Tulsa Expo Raceway...The Chili Bowl

Every year since 1987 tons and tons of clay are trucked into the Tulsa Expo Center, also known as the Quick Trip Center, for a couple of exciting motor racing events. To bring in the new year, over 700 Modified Midgets, Mini Sprints, and ECOtec Midgets fill the massive building and run races from 9:00 in the morning to 6:30 at night, right through with no breaks, on both new years eve day and new year’s day. I certainly hope everyone is careful celebrating New Years; otherwise they’re going to have a helluva throbbing head the next morning when the races start cranking up.

Saturday Pit Action, Main Aisle

Then, a couple of weeks later the biggest midget race in the world takes place, The Chili Bowl Nationals. This years version brought in 260+ cars from around the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The cars, haulers, the 1/5th mile dirt track, grandstands for 10,000 fans and a trade show are packed into this surprisingly spacious building.

If you want to eat there you had better bring money. Although there is a wide variety of food items, Chicken Fingers, Quesadillas, Barbeques, Hamburgers, Domino Pizzas, and all of the other common sides that you’d find at a race track, you’ll be paying out of the nose for it. They do not allow food or beverages, except for one bottle of water, through the turnstiles and they’ll check inside any bag you take in.

Restrooms, they have three for the stands and two in the pits. Although there will be long lines for the men’s, mainly between races, it moves along at a steady pace. Actually, the women’s restrooms are relatively line free, at least on the outside anyway. They do a great job at keeping them clean for the week, and they have hot water.

If you get there well ahead of time you can stroll through the trade show, which was T-shirt city this year, check out the collectables, try out stockcar and sprint car race simulators, obtain free catalogs and trinkets, plus get to know the Hooters girls as you go through. Also, the Tulsa State Fair facility consists of many large buildings. The Ford Building holds a racing auction, which costs $10 to enter, and radio controlled cars are raced on dirt in a barn like building just west of the Ford Building.

When the races get started, be ready for action. Monday night through Friday night are taken up with qualifying heat races and features just to get three midgets a guaranteed starting spot for the A main on Saturday. But, rest assured, these are no ordinary qualifying races. Passing points are used for eight heat races in order to line up four qualifying races. Passing points are also used for those races with the top 16 in combined passing points going to the A main and the balance going to twin B mains. Through in twin C mains and it’s a full night of races, and they think NASCAR has a complicated points system. Not only that, but they also throw in a Race of Champions on Tuesday night.

You would think that coming in the top three in the A main of each night, which gets you a spot for Saturday night, is satisfying enough, but these guys know how important it is just to win on these nights. Wednesday’s A main was a fine example of the thrill of victory, and it will be talked about for years.

Donny Ray Crawford, Tulsa’s home town racing hero, started third and hung around the bottom as Damion Gardner and Cole Whitt battled it out at the front. Crawford began drifting back to about eighth place as cars zipped past him in the top groove. After a few well timed yellows, including one with a couple of laps left, Crawford had made it back up towards the top three, but Gardner and Whitt had been duking it out so much with each other that they had forgotten about Crawford.

Cole Whitt

On the last lap Gardner and Whitt were banging the mud off each other’s car so they’ll look pretty for the pictures in victory lane. Going into turn three Whitt hopped up on the cushion, Gardner jammed his car under him hard enough to make contact and they leaned on each other racing for glory. However, Crawford went for it and floored it down low, never lifting. As all three cars came out of the fourth they met at the same spot, squeezing Gardner in the middle. Rubber met rubber, Gardner went skywards and Whitt found the wall. Donny Ray Crawford shot past the mayhem for the win, Damion Gardner flipped across the line for second and Cole Whitt’s car stopped one foot short of a guaranteed starting spot for Saturday’s A main and allowing Thomas Meseraull to come in third. The crowd erupted like never before, it was chilling. They do not mess around on qualifying nights.

So, four nights of qualifying race probably means a few C or D mains for Saturday, right? Wrong. Everyone gets a chance again to make it into the A main, no matter how improbable. Talk about the “alphabet soup”, they start back with two K’s, two J’s, two I’s, and so forth until the final double B’s sets the lineup for the finally.

This years Chili Bowl will be talked about for some time too. For most of the 50 lap race it was a battle between Bryan Clauson, USAC National Midget and Overall Diver Champion for 2010, multi-Chili Bowl winner Sammy Swindell and New Zealander Michael Pickens at the front of the field. As they concentrated on what they were doing, the 2010 Chili Bowl winner Kevin Swindell started picking his way through the rest of the stars.

 

Chili Bowl 25th Anniversary Midget

As other drivers cut across turn four, K. Swindell caught a small spot high on the apron in four and would rocket past the car in front of him, especially on restarts. He finally made it to the point with his father on lap 34. By the time the last caution came out Sammy was in the also-ran spot while Kevin saw a clear track in front of him. Sammy made desperation slide job moves in both turns one and three, pulling up even if not slightly past the leader, but Kevin had the spot covered. It looked as though Sammy was going to get him coming out of turn four for the win. The 39 midget of Kevin Swindell jumped the cushion in four but found that magic spot of traction and roared back around to beat his father by fractions of a second. It was literally so close that replays and transponders were the only things they could use to determine the winner. This made it the first time in the 25 years of racing the Chili Bowl that someone won it two years in a row. Quite a race.

Buy your tickets early, reserve your motel room well ahead of time and mark your calendar for five wild nights of racing magic….The Chili Bowl!

http://www.chilibowl.com/
http://www.tulsashootout.com/

Winchester Speedway, Winchester, Indiana

Tim Steele

David Stremme

 Legendary tracks are a goal of mine and I can check off the high banks of Winchester, Indiana. That wasn’t good enough for me, however, so I had to take in the 39^th Annual Winchester 400. I didn’t have a clue who was going to make it there, but I figured it was probably a few stars and a future star or two. Tim Steel made his usual appearance at Winchester, along with David Stremme and Ross Kenseth and 14 year old sensation Chase Elliott. Chase was kind enough to bring along his father, Bill Elliott, of whom I’ve been a fan since 1979.

Campground Over Turn One

Camping is allowed at Winchester and is free, except for special events like the 400, which was $20 for the three day weekend. There are even a couple of showers available if you need to freshen up. It’s on a first come-first serve basis, so if you’re going to the 400, get there early. They got packed in there too, so expect to hear the neighbors snoring. As for myself, I pitched the tent at the nearby Summit Lake State Park. All I heard were Canada geese, owls and some dang-nubbit whipper-snappers, who felt compelled to strum a guitar and sing past one in the morning.

If you’re going to the Winchester 400, order your tickets in advance and get there early. Since the RV’s, camping trailers and race haulers took up nearly all of the room in the parking lot, cars were stretched out along the highway for a good half mile or so. I would recommend riding a motorcycle. Although they didn’t have a specific spot for them, you can park near the spectator gate in any spot large enough for them to fit. Since this was my first time there, the parking attendants pointed to a spot in front of “the red truck”. This happened to be the hauler of Chase Elliott and Bill Elliott Racing Enterprises. It was meant to be. I did get a kick out of the 65’ Mustang replica golf cart parked nearby, and the two nice looking young ladies sitting in it didn’t hurt either.

They did a great job of cleaning up following the previous night’s races, and were very helpful if you had questions. Winchester Speedway owner, Charlie Shaw, was very emotional before the start of the race, as he apologized for the problems and vowed not to let it happen next year. He didn’t say what the problems were; I certainly didn’t have any, so I could only guess it was the parking situation. The over-flowing crowd was moved by his sincerity.

One great activity that they do is the autograph session before the race. All of the cars are lined up at an angle, the drivers stand next their cars and the front stretch cattle gate was opened. It seemed as though the entire stands started filling up the front stretch, nearly all of the cars disappeared in the onslaught. Yes, I was there. After all, I just haven’t had the chance to get Bill’s autograph very often over the years. I also never thought I’d get an autograph from a 14 year old driver, but I couldn’t help it.

I do have one complaint, however, and it’s a big one for me. If they are going to have reserved seating, they should also have a no smoking policy, especially with a full house. I’m sorry, but even though the seating is in the open air, the smoke doesn’t magically disappear from your cancer stick of choice. Thank you Iowa and Illinois for your no smoking in public area laws. I can go back to the tracks again. It seemed like I was surrounded by smokers. Please track operators, either ban smoking entirely or have separated no smoking sections, and advertise it.

I think a sideline highlight for me was walking the track before the race. I couldn’t help but flash back in my mind and visualize all of the great racers who have ever turned a lap at Winchester, no matter the division. Will I return to Winchester, more than likely, but I’d like to recommend it all race fans. This is one historic track you HAVE to go to some time in your life.

http://www.winchesterspeedway.com/

Speedway 95, Hermon, Maine

I came across a 1/3 mile paved oval in Hermon, Maine, just off of I-95 that race on Wednesdays. Take exit 180 in the western direction and turn right at the first road, Odlin Road, go another mile and you'll find it waiting for you on the right hand side. What I thought was fun is the name for races on Wednesday nights, "Wacky Wednesdays". Big Enduros, Little Enduros (Class A and B), Ladies, Trucks and Racing Stars of Tomorrow make up the show. The "B" class of the Little Eduros, a new entry level class, is required to be ready to race both clockwise and counter-clockwise. If you think about it, it makes sense. Set the car up so the weight is even all around the car and leave it alone.

The night I was there it had a pretty good crowd and the fan sitting next to me confirmed that it was a normal crowd, not bad for that time of the week. Just goes to show you, if you put together the right formula you can make it successful no matter what night you run. They also race on Saturdays, with the more powerful and customary Late Models, along with Sportsman, Street, Sport-4, Bomber & Maine Mods. As you can see, you have a better chance of getting in some great racing if you're headed down, or up, I-95 in Maine. I was able to pitch my tent there, but that's only because I had room to ride my Burgman Super Scooter around their gate the next morning. Check with the track to make sure you can get out if you are driving anything with four wheels.

The parking lot seemed to get pretty full so I would advise to get there well ahead of time. If you get there early enough, you might be able to walk in and mark your spot before they officially start selling tickets. However, you will have to go back out before things get started. I know I wasn't going to mention prices, but if you go to their website, you'll find out that the grandstand admission for Wednesday nights is just $6.00 and Saturday nights is $8.00. Man, you just can't beat that. I didn't take notes, but with that kind of break on ticket prices you can afford purchasing more food and souvenirs.

The races were run in a timely manner, friendly atmosphere, decent prices, safe stands and good entertainment. I didn't find any reason why I wouldn't want to return to Speedway 95 in Hermon, Maine. Well, except for the fact that trekking there from Port Byron, Illinois would only be chance, but not out of the question. If you're in the area of Hermon, Maine, put it on your list.

http://www.speedway95racing.com/

Thunder Valley Speedway, Bishop's Falls, Newfoundland, Canada

We all know what it takes sometimes just to get your race car to the track, but when you live in Newfoundland, Canada, it’s a little more involved. Thunder Valley Speedway, located near Bishop Falls, NL, is a 3/8 mile, hand laid asphalt track out amongst the rocks and the bears. It’s one of two tracks, the other being Avondale Speedway and that one is dirt. Newfoundland is separated from mainland Canada by a six hour ferry ride to Channel-Port aux Basques and is not small. It’s the fifteenth largest island in the world and covers 42,000 square miles.1 Some of the teams tow from Saint John’s, which is 300 plus miles away,  or from the Eastern Provinces, and this is just for a regular race night.

“Hand laid” did you say? Yes I did. Here’s the story as told to me by the promoter; the track was laid out, messaged, graded and slightly banked, which is not easy on an island affectionately named “The Rock”. The Trans Canadian Highway had recently been resurfaced and piles upon piles of used blacktop were left over. They obtained truck loads of the “left-overs”, reheated it, raked it all out, leveled it and rolled it into a smooth and raceable surface. Pretty impressive.

The track sits about a mile off of the TCH down a rocky road, which is owned by the Newfoundland government, and at times felt more like Roman cobblestones. This is especially true if you are riding a Suzuki Burgman 650 Super Scooter like I was, of course, the Honda Goldwing I was following was having just as much trouble as I was. Once in the parking lot, you’ll find a few more large rocks so watch where you’re walking. Did I mention that Newfoundland is called “The Rock”?

Although the electrical power servicing the facility is enough for the public address system and other 120 volt systems, it wasn’t enough for track lighting. For that they installed a large sized gas generator in the infield and just crank it up when it’s time to light it up. Sometimes when you want to go racing, you have to be creative.

The stands are placed to where you walk up a grade and behind the stands, so you have to go downwards to find your seat, instead of walking in front of the stands and then climbing up. I much prefer this setup. You can stand behind everyone if you desire, or walk around if you’re antsy. It’s a small operation with a concession stand made out of a little camper, so the track food won‘t be the same as some of the other tracks. Not all tracks are going to have a high class menu, but you’ll enjoy what they have.

There are only two divisions at Thunder Valley, eight cylinder Sportsman and four cylinders. This night they had only seven Sportsmans and fourteen four cylinders, but I wasn’t disappointed. Like always, I didn’t know how they were going to be run, especially with so few cars. What they did was run 20 to 30 lap qualifier races and then a 40 lap feature race for the four cylinders and an 80 lapper for the Sportsman division, so there was plenty of racing. It was a relaxed, family type atmosphere that I really enjoyed.

If you're looking to camp here, it probably should be in a trailer or motor home, which they do here. I saw a grassy area at the back of the parking lot so I enquired about a place to put my tent. "Well," the woman taking tickets said, "you might try that area back there." She was pointing to the spot I thought would be a nice soft place to sleep for the night. "But," she added "I heard there's been a problem with a bear back there." Well, ok then, time to look elsewhere. There is a motel nearby, a town park that has a campground (does not accept credit cards) and Brookdale Country Inn on the west side of town.

However, I took a chance when I came to Newfoundland specifically to see racing. In this part of the world, the track may still be in operation or it may not. The weather may be good or it may not, so while you’re there, explore the smaller villages along the coast. As a matter of fact, every September, Targa Newfoundland is raced through twenty of their most scenic and beautiful villages, rain or shine. Check out their site at the bottom of the page.

The beauty of the scenery and friendliness of the inhabitants in little places like Brigis, Leading Tickles and Greenspond is unequaled to anywhere I’ve been. I can’t explain it, but when I get back on the ferry to go back to Nova Scotia I feel like I’m leaving home.

Noteable Sites:
http://www.thundervalleyspeedway.ca/
http://www.targanewfoundland.com/

1 http://wikipedia.org/wiki/Newfoundland_(island)

Southern New Mexico Speedway, Las Cruces

My visit to the Southern New Mexico Speedway in Las Cruces, New Mexico, was to watch the exciting ASCS 360 Sprints two day event in November. I would say it got “extremely” chilly during the night, ok…make that COLD! Someone mentioned it got down to 28° F over night. Could be, I was in my tent at the local KOA and my nose got cold enough to at least agree with that.

Speedwaysonline.com has the track listed as a 5/16 mile, dirt track. Dirt it is, but 5/16 of a mile? I don’t know if I can actually tell the difference between a 3/8 or a 5/16 mile track from the stands, but I certainly couldn’t tell with these sprint cars.

At the time, I didn’t realize that ASCS was the 360 class of sprinters. To me they looked like 410s going around, but I was informed by ASCS driver Calvin Landis‘s mother, who happened to be sitting next to me, that they were in fact 360s. They were a perfect fit for this track.

You can find the track tucked up tight behind the Southern New Mexico State Fairgrounds. The parking seems a bit haphazard and the hilly road that separates the track facility from the fairgrounds is packed with large rocks. However, they have installed a concrete pad for handicapped parking near the grandstand entrance, with a small amount motorcycle parking on one end of the pad.

If you’ve never been there, the grandstands don’t go up very high, but they stretch out completely from one end to the other. The view isn’t bad, but I think if the stands were two or three feet higher it would be even better. They do have a small playground area for kids, and we all know how bored they can get at the races sometimes. One of the best features here is Family Section. There just aren't enough family sections at tracks in this country.

If you plan on eating before you go to the races, you might want to think about dining here. I’ve never seen such an extended menu at a race track. The prices are about the average for a track, which are usually a bit higher, but at least they do have Kids Meals. I really liked the bean tacos.                         

The track prep for the first night seemed to be a bit unusual to me. They seemed to be putting on an awful lot of water and that was bore out by the amount of time it took to iron out the track. They were out there packing, and packing, and packing for what seemed like an hour, yet when the hot laps began it was still greasy. After two sets of hot laps it was finally ready for racing.

The racing really did turn out pretty good. Plenty of passing, slide jobs, and last ditch efforts to advance to the “A” main. As a fan sitting close to the track, I felt the lack of dust and a tacky track is a must here in order to make the race even more enjoyable for these winged sprints. It also didn’t hurt to have “The King” Steve Kinser, NASCAR Champion Tony Stewart, four-time ASCS Nation Champ Gary Wright, Sammy Swindell, or “The Dude” Danny Lasoski mixing it up. But it was 20 year-old Jack Dover besting Johnny Herrera and Kinser to take home the honors.

Night two’s track prep was better and again it had very little dust with a tacky track. The racing was great all night long, and with a passing points format they just couldn’t make any mistakes to advance to the “A” main. Stewart found trouble in the Second “B” main as he dove under another car in turn one. He found a slick spot and slid up, collecting the other car and tumbled to a stop in turn two. Steve Kinser took control in the “A” main and came out on top. This weekend was the first race ever for Steve Kinser in a 360 sprint car. I’d say he did okay.

The regular shows at Southern New Mexico Speedway includes; 305 Renegade Sprints, UMP Late Models, USRA Western Modifieds, SW Super Trucks, Legends, Street Stocks, Hornets, Enduros, and Limited X-Mods.

However, not all on one night; Sprints, Streets, Trucks and X-Mods run one week; then the USRA Modifieds, Late Models, Streets, Legends and Hornets the following week, rotating this schedule from week to week. Interesting concept, nine different classes, but spread out through the year. If there isn’t anything you like with this format, then you just may be too picky.

If racing just in the spring, summer and fall seasons aren’t enough for you, or you want to find a way to get your kids started in racing, then there’s always the winter Go Karts and Quarter Midgets. From the end of November, through the end of April, the little guys and gals get their turn to run a few laps every other week.

In other words, Southern New Mexico Speedway seems to have something going on pretty much most of the year. They truly seem to enjoy putting on a great show for you. It would be a good track to hit while you’re out there trekking from track to track. Check out their schedule at: http://www.snmspeedway.com/

Camping is available at the Southern New Mexico State Fairgrounds, where the track is located, however, you need to call first as there may be restrictions. Check the fairgrounds website at: http://www.snmstatefair.com/pages/camping.html

Track Trekking Guide

Track Trekking Guide

Definitions:
Track Trekking; traveling (trekking) around the state(s), province(s), or from country to country, in order to watch races, or participate in races, at more than one track during the trek. Although flying from track to track is technically trekking, this guide is designed for ground transportation.

Purpose:
This blog is a loose guide to help race fans trek from track to track by providing information on track amenities and experiences. Some lodging and camping information may, or may not, be included.

Track Locations:
I recommend The National Speedway Directory, either online or in paperback. Get the paperback and take it with you on a regular vacation, you never know if you’ll be near a track while you’re out vacation trekking.
http://speedwaysonline.com/

Track Prices:
Since track admittance prices vary or change so much, exact prices won’t be given. Check at the track’s web sites for further information. However, you can expect the cost of special events to always be higher and crowds to be larger at nationally sanctioned races.

(Hint: if it’s an inaugural or popular event of a national sanctioning body, and you’re definitely going to trek to it, order tickets early, or ask about will call tickets)

Tips:
Be prepared by making a checklist, which I never do and always forget something.
If you plan on camping at the track, try to get to there early to check on camping availability.
Before you leave your site, make it better than the way you found it.
I recommend state parks for camping if you don’t wish to stay at the track. However, all state parks are different. They may or may not have showers and could be very busy on the weekends, so check on reservations because you may need them.
You don’t have to stay at nation motel chains. I have stayed at some really comfortable and unique ten to fifteen unit motels.
Obey all traffic laws. There’s nothing more depressing than missing a race because you were delayed by a policeman doing his job.
If you take a pet, clean up after them, and I don’t mean crumbs from their treats.
If your pet is a dog, make sure they’re used to racing engines at full song.
If you’re camping with your dog, please have them trained to remain quiet during the night. Remember this, coyotes are growing in numbers everywhere and can get some dogs really cranked up when they start howling.
Respect the track owner’s, or promoter’s wishes.
Be polite, friendly and proud to be a Track Trekker.

Autodrome Chaudiere, Valee-Jonction, Quebec, Canada

Halfway between Quebec City, Quebec and the north western edge of Maine is a relatively new ¼ mile paved track named Autodrome Chaudiere. The nearest town, Vallee-Jonction, is just a couple of miles away and has anything you could ever need. The track has become popular for Canadians and sits in a hilly area that gives you a beautiful view of the Quebec countryside, which can be a bit distracting at times. It was born in 1992 as a dirt track and ¼ mile in length. Four years later they stretched it to 1/3 mile, but transformed it back to a ¼ mile track during the 2005 season and covered with asphalt. The out come is a progressively banked speed-drome with fast, close races.

There are several different divisions that race throughout the year, including, Pro All Star Series, ACT Latemodels, Lucas Oil Sportsman, and a four cylinder class named Kamikaze that has some technically advanced cars, i.e. cambered right rear wheels. Specials include the likes of ISMA, International Super Modified Association, which always puts on incredible, super fast, exotic cars and exciting races.

I must note here that being in Quebec means everything is in French. Quebec used to have English on their street signs, but not anymore. Some Quebecers speak English, but seem put out by it, while others seem to revel in speaking English and act proud of the fact they speak two languages. Personally, I don’t get it. It would seem to me that keeping your head buried in French soil could only hurt tourism.

Hopefully, by the time you get to the track you’ve exchanged US dollars for Canadian dollars. Sure, you can use credit cards at most places, the credit card companies do charge for each transaction exchange (a rip off), but somewhere along the line you’ll need cash. Concession stands are one of those places. Autodrome Chaudiere’s menu resembles many other race track menus, with one exception. Here you’ll find a goopy mess, which is basically what it means, called Poutine (pronounced peut-sin’ by many sources and NOT poo-teen). It’s a concoction of fries, cheese curds, covered with gravy and is very popular in eastern Canada. However, race tracks may serve it with grated cheese, instead of curds. I was at one track that covered the fries with just a cheese sauce yet called it Poutine, but believe me it wasn’t in Quebec. Quebec is where it began in the 50’s and Quebecers can be rather strict about these things.

This was another track that I camped at, but not until I found a person in authority, who was able to speak English and could tell me where there was a good, flat place to pitch my tent. That wasn’t easy because every place was sloped. If you have a trailer or motor home you can park it closer down the hill and/or nearer the highway, if you get there early enough, or move after the races are over.

"Dang it, I hit the trunk release!"

It probably couldn’t hurt to get there during warm ups; you never know what might happen. While I was there, a four cylinder Kamikaze car made contact with the wall in turn two and turned over, sliding down the track on its roof, while a few laps later another Kamikaze car had his hood fly up and cover his windshield. All of the cars, in every division, are beautifully prepared, go through tech inspections to keep the cars equal and put on a great show. Keeping with a French flair, their winner circle ceremonies are probably something you don’t get to see at any other local short track. The top three drivers take the spotlight on a podium similar to the Olympics or Formula One, popping Champagne and spraying anyone and everyone nearby.

Over all, I enjoyed myself and may go back again, if it wasn’t for the language barrier. It won’t prevent me, but it will be something I’ll think about. I think if you go, especially with a buddy or two, or a family member, you’ll have a great time and have plenty to talk about when you get back home.

　

　

Track site: http://autodromechaudiere.com/

Innaugural Track Post, Columbus 151 Speedway



The object of my blog is to share my experiences while visiting the various race tracks on my motorcycle, which in this case is a 2005 Suzuki 650 Burgman Super-Scooter. I'm hoping you can use this as a bit of a guide as you go around the United States and Canada, and stopping from time to time to pick up some of the best and most fun grassroots racing on the planet. I'll try to change the track when I can and add tips on traveling from track to track. Thanks for stopping by.

COLUMBUS 151, WI

Located east of Madison, WI, 151 is a well manicured, clean, very enjoyable, family oriented asphalt track. It has been around for 30+ years and is the originator of the Backup race. What in the world is a Backup race? You might ask. Hobby stock type cars face the normal counter-clockwise direction, but race in reverse gear going clockwise. One thing you'll notice is a car or two with a spoiler or wing on the hood, since it is now the back of the car. It's quite a hoot! Along with the Backups they run Late Models, Street and Hobby Stocks and Bandits, with races on Friday nights and ending at a resonable hour.  The stands here face south and a little east so the setting sun will never be in your eyes.



Parking Lot

 Everything is priced for the family and you'll love the fact that it's out in the beautiful Wisconsin countryside. The food is normal track food with nothing outstanding, although I didn't try everything there, but you're supposed to be going there for the races and not a dinner date anyway. The lighted parking lot is on the very top of a hilly ridge, but is wide and covered with neatly cut grass, very unique.   One drawback, however, is the old and cracking fiberglass covering on the plank seating. It's not totally uncomfortable, but has a few spots that could pinch your backside, but just a few.  Many people bring a lawn chair and prop it up in the grass, or lay a blanket out to relax and watch the great racing.



Track View

I try to camp at the tracks, mainly to save a few bucks, and every track is different. This time I waited for the races to be over and pitched my tent in the Handicapped Parking area. There weren't  any RV hookups where I was camped, but that doesn't mean there aren't any available down by the pit area. If I were you, be self sustaining, electrically speaking, to be on the safe side. The restrooms were available over night. For Columbus 151, it's one of the easier tracks to camp at and then be able to leave the next morning. A lot of tracks have a locked gate to the parking lot, but not here. They also show up early the next morning to start picking up trash, which is when I had a chance to talk to the promoters. Turns out, they've been very creative while updating the separate buildings. Garage doors, bank windows, seats and other materiel have been recycled from other buildings being remodeled in the area in order to brighten up the old girl.

I noticed after the races were over at several tracks this past year, the pits emptied faster than someone shouting "FIRE!!" in a movie theater. Sad, very sad. Not here though, you might even stumble into a party in the pits after the races. It is Wisconsin after all. Columbus 151 is one of the old grassroots tracks that need to survive. Is it the fastest and fanciest track on the continent? No, but it is one of the more relaxing and fun venues to take your family on a Friday night. Check it out some time.


To check out their site, go to: http://www.columbus151.com/

Your friend,
Gabby