Back in February this night was a long way away. No one thought much about it. There were 81 races yet to be run. A summer yet to come filled with thrills spills and challenges.
In the shadow of the big track at Charlotte stands one of the fastest and most challenging dirt tracks in our country. It is known simply as the dirt track at Charlotte.
Saturday in Pevely Missouri was a storm of racing activity. Two make up dates for the World of Outlaws in a single day. The Iron Man A Main postponed by rain in August was first up and then the Spring Classic make up from earlier in the year were both set to be run on the same day.
Cold and damp. Those are the best descriptions for Rolling Wheels Raceway Saturday night. But cold has never been a deterrent for the Outlaws or their fans. Cold or not when the gates opened at 5PM New York time the crowds began to pour in. With hot laps on the track and not many empty seats seen there was still a line of traffic to get onto the raceway's grounds.
They say that history is fluid. They say it has ebbs and tides just like the ocean. If that is true then Donny Schatz is hitting high tide at the perfect time of the year, the end. But Donny Schatz has more than that in common with history.
There was a heaviness in the air. A foreboding if you will. The clouds were gathering just beyond the track and the smell of rain became apparent on the wind. It was a hurry up qualifying session for the Commonwealth Clash at Lernerville Speedway. Hurry up next one we can get it in. Hurry up and go. But all the hurrying in the world wasn't enough even with 12 second laps, at 6:25 EDT the winds and the rain came. Fans were advised to leave the grandstands and take cover. Crews rushed to trailer their cars. Qualifying would have to be started over.
After a three year absence from Eagle Speedway, the Outlaws return was an exciting one. The Outlaw show brought with it some big names, Danny Lasoski, Brian Brown, and the current reigning Sprint Cup Champion, Tony Stewart. The 21 car field was a stacked deck. Every car was fast and every driver determined. When the night was over the World of Outlaws did not disappoint
When the World of Outlaws pulled into the Deer Creek Speedway for the FVP Clash, no one had any idea how eventful the night would be. Not the fans. Not the drivers. Not the sanctioning body. Not even the track owners. Everyone knew it would be an exciting show because it was the World of Outlaws, but no one knew just how exciting it would be.
