Monday, June 24, 2013

Stock Car Races

There were stock car races at the fairgrounds in Cortez this weekend, so Friday after dinner we headed down there.  The website said that the races started at 8pm, so we arrived at 7:30 to get a good seat in the bleachers . . . . we didn’t need to . . . obviously, stock car races are not nearly as popular as the rodeo around here!

When we arrived, they were still watering the track,

Watering the track

and we found out that the races weren’t going to start until sunset.  We had some time to kill, so Bryce and I made a run to Walmart to pick up a few things I needed and some snacks for during the races.  We got back just as the sun was dropping below the mountains to the west.

Sunset over Cortez

To the east, we could see the smoke from the wildfire burning just over the mountains from us.

Colorado wildfire in the distance

Finally, it was time for the action to start and the cars came out on the track.

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Modified Sport Class

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bryce and I had our favorites for each race . . . sometimes we would pick a winner, and sometimes we wouldn’t!

My 1st choice car - but he didn't do very well!

The races were noisy, and dusty, and occasionally dangerous as cars spun out, cut corners and ran into the giant tires that lined the infield. 

They needed him a few times!

Most of the time, the cars could recover from their crashes and continue in the race, but there were a few times when the tow truck was called out!

The wheels aren't supposed to turn that way!

After a short intermission, it was time for the main event.  First up was the sport compact class, with only 1 entrant . . . and we got to watch him race 6 laps around the track . . . by himself!!  Talk about exciting . . .

He was in a class by himself!

and he won!!

OK, with that out of the way, the real racing started!

Lots of yellow flags in this race!

They started with a field of 15, and I think 6 actually finished the race!

These guys didn't make it to the end!

By the time this 20-lap races was over, we were surrounded by a cloud of dust . . . and my camera battery had died!  The race officials also decided that the track had gotten too dangerous and dusty, so they cancelled the last two races.  We were bummed that we didn’t get to see these last races, but we were also tired of sitting on the hard bleachers and ready to go home.

It was dusty and noisy . . . but we all had fun!

2 comments:

  1. Whoa...what a dusty, noisy way to have some fun;o)) So sad to see all the fires... Sure hope they end soon. Stay safe and keep having fun!!

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  2. That kind of racing brings back memories for Kathy and I as we grew up going to Checker Flag Raceway just over a mile from where we now live. It was always fun for everyone but alas progress took its toll. Developement of neighborhoods and then complaints of the noise soon closed it down. Be Safe and Enjoy!

    It's about time.

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