...and now for something completely different

Attending at least one new speedway every racing season brings forth a challenge for me, and this year was no different. Finding the time, and an event that peaks my interest, is the first step in this process. Fortunately, I got lucky this summer and went to two race tracks I have never been to before.
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My first venture came when Tony Stewart and Rico Abreu were to appear for an IRA 410 sprint car event at Angell Park Speedway. During the pack down and hot lap sessions, it was interesting to watch cars returning to the pits. There is only one way on and off the track at turn four with a cut across lane for cars exiting the track. Keeping their sprinters moving, drivers have to time it just right to negotiate the turn four traffic; stopping is not an option, as this would stall their engines. The track was fast and new records were set during qualifying, but the rain came down and put an end to the night of racing.

​When they chose a rain date, Stewart returned, and so did I with the same enthusiasm as I had on my first trip to this speedway. The track might not have been as fast, but the racing was fantastic none the less with cars running the high groove in the turns. Never before have I seen sprint cars run that close to the wall. These competitors have unbelievable driving skills. After the show, we made our trip to Angell Park complete with a walk through the pits. Tony and his #14 sprint car were available for those seeking a picture or an autograph. Angell Park Speedway is well worth the trip if you’re looking for new place to satisfy your need for speed on the dirt.
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The race track up in Plymouth, at the Sheboygan County Fair Park, has been on my list for a long time. It was the perfect time to check out this unique speedway as it was “Past Champions Night” and the Badgerland Vintage Racers were scheduled to race. First of all, the grandstand seating is the most comfortable I’ve seen at a local track. Everyone gets a backrest therefore, no need for a stadium seat. When there’s a rain delay, the roof over the stands keeps everyone dry. Umbrellas also not needed. This grandstand design seems to keep the dust away from the fans as back pressure must make it blow on down the way and not up into the seating area. No need for goggles. What makes this track quite different, is that cars entering the track pass by the grandstand in a lane outside the oval and enter the track at turn one. This allows the fans to watch the push starts as they go by the stands and one can keep an eye on the cars lining up for the next race. I enjoy being able to see who’s “on deck”. The racing was excellent with MSA 360 sprint cars swapping the lead and the Grand National race having a three way battle for the lead. I forget sometimes how much fun a dirt track can be. It was also nice to see the vintage looking modifies traverse the dirt. Walking the pits was an enormous task as it is a fair park and they have more than enough space for drivers to park their haulers. I will definitely be attending Plymouth Dirt Track Racing on a more regular basis.

This year I’ve added two more tracks to the dirt side of my speedway list. It is, and always will be, my mission to seek out a new place to enjoy auto racing in Wisconsin. So take my advice before the winter woes set in and attend an auto racing track, one that’s new and completely different

We’re always looking to explore new speedways. Please share your track experiences with us so that we can keep adding to our list.