What's It Like At The Dirt Track? Part One

Not so sure about how much fun dirt track auto racing is?  The only way to see what dirt track racing is really like is to actually go to the track and experience it first hand.  Prior to even knowing about dirt track auto racing, I had been to many dirt bike races.  It was fun to watch the various events, especially if you knew a rider or two.  However, when I met someone who told me about auto racing on a dirt oval track, it sounded interesting and I thought it would be fun to go. Until I actually went to a race, I had no idea just how much fun and intense it would be.

Fergus Falls, Minnesota I-94 Speedways CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO   Now, this is a nice looking dirt track with normal roads leading up to the parking areas.  Photo taken from their website, link provided.  This is what I would think going to a dirt track to watch a race would look like.  Not so for the ones I've been too. 

I-94 Speedway Fergus Falls Minnesota

OUR FIRST VISIT TO A DIRT TRACK - ROARING KNOB in Markleysburg, Pennsylvania

My first impression when we drove up to our first dirt track was - "Wow, we are out in the boonies!"  The dirt track was off the beaten path of any major road and the road leading to the track was filled with dirt, dust, and ruts.  I wasn't sure if our car was going to make it without getting a flat tire!  We drove very slowly and maneuvered through the grooves and ruts in the road until we saw a large, grassy field in front of us.  There were parked cars as far as the eye could see.  Our windshield and car were already covered in a fine layer of dust but we didn't dare turn on the wipers or we would have had a muddy mess.  The farther we drove though, the more the dust settled and the dirt road calmed down a bit.

Sun Setting at Roaring Knob

The cars were all parked in self-made rows in this large, grassy field.  You could see the oval dirt track off to the right of this particular location and hear drivers starting their engines even through the closed windows.  Once we parked, we followed people carrying blankets and coolers, chairs, and pushing stollers, to a main entrance where there was a wooden enclosure to purchase tickets to get in.  We saw many families, couples young and old, groups of friends with t-shirts bearing the likenesses of their favorite dirt track auto racer, young kids running through the grass, and cars driving through the main gates.

We learned that at this particular dirt track, Roaring Knob, you can pay to drive your car or truck inside the entrance and park you and your family and all of your stuff for about $20 for the night.  The normal entrance fee was around $10 for adults and kids 10 and under got in free.

 Stay tuned for part two!