10/05/2026
STATEMENT REGARDING RECENT VIDEO & TUNER CLASS
We are aware of a video being shared from our live broadcast in which an official in the press box made an unprofessional comment while the event was under caution.
The official involved has been spoken with, the situation is being handled internally, and we have made it clear that comments of that nature are not acceptable on our broadcast. We apologize to those who were offended by the comment. Terry and Tammy do not condone the statement that was made, and we will work to ensure something like this does not happen again.
With that being said, we also want to address some of the additional discussion surrounding the video and incidents at I-44 Speedway.
Following an altercation involving two race teams on August 21, 2026, legal action was pursued. At that time, both parties involved were informed that neither team would be permitted to participate at I-44 Speedway until the legal matter was resolved through the charges being dropped or a final court ruling.
This was not a permanent suspension, nor was one side singled out. The same restriction was placed on both parties while the legal matter was pending.
Once the court matter was finalized, both teams were permitted to return to I-44 Speedway beginning the weekend of September 12.
Since that time, we have seen numerous comments, emails, Facebook posts, messages, and other statements criticizing the speedway and its handling of the situation. Those involved have been eligible to return since September 12 and both have returned. One has competed twice and one competed once while also spectating on October 3.
We understand that not everyone will agree with every decision made by track management. When situations involve altercations, legal proceedings, officials, competitors, and spectators, management has a responsibility to make decisions that we believe protect the race track and everyone involved. Those decisions will not always be popular, but they will be made with the best interests of the facility and its competitors in mind.
Moving forward, we want the focus to be on racing and determining the best path for the Tuner division at I-44 Speedway.
A Tuner Drivers Meeting will be held:
Sunday, October 25, 2026
1:00 PM
I-44 Speedway
This meeting will be FOR TUNER DRIVERS ONLY.
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Tuner division, concerns from this season, expectations moving forward, and plans for 2027. We want to hear directly from the people who actually compete in the division and have a productive discussion about its future.
We appreciate everyone who continues to support I-44 Speedway. We will own our mistakes when they happen, address them appropriately, and continue working to provide a place for racers and their families to enjoy this sport.
Thank you,
Terry Mattox & Tammy Jefferson
I-44 Speedway