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Cannon River Speedway

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Cannon River Speedway

This page is dedicated to the history and preservation of the Cannon River Speedway dirt (1968-1980) and snowmobile tracks in Morristown, Minnesota.

01/12/2026

52 years ago --- Cannon River Speedway hosted the 1974 Season Championship banquet at the Community Center in Morristown, Minnesota.

Larry Behrens won the Late Model championship and Larry Dahle won the Hobby Stock championship.

10/16/2024

Check out these photos of the pits from the 1976 Fall Festival!

Notable mentions from this photo are:

#98 Bobby Saterdalen (1977 LM track champion)
#29 Wayne Williamson
#78 Greg Jensen
#77 Dave Bjorge
#28 Lynn Rysavy
#9 Wayne Kluver

Do you recognize anyone else?

10/15/2024

Two legends in one frame! Here's Leon Plank with promoter Jim Hermel in victory lane after winning the 1975 Golden Gopher 125. Leon made history as the first-ever winner of the Gopher!

08/19/2024

In Loving Memory of Jim Hermel

It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news of the passing of Jim Hermel, the former promoter of Cannon River Speedway in Morristown, MN. Jim's unwavering dedication to the world of dirt track racing has left an indelible mark on our community and beyond.

As the driving force behind Cannon River Speedway, Jim's passion and vision made a dirt track in small-town-USA Morristown, MN, a place where memories were made and legends were born. His commitment to the sport was also evident in his work elevating the Gopher 50 Charity Late Model race to the premier event it became at Steele County Speedway—a testament to his tireless efforts and love for the racing community.

Jim's legacy will continue to inspire us all, and his absence will be deeply felt by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.

Rest in peace, Jim. Your spirit will forever be a part of Cannon River Speedway.

06/22/2024

Feature winner Dick Grave at the Cannon River Speedway driving for the Wold Brothers! Dick was able to get thru the traffic on the final lap to take home the checkered flag! His famous motor home can be seen in the background to the left!

Fun fact, car owner Rick Wold, is teaching at the University of St. Thomas now!

06/21/2024

Modifieds/ Super Modifieds/ Modified Stocks/ Open Wheel Warriors AND "Hot Pants Night" at the Cannon River Speedway?!?! Promotion at it's finest - Cannon River Speedway was certainly known for getting people to the races... sometimes for everything but the racing.

"(Jim Hermel) says he has a trophy for the girl that looks best in hot pants"

06/20/2024

Who remembers the "Flying Oky" who performed at Cannon River Speedway for the event on July 5, 1974?

The Flying Oky was a motorcycle stuntman who jumped over 5 cars while standing on the seat of his motorcycle...
..unfortunately, he didn't make it safely across and crashed - breaking his legs. The Flying Oky did recover and made a safe journey back home!

Anyone remember who won the race that night?

06/19/2024

The Minnesota-Iowa Challenge at Cannon River Speedway in Morristown, MN, was a significant racing event in 1977, drawing top drivers from both states to compete in high-stakes races. This race was renowned for its competitive spirit and the intense rivalry between Minnesota and Iowa racers.

Seen here is a victory lane photo from Don Sloan from that night with flagman Jack O'Rourke (left), race winner Richie Olson, sponsor Dale Petersohn, and Ronnie Ross (right).

Recap of the race from the Todd Narveson archives:

June 21, 1977 (Cannon River Speedway-Morristown, MN)

Rich Olson started in the second row inside behind P***y Manor of Altoona, WI and Leon Plank of Mondovi, WI at the 3rd Annual Late Model Challenge Cup. Manor led the first six laps when Steve Egersdorf of St. Paul and one lap later Olson was in second. Olson stole the lead from Egersdorf on lap 11 and won the $1,000 to win feature. “I don’t like to lead races like that,” quipped Olson. “I’d just as soon lead the last lap because it takes a really good driver to know how to pace yourself. I don’t think many drivers like to lead a race anyways. Besides, it’s only the last lap that counts.” Bob Shryock of Estherville, IA finished second with Curt Hanson in third, Bill Zwanziger in fourth and Mert Williams in fifth. A total of 38-Late Models competed and promoter Jim Hermel said he was happy with the crowd that almost filled the 2,400-seat grandstand. Al Grannis of Faribault won the Street Stock feature with Terry Underdahl second.

06/18/2024

On June 20, 1978, Cannon River Speedway hosted one of the most thrilling races in its history - the Late Model Challenge Cup. It was a night filled with high-speed action, intense competition, and unforgettable moments.

The top 4 finishers were:
1 - Curt Hansen
2 - Gary Crawford
3 - Jim Kreji
4 - Mert Williams

These drivers not only set a high standard for excellence but also left an indelible mark on the history of Cannon River Speedway. Their legacy continues to inspire racers and fans alike.

Stay tuned for more nostalgic moments and join us as we celebrate the rich history of racing at Cannon River Speedway!

06/17/2024

Cannon River Speedway driver spotlight: Larry Behrens

Larry Behrens, a name synonymous with speed and excellence, made a significant mark in the world of racing, particularly at Cannon River Speedway in Morristown, MN. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Larry's prowess behind the wheel earned him numerous victories and a reputation as one of the fiercest competitors on the track. His dedication, skill, and sportsmanship not only made him a fan favorite but also a respected figure among his peers.

Larry's career at Cannon River Speedway was highlighted by his consistent performances and feature wins, making him a staple in the racing community. His legacy is a testament to the hard work and passion that define the sport of racing.

Tragically, Larry's son, Dwain Behrens, who followed in his father's footsteps, also became a renowned racer. Dwain won the Super Late Models championships at Elko Speedway in 1988 and 1992. His career was tragically cut short by a snowmobile accident in 1993, but his memory and accomplishments continue to inspire and resonate within the racing community. Dwain's posthumous induction into the Elko Speedway Hall of Fame ensures that his legacy, like his father's, will never be forgotten.

06/16/2024

Let's take a trip down memory lane to 1974 when Larry Dahle made was crowned Champion at Cannon River Speedway in Morristown, MN! Larry Dahle clinched the Hobby Stock (Street Stock) Track Championship that year with multiple Feature, Fast Dash, and Heat race wins! Piloting the familiar blue #23, owned by Nordmeier Bros, was a familiar site at Cannon River Speedway's victory lane.

Larry also helped with promoting the Cannon River Speedway snowmobile races! In addition to racing in the Hobby Stock class, he also raced a Super Modified that was tragically destroyed by his brother Lonnie Dahle during hotlaps, prior to the start of the night.

Who remembers that blue 23 in victory lane?

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