Escanaba Speedway president Amy Gagne poses for a photo on Oct. 17, 2024 at the Escanaba Speedway. (Adam Hinch/Daily Press)

ESCANABA — After a large amount of turnover, the Escanaba Speedway had an unprecedented seven new members elected to its board of directors on Oct. 1.

The seven new faces also had a historical twist to it. The first elected female president in the association’s history was unanimously voted on in Amy Gagne.

Daily Press sports writer Adam Hinch got a chance to catch up with Gagne and talk about the future of the speedway.

Adam Hinch: What are you most excited for going into your first season as president?

Amy Gagne: I’m excited about the new board. Everyone is enthusiastic about helping. We have had wonderful people on the board of directors and wonderful members who put in a lot of time and effort. And I’m hoping for a positive 2025.

AH: What works well with the track and what area could use improvement?

AG: What works well for the track is we have a great group of members who are enthusiastic about helping and doing what needs to be done. Where we can improve is… as racers and fans focus on the positives and move forward with the positive things instead of the negatives. Be part of the solution not the problem.

AH: With seven new members of the board of directors how excited are you for this new era for the Escanaba Speedway?

AG: I was in tears. I was so overwhelmed by all the support of the members and of the association. It’s not just this board, but members of other boards. This is a family atmosphere and it’s all about bringing everyone together.

AH: What is it like to be the first female elected president of the association?

AG: I’m honored, but honestly the time (previous interim president) Kaitlyn (Maki) put into this organization is undeniable. She put her heart and soul into it. I don’t look at it as Amy is the president of the club. I look at it as we are a club and we are all going to work together.

AH: How familiar are you with the new members of the board?

AG: I have been here and volunteered at the track for many years. I have got to know all these people well and all these people work hard for the track everyday.

AH: What was your reaction being the lone nominee for president?

AG: I thought ‘what did I get myself into?’ I was happy to be the secretary. I was very content there. It wasn’t what I expected, but I’m willing to do whatever it takes for this track. It’s near and dear to my heart and we have a great group of members to work with.

AH: How would you describe your passion for racing?

AG: My summer weekends are all racing. If we aren’t racing here we go to the races in Norway or the races at 141 Speedway. Racing has been near and dear to me for many years. My brothers and my son have been racing here for years and I’m happy to be a part of it.

AH: What makes the Escanaba Speedway special?

AG: With us being the only (dirt) track in the U.P. it makes it special when you can drive 10 minutes and be at the track and even tracks outside of the Upper Peninsula have shown us a ton of support. But to have this so close to home gives people who can’t travel 2-3 hours for a race the opportunity to come out and enjoy the races and watch family and friends and that is what it’s all about.