance, who had leased the site from Holtschlag the last three years and have been operating the facility since the 2022 season, will continue to serve as facility directors.

“Jim and Tammy definitely have the track moving in the right direction,” DeLonjay said. “They have done a tremendous job.”

DeLonjay said he is not interested in the administrative end of the operation — that will remain in the hands of the Lieurances —  but is anxious to get started on what he feels will be his strong suit in the overall equation. DeLonjay will be concentrating on physical improvements at the track, which opened in 1975 under the ownership of the late Albert Scott. The track remained with the Scott family until 2007. Since that point, there have been nine combinations of ownership/operators who have run the iconic facility.

“I see nothing but good things,” Tammy Lieurance said. “I see nothing but good things for racing and Quincy.”

She also had nothing but praise for the Lieurances’ relationship with Holtschlag.

“Paul just wanted to ensure the future of racing in Quincy,” she said.

DeLonjay is already forming a battle plan.

“I think new dirt will be one of the keys for the track,” he said. “I also want to improve the concession stand and lighting, plus the restrooms in the pit area.

“I’m also looking at building a bar on the north side (of the property), which could operate as a business of its own during the week.”

DeLonjay also envisions relocating the kart track from outside the principal racing facility to the current infield area of the Bullring.

“That would create more parking,” said DeLonjay, which he feels is a high priority, especially for special events like the recent UMP Summer Nationals Hell Tour.

“We also have to figure out how to publicize the track better,” DeLonjay said.

DeLonjay inferred fans may start to see improvements before the end of the current season. One of the first projects he said would be tackled is repainting track structures a traditional red and white and “getting rid of that (current) orange and gray look”.

DeLonjay said moving race night from Sunday to Friday may even be discussed, although he admitted “Sunday nights and (Adams County Speedway)” are entrenched in the minds of most race fans across the region.

“So many things are possible, so many things can happen with that track — and they will be happening in the future,” he said.

Jim Lieurance looks at the future and sees what is on the verge of happening as a “major positive”.

“It takes a village, and we have been blessed with outstanding help over the last three years,” he said. “Jeff’s involvement will take a huge weight off of our shoulders. We know Jeff has the resources to do a great job.”

A familiar name at 8000 Broadway

DeLonjay has long been a familiar name at the track.

Jeff’s uncle, Hank, was a 13-time track champion prior to his retirement following the 2007 season. Hank won 10 “A” modified crowns and three sportsman titles.

Jeff’s cousin, Steven (Hank’s son), was a six-time track champ, four in a modified and two in a hornet.

Count the two 4-Cylinder championships that Jeff’s oldest son, Jeffrey, has won the past two years and the DeLonjay family has 21 overall titles to its credit.

QUINCY RACEWAYS OPERATIONAL TIMELINE

• 2024: Jeff DeLonjay buys track from Paul Holtschlag; Jim and Tammy Laurience to remain as directors of operations
• 2021-24: Jim and Tammy Laurience take over as directors of operations, leasing the facility from Paul Holtschlag.
• 2020-21: Track closed
• 2018-19: Jason Goble, director of operations (Holtschlag owner)
• 2017: Jason Goble-Robert Goble, directors of operations (Holtschlag owner)
• 2014-17: Kenny Dobson, director of operations (Holtschlag owner)
• 2011-14: Paul Holtschlag-Bob Rhinberger (co-owners)
• 2009-11: Tony Rhinberger-Paul Holtschlag (co-owners)
• 2008-09: Tony Rhinberger (owner)
• 2007-09: Tony Rhinberger-Mike Karhoff (co-owners)
• 1993-2007: Bob Scott (owner)
• 1975-93: Albert Scott (owner)