With Emo Speedway’s opener slated this Saturday, the local track is looking to duplicate the success of last season.
Track president Ken Perry said the car count for the season-opener is good, with a “few extra” street stock cars, the usual modifieds, and mini sprints coming from Hibbing and Greenbush, Mn. all ready to burn up the track, which is considered to be in good condition.
“We’ve got the track packed down but it’s still a little soft underneath,” Perry said yesterday morning. “The weather will be important for sure. If you get rain, the fans won’t come out.”
While rain is in the forecast tomorrow and Friday, Saturday is expected to be dry, meaning the season-opener most likely will go ahead as scheduled.
The Speedway got off to a slow start last year after two consecutive rainouts forced the opener to be pushed back to the last Saturday in May. But after that, the track reported a successful season, with exciting races, good volunteer efforts, and fan support.
“Last year was a good year,” said Perry. “The fan support, overall, was good and everyone pitched in.
“Without volunteers as a base, you can’t run . . . there’s so much work that goes on behind the scenes that you don’t see,” he stressed.
Perry said they’re routinely out on the track busily preparing for the next week’s races.
The Speedway, which switched from Friday nights to Saturdays last year, once again will run on Saturdays until Aug. 26 this season. Hot laps will begin at 6:30 p.m., with the first race at 7.
Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for students and seniors, $2 for children aged six to 12, and free for those under six.
Meanwhile, the Speedway is expected to attract talented racers making the trip here to lock horns with a strong contingent of local drivers. It should make for another interesting racing season.
“Our local guys are second-to-none,” said Perry. “Guys like Greg Ferris, Chuck Arpin, and Gary Wilson . . . we do well everywhere we go.”
The only change from last year will be the track’s doubleheader during the Emo Fair, traditionally the Speedway’s biggest weekend of the year, which will go on the Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.
“We’ll make the best of it and we’ll make it work,” said Perry.