Deb Westover
After two days of hard work from many community volunteers, businesses, and contractors, the Emo Speedway has received a much-needed facelift.
Desperately in need of new clay to resurface the track, Borderland Racing Association directors Jim Strachan and Jim Caul took to the task of recruiting the equipment and volunteers needed to complete the undertaking.
With the weather co-operating over the weekend, Strachan and his sponsored equipment and crew of volunteers dumped and spread more than 250 loads of clay on the racing oval.
In addition to the clay, the “mud mounds” on the infield of the track were removed and the topsoil was repositioned to an area in the pits, which will house a pit grandstand in the future.
“We have been planning for new clay on the track for a few years now but in the past, the weather and other circumstances has always prevented it from happening,” noted association vice-president Deb Westover.
“To see the trucks, the backhoes, and dozers working . . . I didn’t think I would ever see that day come.
“It was pretty emotional to stand on the rim of the track and see the final result of all the hard work and dedication that has taken place,” she added. “What is so amazing is that to make this happen, we had to rely on the kindness and support of so many people and businesses that are normally not affiliated with stock car racing in any way.
“What they have done is priceless and there is no way we could ever repay them,” Westover remarked. “A simple thank you is nowhere near enough, but I do hope that everyone involved knows just how much it is
appreciated.
“And every one of them will be thought of over and over again next season when we are racing on a dream track.”
Because of the work involved to re-clay the track, the Borderland Racing Association was unable to reschedule the rained-out last day of racing at the Emo Speedway.
“We did manage to refund about 90 percent of the fans in the grandstand on the last day, but a few were missed,” noted Westover.
“We apologize for any inconvenience but if anyone retained their tickets and would like a refund, I welcome their phone calls to make whatever arrangements necessary.
“Paula, at 486-0085, or myself at 487-2275 will be happy to take your calls.”
