Retrieving Freedom Receives $1,000 Donation

By Quentin Weed
UCM Student & Townsquare Intern

During the ninth consecutive year of racing for a cause at the historic State Fair Speedway, organizers Larry McCown and Randy Combs dedicated the 2025 race with 3,500 fans in attendance to the memory of Barabara Hayden.

Hayden had given support for the Missouri State Fair for years and was unwavering in preserving the legacy of Sedalia dirt track racing.

In addition to the dedication, organizers stayed true to their mission of giving back to the Sedalia Community, a tradition that has lasted nine years and seen over $100,000 given to local charities and organizations using proceeds from the race.

Past recipients include SC Robotics, SC JROTC, Dialysis, Child Safe, Elks Christmas Fund, State Fair Community College, Bothwell Auxiliary, Open Door, Youth Big Deer Hunt Event, DARE Car Show Benefit, and the Dream Factory.

This year’s donation of $1,000 was proudly presented to the nonprofit organization Retrieving Freedom, Inc. This organization trains Service Dogs and places them with veterans with disabilities and children with autism at no cost to the recipients.

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Of the donation, State Fair Speedway organizer McCown said, “we’re thrilled to support their [Retrieving Freedom, Inc.’s] mission to change lives right here in our community.”  He added that “the dedication of sponsors” like W-K Family Dealerships, Central Bank, CED, Starline Brass, Yeager’s, Auto Glass Express, Bothwell Peak & Shine, O’Reilly Auto Parts, and many more, alongside the support of fans, are what make these events possible and what “keeps Sedalia’s racing tradition alive and meaningful.”

For more information about Retrieving Freedom and to see their mission in action, you can attend their upcoming open house tour and service dog demonstration on December 16 or January 20 at 1 p.m. at 20360 Tangle Nook Road, Sedalia, Missouri. RSVP for the events by calling 660-586-2055 or visiting www.retrievingfreedom.org.

For more information on how you can support State Fair Speedway’s mission in 2026, contact Larry McCown at 660-221-5707.