by Larry Lowrey Jr.
Rain not only causes problems with the surface itself, but it also keeps workers from being able to do their jobs getting the track into racing shape!
Don’t fear Salina Speedway fans, promoter Tommy Hendrickson and his bunch have been at it all week long getting ready for this Friday night’s races. In between showers the crews have been working on a host of issues and seem to have them ready to roll when the track opens up on Friday night.
Most racers in the area know that a track’s racing surface will change from time to time. Dryslick, heavy, rough and smooth are just a few characteristics that come to mind. As conditions change fans get to see who the drivers are that can adjust, adapt, to the conditions and still put there hot rods up front. Some drivers will shine on different stages and some won’t. The racers at Salina Speedway are some of the best in the Midwest so fans can expect the awesome racing action that they have grown accustom to.
On the lineup card this week at Salina Speedway fans will be seeing the BSB Manufacturing NeSmith Chevrolet Weekly Racing Series Late Models, Belleville Motor Sports IMCA Modifieds, M&H Motors IMCA Northern Sport Mods, AutoHouse Towing Mod Lites and the Budweiser IMCA Hobby Stocks. It’s a high powered show for sure.
A season high 16 cars checked in last week for the Late Model division. When the checkered flag dropped it was Darrick Klima standing tall in victory lane for the 2nd time this season. Klima is just one of several drivers capable of pulling in a win in this division, but right now it does look like the veteran drivers are dominating the division. Only time will tell before drivers like Daniel Smith, Jill Roberg and more of the youth movement will start dominating at the front of the pack.
Joe Cleveland, last years Modified Champ, is catching fire at the moment. An impressive win last week puts him as the odds on favorite heading into this week. The Modified division is one of the most competitive divisions, not only at Salina Speedway, but all across the nation. Brian Knoell has been quiet after winning two features, Corey Lagroon has yet to crack into the win column and there are several other drivers that are ready to win! Will this be the week of another new feature winner or will we see another repeat winner?
It’s been a few weeks since we have seen the Northern Sport Mods on the track. This division is chomping at the bit waiting to get back out and show the fans of Salina Speedway just why they are exciting to watch. Austin Carter has thrown a few wins together along with some top 5′s and this has landed him at the front of the pack in the points. It’s still early in the season and fans know that drivers like Tyler Frye, Nate Ginest, Clay Money and a slew of others are going to be making a run at Carter before it’s all said and done. The race to the end of the season will be interesting to see since this division has so many different competitors in it.
The Mod Lite division has been dominated this season by Danny Morrison Jr. and Justin Kinderknecht. These mighty mites pack a large amount of action in their little frames and they continue to put on great races every week, so look for more of the same this week.
If you like wheel to wheel and door to door action the Hobby Stock class has you covered. This division has been a pleasant surprise in 2014. Several drivers have put on great displays of driving, several different feature winners have been seen and this class is only promising to get better (if that’s possible)! Mike Traskowsky is the early season point leader, but the top 5 cars in the point standings are separated by a meger 12 points.
Don’t miss a minute of the upcoming action at Salina Speedway.
Racing gets underway with Hot laps at 7:15 p.m. and heat races shortly after that.
Adult admission is $10, with kids 15 & under FREE with paid adult. All seniors 55 and up are HALF PRICE with ID. All active & retired military are FREE with appropriate ID as well! Pit passes are $25.
Fans wanting to get the 411 on Salina Speedway just need to stay logged in to their home on the world wide web at https://www.racesalinaspeedway.com. As fans visit the site take a look at the 2014 schedule to see what classes are running, great stories and results and sign up for the Text & Email Blasts! You can also like their Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/SalinaSpeedway or Follow on Twitter @SalinaSpeedway1.