Lapeer International Dragway Owner Sentenced to Jailtime on Weapons Possession, Track Rumored to Be Going Up for Sale!
Race tracks have had to face a slew of hurdles to keep the gates open year after year. With rising costs on many items, local opposition to noise, and even rising land values, it’s not surprising to see some tracks close their gates for good.
But another reason has recently hit the storied track of Lapeer International Dragway, as news broke today about owner William Jennings being sentenced to six years on multiple firearm possession. Several have hinted about the track going up for sale, possibly putting one of the track stops on Sick Michigan Miles next month in jeopardy.
First opening the gates in July of 1968, Lapeer International Dragway was brought to fruition by brother Ed and Mike Vakula. The quarter-mile track originally started under AHRA (American Hot Rod Association) sanctioning, but was reported to be under NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) sanctioning by early 1969.
Ed purchased his brother Mike’s share in the track and became the sole owner of the facility in 1989. Just under three decades later, William Jennings purchased the operation from Ed, and made significant improvements to the track, including an all-new concrete surface the full quarter-mile length to replace the old concrete and asphalt racing surface.
Around 5 p.m. eastern time today, CKIW Radio 76 shared news that in federal court in Flint, Michigan, that William Jennings had been convicted on a weapons charge. That video is below:
In records obtained by Sick The Magazine, on or around June 30th, 2024, Williams was found with eight firearms. He pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to six years in prison today.
According to CKIW Radio 76, who has been in touch with Lapeer International Dragway, the track will be going up for sale. Nothing has been posted, or an official statement made, by the track as of press time.
Lapeer International Dragway is set to be the Day Five stop on the upcoming Sick Michigan Miles presented by Driven Racing Oil drag and drive event on August 22nd, 2026. Sick The Magazine’s team is working on this developing situation, and when we have further information to share, we will do so!
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of Lapeer International Dragway, video courtesy of CKIW Radio 76.
If you have thoughts / feedback / ideas, please e-mail us at derek@sickthemagazine.com