As spring has finally arrived and summer is on the verge of being here, there's one thing that has finally arrived, too. Dirt track racing season. And yes, I have been patiently waiting for it. Whether you've been going since Mom and Dad dragged you there as a kid for some inexpensive family fun, if a family member of yours races, or even if it's your first time going, here are 10 things about going to the races.
1. You become addicted.
The only comparison I can think of is when someone starts smoking cigarettes, which is a very poor comparison on my end. After you go a couple times you can guarantee you’ll get hooked and want to go every week. When the season's over with and you have to wait that long winter period, you’ll get withdrawals and just want to go racing. Racing is pretty much a drug - highly addictive, and no you won’t stop going anytime soon.
(Stephen Kneer of Brunswick, NY driver of the #21K Sportsman at Albany Saratoga Speedway.)
2. Dirt in your food.
You either get used to this, or you just don’t eat. Here’s a tip, though. Live by these wise words I’m about to tell you: a little dirt don’t hurt. Yup, that’s right, all that dirt you get in your food from the cushion or just the dust flying in general is not going to hurt you, but all of us regulars know that. Here’s a secret: it’s just extra protein anyway.
(Ivan Joslin of Fultonville, NY driver of the #94 Pro Stock at Albany Saratoga Speed way and Fonda Speedway.)
3. You have a favorite driver.
It may be just because of the design and colors on the car or you may know that driver personally and have maybe been a longtime fan. Even if you just like their unique driving style, it may spark something inside you. You have a favorite and you will proudly support them no matter what the costs may be from buying merchandise to rooting for them hardcore in the stands. You’re a fan and that’s all that matters.
(Jason Corbin of Rensselear, NY driver of the #8 Pro Stock at Lebanon Valley Speedway, he will also be following the Dirt Car Tour.)
4. 50/50 tickets.
Sold by the famous 50/50 girls at the track, these babies are pretty much known as the lottery of racing, probably with better odds of winning here at the track than hitting the mega millions. You may buy one or you may buy a lot; that chance to win something is what drives us all to buy a ticket every now and then. Even if the prize is a signed picture of a racer or a Freihofer’s bread box, or you might get lucky and win the money which is what we all hope for. Overall, it’s still a prize and you’ll still get excited from the chance to maybe win something big.
(Courtney, 50/50 girl at Albany Saratoga Speedway and Lebanon Valley Speedway. Photo Credits are given to A New View Photography- Brooke Colpack.)
5. The friendships.
The friends you make at the track will most likely be some of the best friends you will ever have in your life. You will get so used to seeing each other every weekend, and form such a strong friendship over the nights spent at the track - even hanging out outside of the track too!
(Chris Ronca of Clifton Park, NY driver of the #7R Sportsman at Albany Saratoga Speedway.)
6. Hometown pride.
There’s something about the local racing scene that brings everyone at the track together, and that’s the pride we all have in being a little local track with drivers who put their all into their cars and when they’re driving on the track and seeing everyone you’ve come to know. You won’t get this hometown feeling anywhere else.
(Aaron Burton of Sharon Springs, NY driver of the #26A Sportsman at Fonda Speedway, he will also be catching some King of Dirt Races throughout the season.)
7. The competitive atmosphere.
There’s something about two racers neck and neck racing for that checkered flag. It gets you on the edge of your seat every time. That sudden feeling that anything could happen on that last lap and that anything will happen is what keeps this competitive spirit alive inside us all, it’s thrilling, exhilarating and totally worth the suspense.
(Demetrios Drellos of Queensbury, NY driver of the #111 Small Block Modified at Lebanon Valley Speedway, and the #111 Big Block Modified at Albany Saratoga Speedway he will also be following the King of Dirt Small Block Modified series. Photo credits are given to Lucas Ballard, one of Drellos’ biggest fans.)
8. The special event nights.
Although these nights are far and few and between, they’re still something that most look forward too. Helping out local people and giving to charities are always something special. For example, that fight against cancer fundraiser; not only raising awareness for cancer in general, but helping out a local family in need. Fourth of July fireworks, kiddie rides, bike raffle night, and the four-wheeler motorcycle night are just some of the "regular" events that take place every season. It’s a special treat to mix things up every once in awhile.
(Bike Raffle night at Albany Saratoga Speedway 2016, Malta NY, Photo Credits are given to Albany Saratoga Speedway.)
9. You have a favorite class.
There are so many classes of cars when you’re at the track from modifies all the way down to four cylinders and many classes in between. But there’s always a class that you hold close to your heart. This could be due to having a favorite driver who runs in that class or just the excitement you feel from watching that class race. Everyone is different, but we all enjoy one class more than the rest even if we won’t admit it.
(Cliff Haslun of Schoharie, NY driver of the #13 Street Stock at Fonda Speedway. Photo credits are given to Daniel Haslun Cliff’s son.)
10. You hate the rain.
You might have hated the rain before. "It’s not too bad, right?" you thought just cold and wet. It’ll pass, but you’ll never have the amount of hate for it as you do now. You dread the rain. With racing, when it rains it pours, which means no racing. No racing means that you have to wait until next week or the next day if you plan on going to a different track. This is why you’d much rather prefer your weekends to look like the photo below.
(Lebanon Valley Speedway 2016, West Lebanon, NY. Photo credits are given to Lebanon Valley Speedway.)
A big thank you is given to everyone who submitted a photo of their car and contributed a photo in general. This article wouldn’t have happened without you guys. With that said… LET THE 2017 RACING SEASON BEGIN!
