Dirt from the Stands by Greg Cybulski
OF RACING AND WOMEN
I was sitting around my usual hangout at Winnipeg's Red River Co-op Speedway one Thursday night when I saw something that really put a smile on my face. In front of my section were a few young ladies, all decked out in bright pink clothes, waving signs and cheering for Tayvia Dorge. For those of you who do not know Tayvia, she races in our Super Truck division. Even better was the fact that Ms. Dorge was on her way to victory. When she crossed the finish line they went crazy! The announcers picked up on this party and spread the love over the PA system.
What is this? People having fun at the speedway on a Thursday night?
Racing is serious business! This is no time to be partying! Preposterous!
Quite frankly, it's about time.
For those of you, and especially the ladies reading this, who had some preconceived notion that a dirt race track is some kind of "Men's Only Club", you couldn't be further from the truth. More than ever, women are involved in literally every aspect of the racing community including track photography, vending, crewing and racing.
Did I mention racing? Red River Co-op Speedway featured female drivers in no less than 6 different car classes in 2009.
While stock car racing's biggest game struggles to find it's token poster girl, there doesn't appear to be a problem at the grass roots level.
Looking for a fun night out with the family? Today's speedways offer exciting, non-stop entertainment for the whole family at a reasonable price. In this day of economic struggle and tightened belts, isn't it good to know that there are places where you can go for a few hours, enjoy yourself and still have a little money left over in your pocket?
The racing season is over for 2009, but in the spring of 2010, Red River Co-op Speedway will once again open it's gates to a new season.
Whether you choose to be a fan in the stands or take a more active roll in racing, once that first engine fires up, the party will begin once more.
Come join us, won't you?
Until next time...
Take care and good racing,
Greg Cybulski
