After an opening night last week which saw a poor draw in terms of both attendance and cars, the Emo Speedway seems to be having trouble getting off the starting line this season.
With the Speedway making the switch to Thursday nights this year, and now under the direction of new promoter Ed Rea, who has resurrected the track on several occasions in years past, last week’s opener began in less-than-spectacular fashion.
The races traditionally were held Friday nights but were moved this year in hopes of boosting sagging attendance, the idea being to avoid conflicting with weekend activities.
The opener originally was slated May 14 but it had to be cancelled due to rain.
But Jane Allen, a volunteer with the track for several years, noted opening night traditionally has been a “slow night” in attracting race fans.
Still, last week’s opener didn’t attract many drivers, either. While the modified races featured eight cars, more definitely are needed for the mini sprint and street stock classes.
Just three cars raced in the mini sprints while four took part in the streets.
Out on the track, Greg Ferris of Barwick got off to a quick start this season, finishing first in the modified feature race ahead of Bob Smith, Rick Roche, and Mark Rea.
Ferris also placed first in the first heat while Gary Reid was tops in the second one.
In street stocks action, Richard Visser won the feature race, finishing ahead of Ron Westover, Wes Morrisseau, and Chris Shine.
Westover won the preliminary heat, followed by Visser, Shine, and Morrisseau.
Ken Perry took top spot in the mini sprints feature, crossing the line ahead of Steve Arpin and Jason Strom, who had finished in the same order in the preliminary heat.