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.
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.
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.
Tonight the World of Outlaws rolled into Clay County Fairgrounds for the Arnold Motor Supply Shootout. Points leader Donny Schatz was riding the largest point lead of the season with a 72 point advantage over Craig Dollansky.
Looking for some good entertainment? Just watch Tim Kaeding. In perhaps the pass of the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series season, Kaeding slid championship points leader Donny Schatz in turn four on the final lap to earn his fourth Outlaws win of the season on Monday at Antioch Speedway.
A pair of drivers in contention for the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series championship took a major hit on Thursday while a four-time champion survived a treacherous track on the opening night of the 59th annual Gold Cup Race of Champions at Silver Dollar Speedway.
Well Skagit is in the books. It was exciting. It was thrilling. In the end for one young man it was magical down right fairy tale if you want to be real honest about it. It is a rare thing that a local driver can come to the greatest show on dirt and beat the greatest drivers in the world. Very Very rare.