HUMBOLDT — When all the “big names in dirt modified racing” are on the track at Humboldt Speedway this week, Tony Morgan will be in the catbird seat.
Morgan, who has been the flagman at Humboldt Speedway for nine years, is excited about the King of America Modified Nationals. The four-day event sanctioned by United States Modified Tour Series opens Wednesday and runs through Saturday.
“I’m so looking forward to this event. I’ve been excited about it since they announced it was coming,” Morgan said. “I’m honored to be able to be the flagman for the event.”
Morgan will have a new perch to watch from that’s right in front of the grandstand of the Speedway. Today the last piece of the original race track at Humboldt is coming down — the flag stand.
“It’s bittersweet because it is the final piece and so much history goes with it. But the new flag stand is bigger,” Morgan said.
Morgan is one of several Humboldt Speedway regular employees taking the whole week off to help with the four-day event. Morgan and his brother, Matt Morgan, will help with keeping the dirt track in shape for the drivers.
“Whatever Ron (Whitworth, Speedway owner) needs me to do, I’ll do,” said Matt Morgan, who has been working as a “corner man” for several years. “I make sure the drivers get through corners one and two cleanly and if I see any trouble, I tell the flagman to watch out for certain cars.”
The Morgan brothers grew up in stock car racing. It was a family thing with father, Joe, and the brothers racing. Tony’s last year on the track as a driver was 2001.
“I’m really excited about dropping the green flag on these races,” Tony said.
“This is a great event for the Humboldt area. We’re going to see some great modified racing all four nights here,” Matt said.
Ron and Rhenda Whitworth own Humboldt Speedway. Rhenda said they lease the track out to USMTS promoter Todd Staley for these big events. The Whitworths have a share in the proceeds from the event, including concessions.
King of America
Modified Nationals
Humboldt Speedway
Wednesday-Saturday
Tickets sold race day
Grandstand
Single day tickets: $20
(Wed., Thurs., Fri.)
Saturday tickets: $25
Pit Passes
Four-day pass: $125
Single-day pass: $35
(Wed., Thurs., Fri.)
Saturday pass: $40
Race times
7 p.m. Wed., Thurs., Fri.
6 p.m. Saturday
