Second week of racing

The second week of racing at the West Plains Motor Speedway was exciting as the first and totally different. The easterly wind on Easter weekend proved a factor as the track got dry and turned black in just a few laps. The competition remained close as some drivers prefer this type of surface. There are actually two surfaces on a dirt track, according to the weather and the application of the water in the big truck. Sometimes the weather, like wind, humidity, rain, and heat are factors that man can't change, but Don Gibson tries to get a track that fans will love. As I pointed out earlier, the drivers have their preferences and it is mostly related to their engine size, horsepower, or budget. If you've lived with a tight budget you learn to excel on the dry track the demands less horsepower that won't spin the tires and reduce traction.

Those with a little bigger budget and a more powerful engine prefer the heavy track. This is a damp surface that remains red as the clay is naturally and the traction is unbelievable. To walk across that track is to have your shoes stick to it to the point it could pull them off as you walk. I know, I've had it happen to me. The result is a faster race. It is much faster and possible wrecks are more damaging, but there are actually fewer wrecks.

Both kinds of tracks provide exciting racing, but fans seem to prefer the red track to the black. We have had both tracks in 2 weeks, and I assure you, both have been the best. When interviewed Saturday night after his feature win, Fastrak Late Model Director Jeff McGhee reveled in the quality of the WPMS track. This is not unlike the top nationwide professional racers comments on national TV from time to time. What does that mean to a spectator or fan? Every time you go you get the best action possible.

Car counts for the last two weeks have been exceptional as has been the crowds. Now you can't expect to fill the 12,000 seats every week, but ticket sales are up.

Next week's show will bring back some of the best professional racers in a 7 state area. If you're a race fan but have never been to the WPMS you need to make the trip. Hey, there might even be a door prize in it for you. I might remember to ask someone if they read this blog, and give them a door prize. Make sure you say hi. The other day a friend ask me if the fish in the picture talked if you touch it. I assure you it does not. But that's another story. Back to the race on the 18th. This will be a preview of some of the Show-Me 100 competitors, and you will be taken with the performance of the 750 HP engines and $40,000.00 cars and NASCAR style haulers.

Come to the races and take advantage of affordable entertainment and high speed excitement.

The kids or grandkids will love it as much as the Old Kids.