Cocopah Speedway general manager steps down
Tom Dalen retiring from position after 2 years
Roughly two months from the resumption of racing at Cocopah Speedway, the Somerton oval finds itself without a general manager.
Tom Dalen, who has been overseeing operations of the track since August 2016, has resigned the position, effective immediately.
“FYI! I have decided to step down as General Manager of Cocopah Speedway!” stated Dalen in a Facebook post on Aug. 1.
“Thanks to the Cocopah Indian Tribe for the opportunity to lead the speedway. I have made some good friends – and a few enemies – and have enjoyed being a part of a great track and I would like to thank all the employees for all their hard work. “I’m not leaving Yuma but want to go back to going home for the summer and I am going to retire and go enjoy some racing! Peace out!” The 2018 schedule at the track is supposed to resume on Sept. 29, with Round 7 in the Cocopah Speedway Racing Series. The Cocopah Tribe, owner of the track, is “reassessing what we’re going to do moving forward,” said Gary Magrino, business development manager overseeing the noncasino enterprises for the tribe, speaking about Dalen’s departure and finding a replacement. “Tom did an outstanding job as the Co-
copah Speedway manager and we are sorry to see him go, but we are happy to say that Tom plans to continue helping out at the track as we move forward.
“During his time at the track Tom brought a new level of excitement and enthusiasm to the speedway for racers and fans.”
Dalen took the reins following the resignation of former general manager Greg Burgess in February of 2016. Dalen assumed control on an interim basis, and officially assumed control of the track as general manager in August of that year.
Since taking over control, Dalen said what he is most proud of is the introduction of the Masters and Sportsman Mini Dwarf racing divisions, for
children between five and 13 years old.
“The highlight for me would have to be adding the junior racers to our program,” said Dalen in an interview with the Yuma Sun. “Watching those kids get out of their cars in victory lane was the absolute best feeling! The smiles, the look of accomplishment, and all the proud parents and grandparents. That made my night!”
As far as what he would have liked to have accomplished, Dalen said he wanted to add a new, lost car stock car class to the show.”
Dalen is from North Dakota, where he cut his racing teeth, so to speak.
“This is my dream job,” said Dalen, when he took over as Cocopah Speedway’s general manager.
He was already a part of the speedway staff, serving as head flagman.