Kruse nominated for RPM national promoter of the year award

MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa – Another nomination for short track racing’s most prestigious award is great. 

Toby Kruse appreciates the recognition from his peers just as much.

The long-time promoter at Marshalltown Speedway has been named promoter of the year in Racing Promotion Monthly’s Great Plains Region for the second time. As such, he’s one of six nominees for the Auto Racing Promoter of the Year award, to be announced next month during the RPM workshops in Daytona Beach. 

“It’s a good feeling to be nominated for this award. It’s a lot of work being a promoter,” said Kruse, also a regional winner for his efforts at Marshalltown in 2008 and twice as part of the promotional team at 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, Wis. “Other promoters know just how much work it is and to be nominated by them for this award is very heart warming.”

Kruse will start the 14th year of a 20-year contract at Marshalltown this spring. The Friday night venue has been sanctioned by IMCA since 1984.

“What we’ve been able to accomplish here is a testament to our track employees, to the fair board and to IMCA,” Kruse said. “Marshalltown is one of the longest running tracks because of that stability. We focus on weekly racing and that gives us a strong foundation for special events.” 

The traditional home track of the IMCA Sunoco Stock Car division, Marshalltown also sanctions the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Late Models, IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stocks and Karl Chevrolet Northern SportMods. 

“Our weekly (car count) averages are staying pretty strong. That’s no small accomplishment these days,” said Kruse, acknowledging both the exposure generated by on-demand television and the friendly atmosphere at the race track.

“What it takes to succeed in any business is atmosphere. We held our awards banquet Saturday night and everybody was very positive,” he said. “We’re going to keep carrying that over to race season and start March 21-23 with the inaugural $5,000 to win King of the Highbanks special for Stock Cars.”

Winner of the 43rd ARPY will be announced on Feb. 11.

“I’ve known Toby since I got into this industry. He is well deserving of all recognition,” said IMCA President Brett Root. “Toby has a time-proven record of success and the credentials to be Auto Racing Promoter of the Year.”