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Last season, the Crystal Motor Speedway won several People’s Choice awards from Michigan Racing Scene, including Best Dirt Track Promoter, Ron Flinn. He also was awarded 2008 Promoter of the Year award from Michigan Speedway Promoter Association. Even though it was the sixth MSPA Promoter of the year award Ron Flinn stated that it the most touching of them all.

“They recognized we had a very good year in a trying condition,” Flinn said.  “That adds up to a very memorable season.”  Flinn expects to have another memorable season in 2009. Crystal Motor Speedway begins its season April 18, and no one could be more thrilled about it than Flinn. “I am really excited,” Flinn said. “It will be an interesting summer to say the least, probably be the same for (all racetracks).”

This will be the 19th season under Flinn’s ownership at Crystal Motor Speedway. It is the longest he has been in charge of the three speedways he has owned or leased. The other two were at the Ionia Fairgrounds and at the Ionia County Speedway, now the I-96 Speedway. In the past 18 seasons under Flinn, Crystal Motor Speedway has gained a reputation throughout the state as one of the top dirt race tracks. The 19th season presents a few more issues with the economy, but Flinn sees little to no problems keeping the 1000-1500 fans in the stands every week. “I don’t believe we will have problems getting people in the seats,” Flinn said. “We design our races to be very entertaining for everyone. We have several different types of races to keep fans entertained.”

One of the races is the Flinn Twin race, in which two races take place at the same time going in to opposite directions.  A personal favorite race for Flinn, he said it keeps him on his feet the entire race. “It is a very interesting race,” he said. There is so much action going on. I hold my breath every time each of them passes each other going the other way.”

Drivers look forward to the season-ending Great Lakes National, primarily for the large payout.  It is $2,500 for IMCA modifieds, $2,000 for late models, and higher payouts for rest of the classes.

The rules for the 2009 season have not changed much from the 2008 season, something Flinn believes makes Crystal Speedway so successful. However, one thing his crew is looking at to change is a price cap for parts. In this tough economy, it is important for cars to be able to continue to do what they love while being able to afford to do it, Flinn said. “A Driver is his own worst enemy,” he said.  “They are going to do everything they can to get the upper hand. So when one guy goes get some new fancy part, then everyone has to get it and not everyone can afford that stuff so it’s our job to keep the prices down and to keep everyone racing.”

Flinn promises the 2009 will be as entertaining as ever, if not for the races, than at least for his signature costume changes. However, he knows everyone will be happy with the 2009 season at the Crystal Motor Speedway. “They will be entertained, I assure them that.”

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