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MIDDLEBURY TWP. — Rex Wheeler, owner of Owosso Speedway, was named 2025 Citizen of the Year by the Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday. The award, which recognizes citizens who contribute to the betterment of the community, has been presented annually since 1982. When Wheeler purchased Owosso Speedway in 2022, the venue only had 4,000 seats. When the gates opened in late April for the 2025 season, the track accommodated up to 11,000 people. Wheeler is continuing his work to take Owosso Speedway to the next level, telling The Argus-Press in February that the end goal includes an expansion to 20,000 seats, a campground with 300 campsites, two restaurants and a hotel. “Rex has become one of the most impactful and passionate ambassadors for Shiawassee County, with a vision that extends far beyond our borders and a heart rooted deeply in our community,” the Chamber wrote in a statement posted on Facebook. “His dedication to revitalizing and expanding the Owosso Speedway has brought regional and national attention to Mid Michigan, creating a ripple effect of economic opportunity and community pride … These ambitious projects promise to make Owosso a destination for racing and entertainment, while supporting local businesses and putting Shiawassee County on the map in a major way.” According to the Chamber, Owosso Speedway is one of the top five employers in the county. When you factor in Wheeler Trucking, which he opened in 2010, Wheeler’s combined operations rank among the largest employers in Shiawassee County. “It’s an honor to be able to do that. We’ve worked awful hard,” Wheeler said. “Between my trucking company and Owosso Speedway, I was told we’re the second-largest employer right behind Memorial Healthcare.” Wheeler Trucking has operations in seven states and employs just under 500 people. Wheeler estimates more than half of those employees are based in Shiawassee County. Wheeler has spent most of his life in the area, moving to New Lothrop at age 5. He graduated from New Lothrop High School in 1985 and still calls the town home today. “There’s no better place to do business than Shiawassee County, so I’m honored to be chosen for this award,” he said. Wheeler will be honored with a formal presentation of the award at the Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner on June 12. The Citizen of the Year Award is sponsored by The Argus-Press.
MIDDLEBURY TWP. — Rex Wheeler, owner of Owosso Speedway, was named 2025 Citizen of the Year by the Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday.
The award, which recognizes citizens who contribute to the betterment of the community, has been presented annually since 1982.
When Wheeler purchased Owosso Speedway in 2022, the venue only had 4,000 seats. When the gates opened in late April for the 2025 season, the track accommodated up to 11,000 people.
Wheeler is continuing his work to take Owosso Speedway to the next level, telling The Argus-Press in February that the end goal includes an expansion to 20,000 seats, a campground with 300 campsites, two restaurants and a hotel.
“Rex has become one of the most impactful and passionate ambassadors for Shiawassee County, with a vision that extends far beyond our borders and a heart rooted deeply in our community,” the Chamber wrote in a statement posted on Facebook. “His dedication to revitalizing and expanding the Owosso Speedway has brought regional and national attention to Mid Michigan, creating a ripple effect of economic opportunity and community pride … These ambitious projects promise to make Owosso a destination for racing and entertainment, while supporting local businesses and putting Shiawassee County on the map in a major way.”
According to the Chamber, Owosso Speedway is one of the top five employers in the county. When you factor in Wheeler Trucking, which he opened in 2010, Wheeler’s combined operations rank among the largest employers in Shiawassee County.
“It’s an honor to be able to do that. We’ve worked awful hard,” Wheeler said. “Between my trucking company and Owosso Speedway, I was told we’re the second-largest employer right behind Memorial Healthcare.”
Wheeler Trucking has operations in seven states and employs just under 500 people. Wheeler estimates more than half of those employees are based in Shiawassee County.
Wheeler has spent most of his life in the area, moving to New Lothrop at age 5. He graduated from New Lothrop High School in 1985 and still calls the town home today.
“There’s no better place to do business than Shiawassee County, so I’m honored to be chosen for this award,” he said.
Wheeler will be honored with a formal presentation of the award at the Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner on June 12.
The Citizen of the Year Award is sponsored by The Argus-Press.