As opening nights go, this past Saturday’s tilt really had all one could ask for.
To start with, the weather was fantastic. Winter hung around way too long this year and truly wore out its welcome. Sunshine and mild temps were the perfect way to start the 52nd year of racing at the historic half mile.
Secondly, the racing action on the track was top notch. The night was filled with exciting side-by-side battles. Ron Berna, Jerry Wilinski, Kyle Frederick, Tracy Wassenberg and Scott Blanke all raced their figurative and collective tails off on their way to victory lane.
Thirdly, speaking of Blanke, the lifelong Shawano resident who grew up idolizing Illinois late model hot shoe Chic Stolarik, scored his first ever feature win at his home track.
Blanke, who began his racing career on ice with the Fire On Ice racing club before getting started on dirt in the old Hobby Stock division at the Shawano Speedway, is certainly a fan favorite. He has gained acclaim and legions of fans by winning demolition derbys, winning a championship with the Impact Survival Series for compact enduro racing and sporting a gigantic foam cowboy hat while putting on a show during the trailer race of destruction at the Shawano County Fair.
To make things more interesting Blanke won the race after being spun on the opening lap of the feature and sustaining damage to the rear of his car. He prevailed after a multi-lap, door-to-door battle with Joshua Slewinski.
Fourthly (if that is really a word), the Spectator Eliminators provided some great racing after the regular program.
Dave Stoffer and Brian Welch defeated the competition to earn the bragging rights, for now. If you’ve never seen Spectator Eliminators, imagine the drag racing scene from the classic movie “American Graffiti,” but make Bob Falfa, played by Harrison Ford pre-Han Solo days, and John Milner make two sharp, high-speed left-hand turns at the end of a slick quarter mile.
Fifthly (yup, I guess it is a word), the racing program was done early enough for the youngsters and oldsters alike to enter the pit area and get a chance to meet and greet their favorite drivers.
One of the greatest things about Saturday night short track racing is the interaction between races of fans and the characters who put on an amazing show every time out.
This right here is what turns so many kids into lifelong race fans. Well, that and the Sun Drop Slushies.
Thanks for reading. See you at the races.
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