Poplar Grove Speedway was built on family land with one simple goal: to give racers of all ages a place to compete, grow, and experience the thrill of kart racing.
About Us
Poplar Grove Speedway is owned and operated by Holly and Tim Mortenson, proud citizens of Kamrar, Iowa. Inspired by their grandson’s love for go-kart racing, they built the track on their family-owned farm to give him—and the entire community—a place to race close to home.
Since its opening, Poplar Grove has become a tight-knit hub of kart racing. Holly and Tim are passionate about hiring local, building a team that feels more like family than staff. You’ll find Tomlinson Announcing on the mic, Lil Moments Photography capturing every lap, and a community of racers and fans who bring the energy every race day.
Photo of Staff by Lil Moments Photography (LMP Racing Photography)
Fun Events!
Poplar Grove Speedway offers more than just thrilling go-kart racing—we're a place where families come together. Our race season is packed with fun events for everyone, including:
🎉 Star Wars Day with themed costumes and prizes
🇺🇸 Memorial Day Money Races
🍬 Candy Toss for kids between races
🎲 Track Bingo with prize pots
🎥 Movies Under the Stars on the infield
🎆 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular
Whether you're a racer or a fan, there's something for everyone to enjoy at Poplar Grove Speedway!
Meet the Team
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![Group of people at an awards ceremony at Poplar Grove Speedway, Central Iowa, with a large check for 'Adult Heavy' and a banner overhead displaying 'Poplar Grove Speedway' and 'Central Iowa's Fun Track'.]()
Holly and Tim Mortenson
FOUNDER
With a vision for building a race track and something that could bring a community together, they decided to open Poplar Grove Speedway. -
![A woman taking a photo of a group of people holding checkered flags and a banner at a race track, with a row of tires and a pickup truck in the background.]()
Mysti Wagner
Photographer
Mysti has been on the track for 6 years and documents every race she attends. She is always capturing the moments of action and the details we may sometimes miss. -
![Woman sitting on a bench with shadows on her face, wearing a beige sleeveless top and wide-legged pants, against a modern wall with wood paneling.]()
Rodney Tomlinson
Announcer
Rodney, owner of Tomlinson Announcing, has been our go-to voice on the mic. Not only does he bring unmatched energy, but he has also played a big role in mentoring and training both Will and Cade. His impact goes beyond the mic, helping shape the next generation of our announcing team while creating an atmosphere our racers and fans love. -
![A young man with dark skin, short hair, wearing a gray polo shirt and beige pants, sitting on a cream-colored bench against a beige wall, with a shadow cast to his right side.]()
Cade Tomlinson
Flag Man/Announcer
Cade has been our main flagman for the past couple of years, but many fans may remember him from his time on the mic alongside Rodney. His experience both in the stand and on the track brings a unique perspective to his role, and we’re lucky to have him.
