In mid-March, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to support the renovation of the Penrose Park Velodrome in North St. Louis. Now in its 56th year, the asphalt track, affectionately known as “Mr. Bumpy Face,” needs a facelift to: repair major cracks, repave the surface in concrete, build an interior foundation wall to stabilize the structure, and add drainage in the infield.

According to the GoFundMe page, the project has already been bid by the St. Louis Board of Public Service (BPS) and is simply awaiting the final funding and contract execution. However, the low bid of roughly $655,000 was higher than estimated, and as a result, the project needs an additional $30,000 to $35,000 to combine with the funds committed by the City of St. Louis.

“If we get this over the finish line, we’ll have a much better track for the next 20 years. If we don’t, there is no serious plan B,” said St. Louis Alderman Scott Ogilvie. “St. Louis has had a velodrome since at least the 1930s. Let’s make it 100 years. Track racing will not die in St. Louis on our watch.”

Donations to the Fix the Penrose Park Velodrome campaign are tax deductible. Contribute at gofundme.com/penrose-park-velodrome.