Raceway manager fired after assault allegations / LJWorld.com

Archive for Friday, August 18, 2000

The Associated Press

August 18, 2000

Dodge City — The general manager of Dodge City Raceway park was fired following accusations that he punched a fire safety crew member after a racing session, City Manager John Deardoff said.

Gary Sokola was fired Monday, two days after the incident. No charges have been announced, but police say a report has been filed.

An oil spill during the races Saturday led to a confrontation between Sokola and the fire-safety crew, raceway spokeswoman Heather Ghumm said. She said the disagreement began during the races, when the fire safety crew and Sokola argued about whether to remove oil from the track or to continue racing.

Sokola told the fire crew that no cleanup was necessary, but drivers refused to race until the oil was removed. Eventually, it was.

"It was an issue of a lot of tension between Mr. Sokola and the safety crew," Ghumm said. "Things had been building throughout the night."

Sokola admitted hitting the fire crew member after the races, Deardoff said.

"We took the action we felt appropriate," Deardoff said. "We cannot and will not tolerate that type of behavior, which we feel is inappropriate and unprofessional."

Ghumm will assume most of the day-to-day management operations at the racetrack, Deardoff said.