Emo Speedway set for another season of racing

It’s safe to say stock car racing has thrived in the area for many years.
Even some involved with the Borderland Racing Association are not sure when it all started here.
Some say the 1950s while others say the 1940s. Ron Korpi, a veteran racer and longtime association board member, prefers to just round up the debated year.
“How long?” asked Korpi. “Oh geez, forever.”
Regardless, stock car racing will kick off its “foreverth” season this Saturday night at the Emo Speedway–and continue the weekly tradition in the district.
David Allen, president of the Borderland Racing Association, said the only new staple this season will be holding kids’ go-kart races in the afternoon.
They hope it will generate interest and develop future racers as children will have a chance to strut their stuff as an opening act to the bigger races.
“We hope to see a lot of people out this year,” said Allen, who added they’re looking to improve on their 300-person average crowd in the grandstand last season.
The association also is looking to build on a successful 2000 season on the track, which saw a tight points race in the modified division. Mark Davis claimed the championship but only 20 points separated the top five racers.
Ken Perry took home the mini-sprint crown while Mark Tangas is the defending street stock champ.
But there is a healthy dose of the participating 40 drivers looking to make their run at the champions. They vary in division–and experience.
Second-year driver Chris Shine finished in sixth place in the streets last season and is poised to make a run this year.
Modified driver Jason Strom finished in second spot in 1999 and has tasted several close finishes in his seven-year career.
But don’t count out Korpi, 56, who plans to race in the modified class this season. In addition to being a board member, Korpi even waters the 3/8-mile long track before race days.
He can’t get enough of racing, explaining “[it] makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck.”
Start time for go-karts is 3 p.m. while the races begin at 7.