The new racing season is always filled with excitement and anticipation. Speedways and racing teams prepare to get things rolling. Fans look forward to returning to their favourite dirt tracks, to sit on the edge of their seats and enjoy an evening of dirt-slinging action.
In parts of North America this did happen. Other parts of the continent have not been so lucky as Mother Nature dictated the course of Spring.
The Good
Estevan Motor Speedway has enjoyed not only good weather but fantastic racing as well. The track has produced some phenomenal performances with plenty of passing.
On May 17, Darn TV ponied up an extra $500.00 if an IMCA Modified driver would start from the back of the field and win the 25 lap feature. Travis Hagen, Tyson Turnbull and Zach Dockter accepted the challenge. Working his way through the 22 car field, it would be Williston, North Dakota's Travis Hagen capturing the checkered flag and collecting the $900.00 first place prize plus the $500.00 bonus.
On June 1, Estevan hosted a Stock Car Invitational which produced 23 Stock Car entrants. Midale, Saskatchewan's Devon Gonas brought his #47 IMCA Stock Car from 19th to 3rd place in a 15 lap feature.
Estevan Motor Speedway's Board of Directors recently made a donation to Muscular Dystrophy Canada in support of Riley Raynard's fundraising efforts through LAPS4MD. The beauty of LAPS4MD is anyone can make a donation through the website link and receive a tax receipt for their generosity. Whether you're a racing team wanting to get involved or a fan of racing and want to make a donation, LAPS4MD is a worthwhile cause.
People helping people. That's what it's all about.
The Bad
Bad weather played havoc on the recently run Tougher Than Dirt Tour. The 2nd Annual tour event, featuring IMCA Northern SportMods and IMCA Hobby Stocks, was to visit a total of 4 tracks, Only McLean County Speedway in Underwood, North Dakota and Estevan Motor Speedway were able to run. Williston Basin Speedway and Nodak Speedway were rained out.
Dirt track racing has been and will always be at the mercy of the elements. Hopefully next year's tour goes a lot smoother.
It would appear that efforts to get the Lightning Sprint class back up and running North of the border have come to a halt.
Open wheel racing seems to go in cycles in Manitoba. After 2 years of trying, the results have shown that it was not the right time to have the Lightning Sprints return. The culture in this area has changed and open wheel racing does not appear to be a part of it.
Thanks to Lance Prystenski and those who supported the Prairie Lightning Sprint Association for their efforts.
The Ugly
Mother Nature has been anything but kind to friend Hot Rod Pattison and crew at I-90 Speedway in Hartford, South Dakota. Rain combined with sitting water from saturated ground have caused numerous delays in what is to be their grand reopening season. Opening Day was originally scheduled for Saturday, May 11th. To date, they have suffered 5 straight cancellations.
In the end, they will get drying weather, they will have their Opening Day and it will be a day to celebrate.
Until next time race fans, take care and good racing.
For additional Saskatchewan Dirt Track Racing, Sprint Car Racing and more, follow @SaskDirtRacing on Twitter.
