#43 and #93 battle for the early lead. (MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

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Tri-City Motor Speedway's Friday Night Races - Great Family Fun

Topless (No Wings) Can-Am Sprints Were A Real Fan Pleaser

June 23, 2013       1 Comments
By: John Keuvelaar

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Friday night Johnny and I ventured to the Tri-City Motor Speedway for our first time. Quite honestly, I knew nothing of the sport besides the obvious. Also, I was a bit apprehensive about a sport located west of Bay City out in the country that welcomes fans bringing in their own coolers and free camping. My concerns quickly dissipated as we entered the facility off Wheeler Road just east of Auburn. It immediately became evident that this is a first class dirt track facility that caters to families and provides a great evening of fun and entertainment. The featured event this night was the Topless Can-Am Sprint cars. These are sprint cars that do not have the big wing on top. I was told that without the wing, they are lighter, faster and a bit more dangerous as they don't have the wing to push them tighter to the track. They also have open tires. Other race car classifications are the Pro Stock, Street Stock, Late Model Stock and the IMCA Modifies. I will refer you to the photos to best see the difference. Each division had a unique characteristic that made it hard to choose a favorite style of race car. A feature of the race track is the constant action. Activity started at 6:30 with a few practice laps called Hot Laps. Then the Sprint cars ran qualifying laps for race position sending each car out individually for three laps. As one finished and left the oval, the other car entered and began testing. This all served to wet the spectators' racing appetite. Then resurfacing the track took place by stirring up the surface, grating it and watering it before actual racing started at approximately 8:00 pm. By now, the stands were packed from end to end. There is a lawn chair section that is right by the fence on a turn that fans pack into as well as a few picnic tables. As the racing started, you got to see plenty of races and they came fast and furious. The Sprint series featured three separate heats. Eight cars per heat ran all out for 8 laps. These shorter speed demons slide into the turns with full throttle before catching hold and blasting out along the straight away. Unlike the more familiar NASCAR, the straight away appeared to be the distance of a football field before hitting the banked curve. It was all very exciting to watch but on the second race, the excitement turned to reality very fast. During the second heat while on the first turn, the back wheels of two cars connected on the slide sending one car cart wheeling off the track and into the far wall. The on scene ambulance quickly responded as well as the track crew and soon a decision was made to airlift the driver to the hospital. We were told he was conscious and responding but no other details have been released. The other divisions then ran races of 10 laps with the top five qualifying for the main event race of each division held later in the night. Then they held a last chance race whereby those that hadn't yet qualified race for a last chance to qualify. In total, 115 cars participated in the night's events, each driver providing a thrill.

It was easy to see why so many people enjoy racing. The stands were packed with lots of families including three and four generations all sitting together enjoying the races. It is hard not to get excited when a group of cars come thundering around a curve sometimes three and four wide. Often there was some paint exchanging but it amazed me the skill of the drivers. On occasion a car would spin out on a turn ending sideways with a whole group of cars immediately right behind him. How they were able to avoid major contact and continue racing was impressive. I also saw why the stands were so filled too. No race is over until the checkered flag is waved. In several races, you would see one car pull out and seemingly begin to run away with the race. But then a yellow flag would come out and bunch them all back up. The Main Event of each division consisted of a 25 lap race. Each was exciting for oh, so many reasons. What also made the evening fun were the fans themselves. They were more than happy to share their knowledge when asked and we picked out cars to cheer sometimes based upon the paint job alone. Once the racing started, seemingly nobody left their seats as they enjoyed race after race after race.

Another fun feature of TCMS is the facilities themselves. Ample parking by the gate insured a quick trip from our car to the gates. Since glass containers are not permitted, a quick courteous inspection of coolers and bags was conducted and spectators were on their way. If you didn't want to bring along your dinner or drinks, the track offered great sandwiches ranging from hot dogs, brats, pulled pork and Sloppy Joes. More than adequate restroom facilities were present so no waiting was required.



Clearly, since the reopening of the Speedway in 2011, many folks have found their way to the Tri-City Motor Speedway on Wheeler Rd. What a great night. Having the stands on the west side allows for the sun to be at your back making it more comfortable to watch the races. And if you want, you can bring your own coolers filled with your own sandwiches and drinks.

Races are every Friday night through the summer with a few Saturday events as well. The Topless Cam-Am Sprint series returns Friday, August 16, 2013. For more information, check out the Tri-City Motor Speedway web site at www.tricityracetrack.com.

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"The BUZZ" - Read Feedback From Readers!

rwilliams Says:       On June 24, 2013 at 09:33 AM Thank you for coming out and enjoying the show on Friday night. Great pictures and great description of the nights activities. I can say that it is one of the most fun and exciting places I have ever had the privelage of working over the past 15 seasons! The Auburn fans are just wonderful to be around. Thanks for coming out and sharing your visit with your readers! Roger Williams Announcer Tri-City Motor Speedway

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John Keuvelaar
John Keuvelaar is a college student at Midwest Photography Workshops and Delta College. More from John Keuvelaar

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