While the spring thaw was a little bit later than most years, the Estevan Motor Speedway is getting ready for another year of dirt racing starting this Saturday with its regular program.
The dirt track speedway will have modifieds, street stocks, sport modifieds, hobby stocks and slingshots this year for most of their races.
“It’s been a long winter for these guys and they’re really passionate about their racing,” said Byron Fichter, speedway president. “You’re always excited to get back out there. That being said there’s a whole bunch of work getting the track un-winterized and ready to go.”
A large crew of volunteers got together last weekend to help get the track ready with rock and tumbleweed removal and general track cleanup before this weekend’s races. The annual Test ‘n’ Tune was cancelled in order to do track cleanup.
“I’m sure they’ll be working pretty much daily until May 5 getting that track prepped,” Fichter said. “It’ll be a mint track again like they always have it.”
The track will need to get some heat on it, which has been tough to come by so far this year, to create a more even track and get rid of the deep frost.
“Even stuff that’s a couple feet deep can cause you problems down the road,” Fichter said. “That’s kind of their focus, to get that stuff worked out. And having a smooth racing surface is almost as important as moisture. But we have the capability of watering so that’s never an issue.”
The track is one of the first in the area to get going for the season with their regular points night this Saturday at 3 p.m.
“We will be done with plenty of time in front of Savour the Southeast,” said Fichter. “We don’t want to run over them and they don’t want to run over us… and also at this time of year we can hopefully knock on wood and have some sunshine and it’s warm.”
There are three race nights in May, including the opening date Saturday plus a May 18 regular night and the Tougher Than Dirt Tour night May 26.
“The president of the NoDak Speedway is promoting that,” said Fichter of the Tougher Than Dirt Tour. “He’s starting to gain some major attention. He’s drawing cars out of as far away as Arizona. We’ll have guys racing from Arizona and Iowa and that’s always exciting.”
June has three race nights including a sprint car showdown June 22 and 23.
“This would be the first time we’ve ever had a sprint car doubleheader,” Fichter said. “They’re well known as the fastest cars on dirt so it’s very exciting to have those cars this year. It’s something different for us and we’re very excited to have those.
The Dakota Modified Tour rumbles through Estevan July 9, which Fichter calls the “World Series race.
“We attract cars from as far away as Texas for that, and it just seems to get bigger and better and faster every year,” Fichter said. “We’ve had guys race that were NASCAR superstars, and guys that have went on to be NASCAR superstars, so
The two rounds of the Canadian Dirt Wars are July 21-22. Last year, David Rieks from Iowa won the races for Hobby Stocks.
“Any time you can attract guys that are willing to drive here ten to 15 hours to partcipate at your racetrack, that’s always a feather in your cap,” Fichter said.
A late model special will be at the track Aug. 3 will be followed by a regular program Aug. 11 leads to the championship night Aug. 25, where the winners of the 2018 season will be named.
The annual Enduro race is scheduled for Sept. 15 and the awards banquet is set for Nov. 3.
Most of the drivers are going to be coming back for the year.
“There are a ton of rookies this year,” said Fichter. “Last year we had guys like Devon Gonas in the hobby stocks last year step up and competed for a championship right till the end. We have a whole bunch of new rookies and new possibilities and that’s awesome. Getting new people involved in the sport is always amazing.”
The junior slingshots are also going to have a few more drivers this year, providing further growth for the sport.
