A Montezuma County Speedway promoter has been fired and banned from returning the dirt track outside of Cortez after a civil dispute.
Last week, Montezuma County Sheriff Steve Nowlin ordered that a trespass notice be issued to Steven Leigh, 35, of Dolores. The measure serves as a warning to Leigh that he would be arrested for trespassing if he returns to the Montezuma County Fairgrounds.
According to authorities, fairground manager Tanner Young requested the trespass notice after Leigh reportedly acted in a “disruptive and harassing” manner towards a track official during races on July 17 and 18. A race promoter, Leigh was apparently fired after causing a “civil dispute” on July 18.
After becoming argumentative and refusing to leave the fairgrounds on the night in question, a member of the Montezuma County Sheriff’s Posse persuaded Leigh to vacate the premises. Leigh subsequently sped through the pit area in an unsafe manner yelling, “I’ll get you kicked the (expletive) out of here, watch and see.”
Billed as the “Best Clay in the West,” the 3/8-mile oval clay speedway’s racing season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Constructed in 1986, the track holds modified, stock car, sport mod and sport compact races.
The 9th Annual Demolition Derby & UTV Barrel Race is held at the Montezuma County Speedway on Saturday, Aug. 1. Gates open at 5 p.m., followed by the first race at 6 p.m. Adult tickets are $10 each. Kids 7 and under are admitted free.
For more, including entry fees and rules to compete in the demolition derby, visit http://bit.ly/MCderby.
