Simplicity of Sharing, A 2023 Perspective/Epilogue of Dirt

Flagman Tim Meszaros, Outlook StockCar Track, Saskatchewan. July 16, 2023

Sometimes, in life, we find the most satisfying moments coming from the simplicity of sharing.

This is what I discovered as I made my way through what was a rather unusually difficult year.

After shutting down the blog for most of 2023, I felt the need to search for answers to questions that were beyond my comprehension.  This is where my pilgrimage began, and below are a few shared thoughts and experiences from the journey.

RICHARD ROGERS

Local racing lost a good person in Richard Rogers.  Richie passed away in late December 2022 and in his honour a Celebration of Life was held at the local Eagles Club in St. Norbert.  The January event was well-attended, stories were shared and a few tears were shed.  What I learned most was that Richard was loved by everyone. 

Richard Rogers shared his gifts/talents with others. He was a giving person who asked for very little in return.  In his passing, he gave one more gift.  A group of people, some of whom I had not seen in 15 years, gathered together to pay their respects to a brother in racing.

RENEGADE SPRINTS

Thanks to the efforts of local open wheel racer Eric Guyot, some of the Renegade Non-Wing Sprints paid a visit to Victory Lane Speedway in late August.

Traditional sprint cars have shown growth in this region and it would not be a surprise to see the inclusion of Canadian dates in the future.

If this is to happen down the road, my wish would be for a Victory Lane Speedway (Thursday) to Estevan Motor Speedway (Friday/Saturday) weekend.  If this should become a reality, remember where you heard it first.

DEREK POLLOCK

I had the opportunity to meet and chat with Winnipeg veteran Wissota Pure Stock racer Derek Pollock a couple of times this year.  After 20-plus seasons, his enthusiasm for wheeling a stock car and promoting dirt track racing has not wavered.  When it comes to the racing community, he cares and it shows.

RILEY RAYNARD

Lampman, Saskatchewan's Riley Raynard announced his retirement from racing his IMCA Hobby Stock this year.  Not to be removed from the local racing scene, he traded his steering wheel in for a microphone at Estevan Motor Speedway and is sharing his new talent with the dirt tack racing faithful.

The Southeast Saskatchewan speedway honoured Raynard by renaming their annual Hobby Stock special weekend to Riley Raynard's Dirt Wars.

Riley Raynard, who was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at the age of 4, continues to be an inspiration.

OUTLOOK STOCKCAR TRACK

I rediscovered the joy and simplicity of dirt track racing in July, and it's name was Outlook Stockcar Track.  Hidden just on the outskirts of Outlook, Saskatchewan, this rural dirt track had all the elements of a fun weekend.  If you like friendly volunteers, wooden bleachers, an entertaining announcer/dj and good concession food then you're in the right place.

The most pleasant surprise to me was how great the track was prepared for midday racing. A handful of Hobby Stocks put on as good of a racing show as almost any dirt track I've been to.  

I enjoyed walking around, visiting with a few folks and taking in the atmosphere of dirt track racing on this sunny, warm weekend.

I've always had an affinity for small towns.  There's a charm and peacefulness about them that the big cities cannot offer.  

The same can be said for these community race tracks, and it all starts with a group of volunteers who care.

TIM MESZAROS

Yorkton, Saskatchewan flagman Tim Meszaros passed away on his way to work Outlook's annual Fall Classic weekend finale on Canada's Thanksgiving weekend. The outpouring of emotions and tributes for this gentleman shows how much he was loved by the Saskatchewan racing community.

DON MCAULEY

Some of Don McAuley's ashes were spread on the surface of Estevan Motor Speedway in July. The former open wheel webmaster and mentor passed away in the summer of 2022. Together with Don's longtime friend, Dale McEwen, we fulfilled a request to honour Don's love of racing this way.  In doing so, it not only offered some closure to the passing of a friend who mentored me as a writer, but I got to know Dale better.

ANTHONY LEEK / LAKE OF THE WOODS SPEEDWAY

I had the opportunity to revisit with Anthony Leek at Kenora's Lake of the Woods Speedway this summer. Anthony is not only a brother in racing, but one of my dearest friends.  From our early days of talking about racing for hours at the local Dairy Queen, to seeing the time and dedication he has put into the growth of the Northwest Ontario dirt track, Anthony continues to be an inspiration.

Lake of the Woods Speedway provides an entertaining racing package for families and people of all ages.  The volunteers who give of their time make the difference to the speedway's Sunday afternoon programs.

DIRT GIVING BACK

As I traveled on this journey there were causes that called to me in a way that I wanted to show support.  

I would be remiss if I didn't include the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum and LAPS4MD.

A simple donation allows the continued work of both groups.  For one, displaying the rich history of sprint car racing,  For the other, fundraising to support research and offering a better quality of life for those diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy.

EPILOGUE OF DIRT

You know...  It seems that no matter where I go, people are welcoming and happy to see me.

I enjoyed returns to Lake of the Woods Speedway and Estevan Motor Speedway in 2023.

This summer's travels to Outlook, Saskatchewan was a smaller scale version of what I experience in Estevan.  

I've been blessed by so much in life and it is occasions like these that bring me much joy.

I didn't come from a racing background. I learned as I went along by meeting and listening to people, paying attention to them and just observing my surroundings.

Some days I wondered if I even belonged.

Yet here I am, 25-plus years later, feeling right at home with this amazing racing community.

Saskatchewan calls to me these days, primarily because these are the people and places I have written about the most for so many years now.

My window is slowly closing and one day I won't be able to travel anymore.  I believe God wants me to be witness to all of these people and places, to see first hand the journey He set me on.

I will always be grateful for the love shown to me.  From my early years, to the heydays with sprint cars, to where I am today, so many people have played a part in my growth in dirt tack racing.

Open wheel racing will always hold a special place with me.  It seems to come and go in cycles in these parts, but when it's on, the excitement level rises.  Having the opportunity to be involved with racing events was a dream come true. These included 410 sprints in Estevan and Winnipeg, the Alberta 360 Sprints in Winnipeg and Swift Current, and the Northern Lightning Sprints in Winnipeg and Morden.

Dirt from the Stands has been silent for over a year now.  Words that would flow like water suddenly became a struggle for me.  I know the moment it happened too.  That part will remain personal.

I can't say for sure if this will be my last blog post or not.  Time will tell, I suppose.  

In the mean time, I still enjoy following the happenings in racing, offering support where I am able and throwing in the occasional suggestion. I look forward to future visits and taking a few pictures during my travels.  You never know where I might turn up.

Wishing you all a blessed holiday season and the very best in the coming year.

Greg

Return of the Prairie Dirt Reporter, A 2022 Perspective

Checkered flag ends the 2022 racing season in Estevan
David Mack photo

2022 was a special season for yours truly.  It marked a long awaited return to the dirt tracks.  When you're away for a number of years, many memories will begin to come back and one may even start reminiscing about the "good old days".  This writing has a blend of some random thoughts from the 2022 season plus a smattering of nostalgia.  Let's go...

DIRT COMES HOME

My post-pandemic June racing trip to Estevan Motor Speedway was an emotional one.  I made a big deal out of returning to Estevan on social media because my excitement was too great to hide. After all, I hadn't seen my Saskatchewan racing family since 2019.  The first person to greet me at the pit gate was track president, Brad Pierson. After a brief conversation, I was off to find every familiar face I could find.

SASKATCHEWAN SUPER NATIONALS

Estevan, Saskatchewan was well-represented at September's IMCA Super Nationals at Boone Speedway, Iowa.  On the final night, Aaron Turnbull turned in a stellar performance in the IMCA Modified division, ending with a 4th place podium finish.  Tyson Turnbull did not qualify into the big show, however overall did quite well, finishing 8th in points amongst 200-plus non-qualifying cars. A total of 253 Modifieds were at Boone for the Super Nationals.

The eventual winner of the IMCA Modified Super Nationals feature was former Nodak Speedway track champion (2019), Tom Berry Jr.

Saskatchewan Super Nationals has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?  While this is not an event (yet), please remember where you read it first.

VICTORY LANE SPEEDWAY

Dirt from the Stands returned to Victory Lane Speedway for the first time in 9 years.  Yes, my last visit to the speedway south of Winnipeg was in 2013.  Prior to returning to Victory Lane, I contacted the speedway and asked a lot of questions. They were most helpful and I greatly appreciated it.  It took a while for me to familiarize myself with my surroundings, but once I walked around a bit, everything came back to me.  

The evening's racing program kicked off with the familiar voice of Manitoba singer Jeannine Guyot performing the US and Canadian national anthems.

Some of the faces have changed, but the racing action did not.  Sitting in Turn 1 and just observing from the grandstands brought back some nice memories from my past years there. 

Overall I had a positive experience and look forward to returning again in 2023.

ANTHONY LEEK

Over the years, I have written about Anthony Leek. From his early days at Emo Speedway and promoting a regional Super Stock tour to the realization of his dream at Lake of the Woods Speedway, Anthony has experienced a lot in his racing life.  Our friendship has stretched for about as long.  We shared many thoughts and aspirations about the local racing scene and our involvement in it.  I also credited him for being the influence behind my return to the racing scene in 2008.  Prior to the release of last year's writing, A Prairie Dirt Review, The COVID Years, Anthony and I enjoyed conversations about life, returning to racing after COVID and the direction of Dirt from the Stands going forward.

RENEGADE SPRINT CARS

It's safe to say that the Western Renegade Non-Wing Sprint Cars are here to stay.  They have grown in numbers, averaging 13-14 cars at their home track of Devil's Lake Speedway during the 2022 racing season. July and August produced the most participants with a low count of 12 and a season high of 21. Most race nights, 15 sprints were pitted.  These numbers do not include the season-ending Labour Day extravaganza, the Inaugural North Dakota Non-Wing Nationals which saw 34 traditional sprint cars converge on Devil's Lake for 2 action-packed nights of racing. 

The grand finale's 35-lap A-Main winner was Nick DaRonco of Britt, Minnesota.

ERIC GUYOT

In October of 2021, local Super Truck driver and Northern Lightning Sprint Association alumnus Eric Guyot informed me that he was building a sprint car to run with the Renegade Sprints in 2022.  This news made me smile, not only because he would be the first Manitoban to race with the Renegades, but also because Eric was returning to open wheel racing. The early part of the season was a learning experience for the Renegade rookie, but come August he found success.  On August 6th, for the first time, he parked his #25 sprinter in victory lane at the Coal County Classic at McLean County Speedway. 

Eric's efforts paid off again with an excellent showing at the North Dakota Non-Wing Nationals. On the final night, he won his heat race.  Then, starting in 14th position, Guyot worked his way up to an impressive 7th place finish in the A-Main.  He was also named top rookie at the Labour Day event.

I enjoyed collaborating with and writing about Eric Guyot and his journey in sprint car racing this season.  It allowed me a fresh way to present the Western Renegade Non-Wing Sprint Cars with a Manitoba spin.

ADAM SOBOLIK

The Western Renegade sprint car team to beat in 2022 was the number 52 of Adam Sobolik.  Out of approximately 28 feature starts, the Grand Forks, North Dakota racer parked his sprint in victory lane an impressive 13 times this season, 12 non-wing wins and 1 win with the wing on.

IT'S NOT HOW YOU START, BUT HOW YOU FINISH

There were a couple of noteworthy endings to the 2022 season from Swift Current Motor Speedway.  

Edmonton, Alberta's Destiny Klym saved her best performance for last at the speedway's season finale weekend.  Night 1,  she swept both of her IMCA Modified heat races and then went on to win the feature.  She followed that up by capturing the feature's checkered flag on Night 2.

Crowe Racing scored a 1, 2, 3 finish in IMCA Modified track points this season.  Congratulations to Brody Crowe (1st), Carson Crowe (2nd) and Tyson Crowe (3rd).  To the best of my knowledge, I don't recall 3 brothers finishing in the top 3 spots in track points anywhere before.  If I'm wrong, please let me know.

REDHEAD RACING TIMES 2

After a full season of asphalt oval track racing in the Street Stock division, Saskatchewan racer Criss Jeffries recently announced that Redhead Racing is expanding to a 2-car team in 2023.  Criss will be running in the Sportsman division while her daughter, Harley, will start racing in the entry-level Bandolero division at Saskatoon's Sutherland Automotive Speedway.

PHOTOGRAPHERS IN 2022

When I first started posting racing photos, a long time ago, I learned very quickly to give proper photo credit is all motorsports photographers' works.  In the early years, my primary photographers included Tim Johnson, Fran Engelke and Isabelle Blanchette.  I was and will always be thankful for their generosity in allowing me the privilege of including their photos with my writings.

I was once again blessed to have been able to share the works of some very talented photographers on the blog this season.  Special thanks to Lisa Crowe, Kaz Grafix, Byron Fichter, James Caswell and Speedway Shots for their contributions.

I would also like to acknowledge the exceptional photo contributions of Kyla Harris, Katy Turnbull, Maxx Wazney, Cory Palm, David Mack, Linda Szabo and Raymond Brabant who captured some special moments that were posted this year.

There was also a new visual artist whose works I enjoyed.

Modern technology is capable of producing some amazing images.  Gordon More's use of a drone at Estevan Motor Speedway was exceptional and breathtaking.  Gordon's works are not exclusive to the dirt track.  His drone videos capture the essence of the prairies in a way that leaves you awestruck.

Please be sure to check out Gordon's work. You won't be disappointed.

LAPS4MD

I was very pleased to chat with a few people about LAPS4MD this year.  Representing a cause to raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy Canada is both rewarding and humbling. LAPS4MD founder Brad Miller, who is diagnosed with Beckers Muscular Dystrophy, does a good job of promoting the raising of funds through motorsports.  Brad also has a blog to raise awareness entitled, My Beckers Story.  I invite you, the racing community, to consider being a part of this worthwhile cause.  Together, we can make a difference in the quality of someone's life with Muscular Dystrophy.  It takes teamwork to make the dream work.  Thank you.

COMMUNITY DIRT TRACKS AND MORE

One element of Dirt from the Stands that I've tried to highlight are the volunteer-driven community dirt tracks of Saskatchewan. My goal has been to present news/results about these places during the racing season.  Sometimes information is readily available and other times it can be a challenge.  I work with what is available and try to put my best foot forward in the presentation for you, the reader, as time permits.  

There are racing venues and organizations that receive more than their fair share of media attention.  I could have easily followed that path and simply been another voice recycling the same news that had been repeated perpetually each season, but I chose not to.

Talking about racing communities like Estevan, Swift Current, Yorkton, Tisdale, Outlook and Swan River (MB) is rewarding.  I have witnessed how much time and care a speedway's board members and volunteers give to ensure a place for people to race on weekends.  These locations are as important to grass roots dirt track racing as any other, perhaps even more so.

THE MEANING OF DIRT

Dirt may appear like an obvious word to use with anything to do with racing. My reason for using "Dirt" is not exclusively about the subject of dirt track racing.  Dirt is also symbolic of my life on the prairies, my mortality and my Christian faith.  

MUSINGS

As of this writing, there are no definitive plans in the works for next season and for a change, I'm in no hurry.

A bucket list item was checked off this year.  It might sound corny, but one of my goals was to find the Starbucks in Weyburn, Saskatchewan.  My beverage was made to perfection and didn't disappoint. 

I've enjoyed interacting with Victory Lane Speedway on social media, especially Twitter and Instagram, since the speedway went under new ownership.  They are definitely more active now and worth a follow.

If you've been following me on social media, you'll have noticed that I started using a meme generator.  It's just another fun thing to add to the Dirt experience.

Although I am not directly involved with open wheel racing today, don't think that I'm not paying attention.  Sprint cars are always on my radar.

My first membership with the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum in Knoxville, Ia was in 2002.  Continued support to help preserve the history of sprint car racing is as relevant to me today as it was 20 years ago, even more so.

Estevan Motor Speedway's feature winners gave away their trophies, autographed, to a few lucky young fans after their victory lane interviews all season.  This is a great example of going that extra mile to make a night at the races that much more memorable for the youngsters.

Speaking of youngsters, I love the slingshot class at Estevan.  We get the privilege of watching the next generation of drivers learning about racing every night they're at the speedway.  Everyone on track is at a different level, from beginners to seasoned drivers preparing to move up to the next class. 

Think families only race together at a speedway? Better think again. Victory Lane Speedway track announcer Darren Pallen had a new partner on the microphone this season.  It was in fact his teenage son, Travis.  Travis took over from the retired Pat Mooney and from what I heard, he does his homework and delivers the information fans need to know on race day.  

Spending Canada Day at Estevan Motor Speedway was special.  Seeing all of those Canadian flags waving in the breeze along the fencing was inspiring and gave me a true sense of Canadian pride on that day.

Speaking of special, 2023 will mark the 20th anniversary of my first visit to Estevan Motor Speedway. What started out as a night of watching the NLRA late model racing tour ultimately changed the course of my dirt track racing journey in ways I could never have imagined.  

If you haven't witnessed a sunset in Saskatchewan, you're missing out.  They are spectacular and justify the provincial slogan, "Land of the Living Skies".

I experience something different every night I'm at a speedway.  I meet new people and I learn something that I didn't know before.  This is what makes my journey as a motorsports blogger so rewarding.

Dirt from the Stands is a labour of love and a perpetual work in progress.  Every season presents a few challenges, but I always take away something to hopefully make the next year a little better.

This is the 11th blog post of 2022.  Combined with @SaskDirtRacing on Twitter, it's been an enjoyable season.  If you had asked me early in the year how many blog posts I was thinking about publishing, I would have told you about 4 or 5.  Apparently I misplaced that memo.

From the old jazz standard, "Don't Get Around Much Anymore", although my travels to the speedways are less frequent these days, it doesn't diminish the thrill of live dirt track racing when I have the opportunity.

This past season was reminiscent of the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) in some ways for me.  The main message here is that it doesn't matter how far you go, or how long you are gone for, God's unconditional love is always waiting for us when we come home. In that light, although I had been away for some time, the love of the racing community welcomed me home upon my return.

As we wind down for the holiday season, let us slow down, reflect and give thanks for those special moments and people who have blessed our lives.  Sadly, some are no longer with us.  Tomorrow is never promised and it's important to appreciate what is in front of us today. Let us also look forward to the coming new year and the hope of positive, memorable experiences.

Until next time, take care, God Bless and Happy Holidays.

Dirt Track Wars Waged Over Saskatchewan Weekend

With the racing season winding down for many dirt tracks across the prairies, points championships were on the line this past weekend.

Estevan Motor Speedway doubled down to close out the 2022 season by not only running their championship weekend, but adding to the excitement, their always popular event, Dirt Wars for the IMCA Hobby Stocks.

The story of this weekend took place in victory lane as Mike Wilson parked his IMCA Hobby Stock for his first career feature win on Friday night.  His son, Kruz finished right behind in 2nd place.

Forward to Saturday night's season finale where it was Kruz Wilson taking the checkered flag and winning the 2022 Dirt Wars championship.

Below is a rundown of the weekend's action.

Mike Wilson gets a hug from son, Kruz, after scoring his first career feature win.
Byron Fichter photo

Estevan Motor Speedway, Estevan, Saskatchewan August 26 Dirt Wars Results

IMCA Hobby Stocks Dirt Wars Feature: 27 Michael Wilson, 27JR Kruz Wilson, 15 Connor Hansen, 98H Kayden Hjorteland, 91T Kaiden Tuchscherer, 26 Riley Mann, 64 Owen Goetz (DNF), 8S Brody Singleton (DNF), 41 Ty Saxon (DNF), 12 Dexter Saxon (DNF), 96R Diezel Raynard (DNF), 19 Quentin Skjerdal (DNF), 69 Tanner Russell (DNF), 52L Landon Runge (DNF)

Heat Winners: 26 Riley Mann, 15 Connor Hansen

IMCA Sport Mods Feature:49 Erik Laudenschlager, 25R Leevi Runge, 13 Justin Fichter, 22 Keenan Glasser, 66K Brian Kentner, 11 Dustin Mayer, 15H Colby Himmelspeck, 20 Rick Milewicz, 55H Mike Hudson, 18 Ryder Raynard (DNF), 19 Brent Skjerdal (DNF)

Heat Winner: 49 Erik Laudenschlager

IMCA Stock Cars Feature: 17H Chris Hortness, 68 Jeremy Swanson, 17 Austin Daae, 21C Chase Davidson, 47 Devon Gonas, 19 Jeremy Istace, 1(99) JJ Barnstable, 7 Gary Goudy Sr, 46 Geoff Mann (DNF), 12G Gary Goudy Jr (DNF)

Heat Winner: 47 Devon Gonas

IMCA Modifieds Feature (RAIN SHORTENED): 2 Kyle Scholpp, 10E Ed Turnbull, 11 Steven Pfeifer, 02 Kody Scholpp, 10 Tyson Turnbull, 30 Tyler Wagner, 29 Les McLenehan, 44R Brandon Englot, 24CWS Jim Cocks, 114 Corey Mann, 01 Joey Galloway (DNF)

Heat Winners: 01 Joey Galloway, 10E Ed Turnbull

Slingshots Feature: 11J Jace Emmel, 50 Gunner Raynard, 33J Jacek Ashworth, 99 Cash Saxon, 30 Brogan Wagner, 11 Sladen Pfeifer, 16 Jase Skjerdal, 51 Gage Goetz, 21E Eli Turnbull, 44J Jagger Ashworth, 51G Grayson Jewell, 12E Eliza Whitson, 3 Dane Skjerdal (DNF), 14 Kolby Fichter (DNF), 95 Hudson Mann (DNF)

Heat Winners: 50 Gunner Raynard, 30 Brogan Wagner

2022 Dirt Wars Champion, Kruz Wilson
Byron Fichter photo

Estevan Motor Speedway, Estevan, Saskatchewan August 27 Dirt Wars Results

IMCA Hobby Stocks Dirt Wars Feature: 27JR Kruz Wilson, 15 Connor Hansen, 98H Kayden Hjorteland, 52L Landon Runge, 26 Riley Mann, 8S Brody Singleton, 91T Kaiden Tuchscherer, 19 Quentin Skjerdal, 96R Diezel Raynard, 12 Dexter Saxon, 27 Michael Wilson, 41 Ty Saxon (DNF), 69 Tanner Russell (DNS)

Heat Winners: 91T Kaiden Tuchscherer, 52L Landon Runge

IMCA Sport Mods Feature: 25R Leevi Runge, 13 Justin Fichter, 22 Keenan Glasser, 95 Rylan Raynard, 18 Ryder Raynard, 20 Rick Milewicz, 66K Brian Kentner, 19 Brent Skjerdal, 11 Dustin Mayer (DNF), 7 Storm Dayman (DNF), 15H Colby Himmelspeck (DNF), 55H Mike Hudson (DNS)

Heat Winners: 25R Leevi Runge, 15H Colby Himmelspeck

IMCA IMCA Stock Cars Feature: 17H Chris Hortness, 68 Jeremy Swanson, 7X Tyson Turnbull, 21C Chase Davidson, 12G Gary Goudy Jr, 46 Geoff Mann, 19 Jeremy Istace, 7 Gary Goudy Sr, 47 Devon Gonas (DNF)

Heat Winner: 17H Chris Hortness

IMCA Modifieds Feature: 10 Tyson Turnbull, 02 Kody Scholpp, 10E Ed Turnbull, 11 Steven Pfeifer, 01 Joey Galloway, 29 Les McLenehan, 68 Jeremy Swanson, 30 Tyler Wagner, 2 Kyle Scholpp, 114 Corey Mann, 3L Derrick Lisafeld, 44R Brandon Englot, 24CWS Jim Cocks (DNF)

Heat Winners: 02 Kody Scholpp, 10 Tyson Turnbull

Slingshots Feature: 50 Gunner Raynard, 99 Cash Saxon, 33J Jacek Ashworth, 30 Brogan Wagner, 44J Jagger Ashworth, 3 Dane Skjerdal, 16 Jase Skjerdal, 51 Gage Goetz, 95 Hudson Mann, 14 Kolby Fichter, 21CH Halle Turnbull, 12E Eliza Whitson, 11J Jace Emmel (DNF), 21E Eli Turnbull (DNF), 11 Sladen Pfeifer (DNF)

Heat Winners: 11J Jace Emmel, 11 Sladen Pfeifer

Next scheduled racing for Estevan Motor Speedway is Saturday, September 10.

🏁

Modified racer Brody Crowe was waging an on-track war of his own on Swift Current Motor Speedway's 1/4 mile bullring over the weekend.  On Friday night, he came in 2nd to his brother, Tyson Crowe.  Saturday night was a different story as he led all but the final lap. Coty Smith dogged the #88 Modified of Crowe throughout the feature and made his move for a last lap pass to capture the checkered flag, leaving Brody with another 2nd place finish.

Saturday night 's action resulted in Dirt Mini Stock rookie Gordy Johner scoring his first career feature win, while Stefan Klym swept the weekend's Street Stock features.

Tyson Crowe (11) and Brody Crowe (88) in Modified action.
Lisa Crowe photo

Swift Current Motor Speedway, Swift Current, Saskatchewan August 26 Results

IMCA Modifieds Feature (TOP 3): 11 Tyson Crowe, 88 Brody Crowe, 5 Destiny Klym

Street Stocks Feature (TOP 3): 5 Stefan Klym, 12 Wayne Sadowski, 44 Kevin Schafer

Dirt Mini Stocks Feature (TOP 3): 10 Terry Fehr, 9 Mitchell Cook, 4 Gordy Johner

Dirt Mini Stock winner, Gordy Johner
Lisa Crowe photo

Swift Current Motor Speedway, Swift Current, Saskatchewan August 27 Results

IMCA Modifieds Feature (TOP 3): 03 Coty Smith, 88 Brody Crowe, 5 Destiny Klym

Street Stocks Feature (TOP 3): 5 Stefan Klym, 12 Wayne Sadowski, 44 Kevin Schafer

Dirt Mini Stocks Feature (TOP 3): 4 Gordy Johner, 10 Terry Fehr, 71 Brett Calvin

Next scheduled racing for Swift Current Motor Speedway is September 16 and 17

🏁

Despite less than perfect weather conditions, Yellowhead International Speedway was able to get their final racing program of 2022 in.  In this case, the struggle was with Mother Nature.

Modified winner, Brice Dahlin
Linda Szabo photo

Yellowhead International Speedway, Yorkton, Saskatchewan August 28 Results

Modifieds Feature (TOP 3): 29 Brice Dahlin, 44R Brandon Englot, 60 Barry Woodson

Heat Winners: 18 Steve Benarski won both heat races

Street Stocks Feature (TOP 3): 249 Liam Griffin, 67 Tyler Rosenthal, 99 Randy Rosenthal

Heat Winners: 249 Liam Griffin won both heat races

Hobby Stocks Feature (TOP 3): 8 Brody Singleton, 10 Brian Matkowski, 11 Neil Matkowski

Heat Winners: 8 Brody Singleton won both heat races.

This concludes scheduled stock car racing for Yellowhead International Speedway.  Final event of 2022 is a Demolition Derby on September 17.

Saskatchewan Invitationals Highlight August Racing

Hot August nights produced hot August dirt track racing on community race tracks recently.  Annual Invitationals were in full swing at Yorkton's Yellowhead International Speedway and Tisdale Motor Speedway on back-to-back weekends.

Below is a racing summary from the two Saskatchewan Invitationals.

Street Stock feature winner, Ryan Atkings
Kyla Harris photo

Yellowhead International Speedway, Yorkton, Saskatchewan August 13 Invitational Results

Modified Feature: 66 Kelly Bauman, 15 Nick Baskier, 29 Brice Dahlin, 27M Darin Bednarski, 18 Steve Bednarski, 60 Barry Woodson, 48 Stu Bauman

Heat Winners: 18 Steve Bednarski, 15 Nick Baskier

Street Stock Feature: 44 Ryan Atkings, 249 Liam Griffin, 88R Rod Pickering, 99 Randy Rosenthal

Heat Winners: 44 Ryan Atkings (winner of both heats)

Hobby Stock Feature: 10 Brian Matkowski, 04 Kolton Kreutzer, 913 Tylor McGrath, 44 Jen Atkings, 11 Neil Matkowski, 96 Carson Malayney, 18M Sydney Bednarski, 10K Brandon Kalechyn, 88D Damian Chernyk, 8 Brody Singleton, 11R Reid Cober, 27 Josh Wood (DNF), 37 Robert Wicks (DNF), 88 Tyler Rosenthal (DNF), 7 Shawn Scheller (DNS)

Heat Winners: 04 Kolton Kreutzer, 10 Brian Matkowski, 44 Jen Atkings, 10 Brian Matkowski

Hobby Stock feature winner, Brody Singleton
Kyla Harris photo

Yellowhead International Speedway, Yorkton, Saskatchewan August 14 Invitational Results

Modified Feature: 66 Kelly Bauman, 18 Steve Bednarski, 15 Nick Baskier, 60 Barry Woodson, 48 Stu Bauman, 27M Darin Bednarski (DNF), 29 Brice Dahlin (DNS)

Heat Winners: 18 Steve Bednarski, 15 Nick Baskier

Street Stock Feature: 44 Ryan Atkings, 88R Rod Pickering, 99 Randy Rosenthal, 249 Liam Griffin, 66 Tyler Holian (DNF)

Heat Winners: 44 Ryan Atkings (winner of both heats)

Hobby Stock Feature: 8 Brody Singleton, 10 Brian Matkowski, 04 Kolton Kreutzer, 88 Tyler Rosenthal, 913 Tylor McGrath, 10K Brandon Kalechyn, 11 Neil Matkowski, 88D Damian Chernyk, 11R Reid Cober, 18M Sydney Bednarski (DNF), 96 Carson Malayney (DNF), 37 Robert Wicks (DNF), 27 Josh Wood (DNF), 44 Jen Atkings (DNF), 7 Curtis Rosenthal (DNS)

Heat Winners: 8 Brody Singleton, 913 Tylor McGarth, 10 Brian Matkowski, 37 Robert Wicks

Next scheduled racing at Yellowhead Internaional Speedway is August 28.

🏁

Tisdale Motor Speedway, Tisdale, Saskatchewan August 20 Invitational Results

Modified Feature (TOP 3): 66 Kelly Bauman, 18 Steve Bednarski, 15 Nick Baskier

Street Stock Feature (TOP 3): 44 Ryan Atkings, 66 Tyler Holian, 07 Casey Randall

Hobby Stock Feature (TOP 3): 09 Ashley Ashdown, 77 Shane James, 10K Brandon Kalechyn

Tisdale Motor Speedway, Tisdale, Saskatchewan August 21 Invitational Results

Modified Feature (TOP 3): 15 Nick Baskier, 18 Steve Bednarski, 29 Brice Dahlin

Street Stock Feature (TOP 3): 12 Wayne Sadowski, 07 Casey Randall, 44 Ryan Atkings

Hobby Stock Feature (TOP 3): 44 Jen Atkings, 10K Brandon Kalechyn, 77 Shane James

This concludes scheduled stock car racing for Tisdale Motor Speedway.  The final event of 2022 is a Demolition Derby on September 10.

Strong Showing Nets Guyot Western Renegade Win

Eric Guyot, Night Two Coal County Classic Winner
Cory Palm photo

Fannystelle, Manitoba's Eric Guyot enjoyed his first consistent, strong showing of the 2022 Western Renegade Traditional Sprint Car season. The Renegade rookie scored his first Heat win and finished 3rd in the feature on Night One of the Coal County Classic at Underwood, North Dakota's McLean County Speedway. 

 Grand Forks, North Dakota's Adam Sobolik parked his #52 Tradition Sprint Car in victory lane. 

 Rounding up the Top 5 was Adam Sobolik, Rob Caho Jr, Eric Guyot, Cory Palm, and Colin Severance. 

McLean County Speedway, Underwood, North Dakota. Coal County Classic August 5 Results 

 Western Renegade Traditional Sprint Cars (16 cars) Feature: 52 Adam Sobolik, 78 Rob Caho Jr, 25 Eric Guyot, 21 Cory Palm, 1 Colin Severance, 20L Dusty Lawson, 85 Brenton Wiesz, 2 Tee Young, 23 Mike Nelson, 16 Ross Cummings, 4 Colton Young, 37 Steve Nordrum, 15B Doug McCambridge, 20 Kevin Lawson, 20S Shannon Logue, 35L Jesse Long 

 Heat Winners: 21 Cory Palm, 25 Eric Guyot 

 Eric would then back that up on Night Two with a 3rd place finish in his Heat race. Starting on the pole, Guyot took the lead into Turn 1 and never looked back as he continued to lead throughout the feature. 

Friday night's winner, Adam Sobolik, who was to start on the pole, accepted a "Back Row Challenge" and worked his way through the field. looking for the $250.00 bonus for winning the 20 lap feature, but in the end it would be Eric Guyot holding off Sobolik's late charge to earn his first Western Renegade feature win and bring his #25 Traditional Sprint Car into victory lane. 

 Rounding up the Top 5 was Eric Guyot, Adam Sobolik, Ross Cummings, Rob Caho Jr, and Tee Young. 

McLean County Speedway, Underwood, North Dakota. Coal County Classic August 6 Results 

Western Renegade Traditional Sprint Cars (17 cars) Feature: 25 Eric Guyot, 52 Adam Sobolik, 16 Ross Cummings, 78 Rob Caho Jr, 2 Tee Young, 1 Colin Severance, 20 Kevin Lawson, 4 Colton Young, 21 Cory Palm, 20L Dusty Lawson, 15B Doug McCambridge, 23 Mike Nelson, 37 Steve Nordrum, 20S Shannon Logue, 90 Randy Blotsky (DNF), 35L Jesse Long (DNF), 85 Brenton Wiesz (DNS) 

Heat Winners: 1 Colin Severance, 20 Kevin Lawson 

Next Western Renegade Traditional Sprint car action is August 13 at Devil's Lake Speedway.

Summer Racing Heats Up on Saskatchewan Dirt Tracks

Racing season is heating up like summertime in Western Canada. This past weekend provided dirt track doubleheaders in two Saskatchewan communities, Estevan and Swift Current.  Below is a summary of the weekend's action.

Dirt Mini Stock winner Kara Johner in victory lane.
Lisa Crowe photo.

Swift Current Motor Speedway, Swift Current, Saskatchewan July 23 Results

IMCA Modifieds Feature TOP 4: 56 Garth Dashanek, 3 Coty Smith, 77 Carson Crowe, 5 Destiny Klym

Street Stocks Feature TOP 4: 12 Wayne Sadowski, 24 Murray Koethler, 98 Daryl Kehler, 96 Dave Koethler

Dirt Mini Stocks Feature TOP 4: 97 Kara Johner, 4 Gordy Johner, 11 Pam Maciborsky, 3 Kelsey Epp

Street Stock winner Wayne Sadowski.
Lisa Crowe photo.

Swift Current Motor Speedway, Swift Current, Saskatchewan July 22 Results

IMCA Modifieds Feature TOP 4: 56D Garth Dashanek, 03 Coty Smith, 77 Carson Crowe, 24CWS Jim Cocks

Street Stocks Feature TOP 4: 12 Wayne Sadowski, 24 Murray Koethler, 5K Stefan Klym, 0 Brad Levorson

Dirt Mini Stocks Feature TOP 4: 95 Tina Johner, 11 Pam Maciborsky, 3 Kelsey Epp, 14 Brianna Cook

Next scheduled racing at Swift Current Motor Speedway is August 26 & 27.

Stoughton, Saskatchewan's Adrian Dickie on the gas in IMCA Sport Mod action.
James Caswell photo.

Estevan Motor Speedway, Estevan, Saskatchewan July 23 Results

IMCA Hobby Stocks Feature TOP 5: 52L Landon Runge, 98H Kayden Hjorteland, 15 Connor Hansen, 41 Ty Saxon, 91T Kaiden Tuchscherer

IMCA Sport Mods Feature TOP 5: 95 Rylan Raynard, 25R Leevi Runge, 22 Keenan Glasser, D1 Adrian Dickie, 55H Mike Hudson

IMCA Stock Cars Feature TOP 5: 68 Jeremy Swanson, 17 Austin Daae, 17H Chris Hortness, 19 Jeremy Istace, 21C Chase Davidson

IMCA Modifieds Feature TOP 5: 02 Kody Scholpp, 10 Tyson Turnbull, 01 Joey Galloway, 10E Ed Turnbull, 29 Les McLenehan

Slingshots Feature TOP 5: 11J Jace Emmel, 33J Jacek Ashworth, 21E Eli Turnbull, 99 Cash Saxon, 95 Hudson Mann

IMCA Modified winner Ed Turnbull in Victory Lane.
Katy Turnbull photo

 Estevan Motor Speedway, Estevan, Saskatchewan July 22 Results

IMCA Hobby Stocks Feature TOP 5: 15 Connor Hansen, 98H Kayden Hjorteland, 52L Landon Runge, 19 Quentin Skjerdal, 85 Brody Singleton

IMCA Sport Mods Feature TOP 5: 13 Justin Fichter, 66K Brian Kentner, 18 Ryder Raynard, 22 Keenan Glasser, 25R Leevi Runge

IMCA Stock Cars Feature TOP 5: 17 Austin Daae, 17H Chris Hortness, 47 Devon Gonas, 19 Jeremy Istace, 77 Gary Goudy Jr

IMCA Modifieds Feature TOP 5: 10E Ed Turnbull, 01 Joey Galloway, 02 Kody Scholpp, 30 Tyler Wagner, 3L Derrick Lisafeld

Slingshots Feature TOP 5: 99 Cash Saxon, 11J Jace Emmel, 21E Eli Turnbull, 33J Jacek Ashworth, 44J Jagger Ashworth

Next event scheduled for Estevan Motor Speedway, Monster Trucks weekend, July 29 & 30

Next scheduled races, Late Models weekend, August 12 & 13.

MUSINGS

In the "Did You Know" category, 3 of the drivers in Swift Current's Dirt Mini Stock division are family members.  Johner Racing consists of #95 Tina (mother), #97 Kara (daughter), and #4 Gordy (son).

Another Swift Current racing family, Crowe Racing, is made up of 3 brothers, all racing in the IMCA Modified division.  They are #77 Carson, #88 Brody and #11 Tyson.

These are only a couple of the many families who make up our dirt track racing community.  

Be sure to follow @SaskDirtRacing on Twitter for more racing information and fun.

Until next time, take care and good racing.

Don McAuley: Letter for a Friend

Where to begin...

In 1997, I attended my first sprint car race at Winnipeg's Victory Lane Speedway. Around that same time, we had our first computer at home.  Being new to the internet, one of my first attempts at searching online was about Sprint Cars.

The first website I came across was Allan Holland's Hoseheads.  The other site that I found was a local website entitled SprintsNMidgets.com by Winnipeg webmaster Don McAuley.  I bookmarked the two and they became my goto sites for racing information.

Forward to 1999, I created the NOSAfan's Fan Page and eventually began writing anecdotes about my experiences at dirt tracks.

At some point I asked Don if I could email him my writeups and he said yes.  I did this for some time, when in 2000, Don invited me to submit a periodic column for SprintsNMidgets.  As I recall him telling me, he would look at my writings when I emailed them, but after a while he started reading them fully and thought they were pretty good.

I needed a catchy title and eventually came up with NOSA fan's Dirt from the Stands.

Being new to writing, I didn't really know if what I was writing was any good or not.  It was Don's encouragement and positive feedback that gave me the confidence to keep moving forward with my little dirt track racing column.

About a year later, I asked Don if he thought Dirt from the Stands was good enough to forward to other racing websites and he told me to go for it.  Eventually, my column would appear on other racing websites including Hoseheads, TJ Slideways, MN Dirt Track Racing and Sean Moran to name a few.

It was this exposure that was the springboard for so many amazing experiences in dirt track racing.

After reviewing the scope of my subject matter in 2003, eventually "NOSAfan" was dropped from the website for an expanded vision entitled "Prairie Dirt".

In the early days, Don and I would chat quite a bit. Sometimes we would visit. I also recall Heather and I going on a May long weekend trip to Grand Forks with Don and his wife, Sue, which included a very cold Friday night of racing at River Cities Speedway.

Sometimes life throws us changes resulting in people drifting in and out of each other's lives.  Such is the case with Don and myself.  Thanks to social media, we were able to stay in touch and message each other occasionally. 

I will always give Don McAuley absolute credit for being the catalyst of Dirt from the Stands' beginnings.  I am thankful for everything that he has meant to my life's journey.

I recently found out that Don's health was deteriorating.  Although I feel sad, I needed to share this writing because it's important and it helps.

Thank you, Don, for your friendship and for giving me an opportunity to write. I will never forget your kindness and encouragement.

Love and respect always. Until we meet again...

Greg