Estevan Motor Speedway hosted a big $1,000-to-Win Hobby Stock weekend event called Dirt Wars. My son, Aaron, and I were fortunate to make the trip out and witness two fast and slightly different kinds of race nights. Here are a few notes from the weekend.
The speedway had a new LED lighting system installed and the results are fantastic. As soon as the sun starts setting, the track is lit up completely which makes viewing good for everyone through the entire racing program.
Night One was Kids Night and the folks at the speedway did it up right. Firstly, kids got in free. The stands were full of families taking advantage of the promotion. Prizes and giveaways were supplied by the drivers and a local toy store. There was a colouring contest which had quite a few entrants. There was also a candy toss and driver autograph session during intermission. People were definitely enjoying themselves and the kids were having a lot of fun.
I've always been a fan of autograph sessions. They allow fans to interact with the drivers. A short conversation or signed hero card can make all the difference to someone's day and possibly the way they view local racing.
Car counts were excellent for Dirt Wars weekend. Saturday's counts were IMCA Modifieds - 31, IMCA Sport Mods - 15, IMCA Hobby Stocks - 27, IMCA Stock Cars - 14 and Slingshots - 11. Click Here for Night One racing results.
The track was smooth and extremely fast on Saturday with 3 and 4 wide racing all over the place. So much so that at times, we lost track of where everyone was on the 3/8 mile high-banked dirt oval.
The best change made to the speedway's program in 2019 was putting the slingshot class on the big track. These little alcohol-burning cars can motor at a good speed and watching these young up-and-coming drivers go flat out is a treat.
Sunday'a finale started out on the rough side. Track conditions were very dusty for the heats, something the drivers were struggling with. The track's surface was worked over during intermission. The results were very positive as racing returned to form for the features.
When the dirt settled, the 2019 Dirt Wars $1,000 first prize went to the 52L Hobby Stock of Lampman, Saskatchewan's Landon Runge. See the rest of the night's results Here.
A scary moment on Sunday night. During the Hobby Stock feature, Riley Raynard tried to avoid a spunout car while entering Turn 3. In doing so his car went over the cushion, onto the grass toward the pit area at a high rate of speed, and went head-on into a large Yuke tire. Thankfully, Raynard was not injured. In fact he was able to get his 97R Hobby Stock back on the track to finish the race, much to the delight of a cheering crowd.
Humorous moment of the weekend. Watching the water truck spraying anyone standing too close to the front stretch wall. I'm not sure how the recipients of the shower felt, but the scene caused a crowd chuckle in the stands.
Track president Byron Fichter was patrolling the front stretch with his camera on Sunday. Peaceful is the person who is doing what they love. I think Byron is in his happy place when he is shooting a race.
Finally, drivers lined up along the front stretch wall. Members of Estevan Motor Speedway delivered a touching speech to the large crowd which included a history of racing in the Estevan area. Thanks went out to the fans, drivers, volunteers and everyone associated with making the speedway what it is today.
Connecting with people in this way is important. It shows that they are cared for.
Congratulations, Estevan Motor Speedway on 20 years of racing. See you on Championship Night.
Until next time race fans, take care and good racing.
For additional Dirt Track Racing, Sprint Car Racing and more, follow @SaskDirtRacing on Twitter.
