An overview of Independence Motor Speedway before a 2008 wind storm destroyed the covered grandstand. (IMS photo)

Editor’s note: Ryan Clark is the track announcer at Independence Motor Speedway. From Vinton, Clark has worked at the track since 2000 and also handles the track’s public relations, sponsorship sales and fulfills race director duties on race nights.

By Ryan Clark, community contributor

INDEPENDENCE — The 31st consecutive season of IMCA weekly racing and an expanded special events schedule await race fans at Independence Motor Speedway in 2013.

IMCA-sanctioned late models, modifieds, stock cars, sportmods, hobby stocks and sport compacts will again be showcased during the weekly Saturday night program. The season is schedule to begin April 27 and run for 18 Saturdays through the Aug. 24 season championships.

The 2013 season marks the 27th season the late models have run under the IMCA banner and the 20th for stock cars, the 19th straight under the IMCA sanction.

The hobby stock division will compete weekly for the 25th consecutive year, its 12th straight as a sanctioned division. The sportmods will be entering their sixth season at Independence. Sport compacts debuted in 2012.

Six special events highlight the 24-race schedule, including the season opener on April 13 when the Corn Belt Clash Late Model Series will appear at the speedway for the first time since 2010. In an all-fendered special, stock cars and hobby stocks also will be a part of that program.

The Brockway Mechancial and Roofing Sprint Invaders Series will make its first appearance at the speedway on April 19 in the track’s first Open Wheel Shootout.

For the first time in 20 years, the Deery Brothers Summer Series for IMCA Late Models will be making two stops at the speedway. The first will be its traditional Independence Day holiday event, scheduled for July 2. The Deery Series returns on Sept. 20. Joining the late models for the September special will be $2,000-to-win stock cars.

For the third straight year, the World of Outlaws Late Model Series will invade the 3/8-mile oval (Aug. 5), and a special event showcasing entry level divisions is scheduled for June 4. Sportmods, hobby stocks and sport compacts will be in competition that evening for increased prize money.

For the latest information, visit www.independencemotorspeedway.com or the track’s Facebook page.

Contact Ryan Clark at indeeracing@yahoo.com or 319-361-3795

If you have an event or season to promote, contact J.R. Ogden at jr.ogden@thegazette.com