LACROSSE, Kan. — After three memorable years, Smokey has announced he will no longer serve as promoter of the Rush County Speedway, a thrilling bullring track in LaCrosse, Kansas, due to recent changes. In a heartfelt farewell, Smokey expressed his deep gratitude to the Rush County Fair board for granting him the opportunity to lead the Bullring and to the countless individuals who contributed to its success.
“I want to thank everyone who helped me over the last three years—pushing, packing, rebuilding fences, and tackling whatever needed to be done,” Smokey said. “To my wife, thank you for putting up with this whole adventure. To Chris Long, your help last year was invaluable. Losing Will was one of the hardest moments I’ve faced—I miss you, Will. Rest in peace.”
Smokey extended appreciation to the fans who filled the stands and the racers who brought the Bullring to life. “It wasn’t perfect every night—we tore up some stuff—but you all made it one hell of a show for the people watching,” he noted. He also recognized key contributors, including Mike and Shauna for crafting banners and trophies, the Rush County Road and Bridge crew for track maintenance, Stacy and Marsha for ticket sales in sweltering heat, and Mike, Caleb, and Tami for managing pit passes on hundred-degree days.
Effective immediately, the new promoter of the Rush County Speedway Bullring will be William Nusser of Larned, Kansas. Nusser brings a passion for local dirt tracks, most notably spearheading the Save the Track coalition. His preservation efforts rallied the racing community to successfully protect the historic Kansas State Fairgrounds 1/2-mile track in Hutchinson, Kansas, from demolition, ensuring its legacy for future generations. Smokey expressed confidence in Nusser’s ability to carry the torch forward. The 2025 season will feature two marquee events under Nusser’s leadership at the Rush County Speedway: June 6th with the Bullring Nationals, showcasing the 305 sprint cars, and August 1st with the Battle at the Bullring, featuring super late models, held during the annual Rush County Fair.
“I’ll miss this more than I can say,” Smokey added. “I met so many great people—some I now call my best friends. Please keep supporting the Bullring; it’s a gem in the trees, and people know it’s here because of all of us.”
The Rush County Speedway Bullring in LaCrosse remains a beloved fixture in Rush County, and Smokey urges the community to rally behind its new leadership and the exciting 2025 race schedule. “Thanks for everything,” he concluded.
