Caden Stites Named Track Manager at Beacon Dragway

Beacon Dragway is thrilled to announce Caden Stites as its new track manager for the 2025 season

Paducah, KY – December 9, 2024 – Beacon Dragway is thrilled to announce the appointment of Caden Stites as its new track manager for the 2025 season. At just 22 years old, Stites becomes the youngest manager in the track’s history, bringing fresh energy, a wealth of experience, and a bold vision for the future of motorsports in Paducah and beyond.

A third-generation bracket racer, Stites’ passion for drag racing is woven into his DNA. From hitting the track the moment he turned 16 to announcing races before he could legally drive, Stites has spent his life immersed in the sport. His multifaceted career also includes writing for DragChamp, serving as EDR Motorsports’ marketing manager, and competing in numerous events himself. Now, he transitions into a leadership role that will allow him to shape the future of Beacon Dragway while staying closely connected to racers and fans alike.

“I am incredibly grateful for the faith Keith Murt has placed in me,” said Stites. “To have him hand me the keys to Beacon Dragway and grant me the freedom to help elevate it to new heights is both an honor and a privilege. It has been a lifelong dream of mine to leave an impact on the sport I love so deeply, and I truly feel that God has put me in a position to do just that at Beacon. I am beyond excited to embrace this new chapter, where I can experience race days from a fresh perspective outside of the driver’s seat.”

Since opening in May 2013, Beacon Dragway has been a cornerstone of the Paducah motorsports community. The 1/8-mile facility, situated on 120+ acres, boasts a state-of-the-art timing system, top-notch track prep equipment, and modern amenities including climate-controlled bathrooms, an on-site café, and a newly renovated bar. Beacon Dragway offers a safe, adrenaline-filled environment for racers and fans, featuring weekly bracket classes such as Super Pro, Pro, Footbrake, Trophy, Motorcycle, and Junior Dragsters.

Under Stites’ leadership, Beacon Dragway aims to:

• Host marquee events such as the Beacon Bottom Bulb Bash and Beacon Doorcar Battle.
• Expand motorsports participation by engaging local teens and college students.
• Diversify programming with non-traditional events to attract new audiences.
• Revitalize the weekly bracket program, ensuring a competitive yet family-friendly atmosphere.
• Collaborate with the community to make a meaningful impact on the lives of local youth.

Owner Keith Murt expressed confidence in Stites’ ability to lead Beacon Dragway into a new era. “I am absolutely thrilled about the immense potential Caden brings to the table in 2025,” Murt said. “From our very first conversation, it was clear that he possesses wisdom far beyond his years. His knowledge of the sport, coupled with his ambition to try new things, make him an invaluable addition to our team. What truly sets him apart, though, is his ability to connect with anyone. After seeing his vision and passion firsthand, the decision to bring him on board was an easy and unanimous one among myself and the entire Beacon Dragway staff.”

As track manager, Stites will oversee everything from event promotion and scheduling to assisting with track prep and resolving race-day issues. His focus on creative event programming and facility improvements promises to position Beacon Dragway as a premier destination for racers and fans throughout the Midwest.

For more information about Beacon Dragway’s upcoming events and programs, follow them on Facebook at Beacon Dragway.

Contact:
Caden Stites — 662-587-7422 — caden@racebeacondragway.com