RACING VACATION 2014: Playing the Rain Game

With my flight set to leave Columbus tonight at 7:15pm, the stalking of the weather forecast for the racing trip is in full force.  It never fails...every time I plan some sort of racing vacation, I'm always trying to dodge wet weather.

Friday night's show at Fairgrounds Speedway in Cortez, CO should have no problems with a predicted high in the upper 80's and cooler temps once the sun goes down.  This is a huge plus considering Fairgrounds is the only track in a four-state region racing tomorrow night.  Saturday's CDM Late Model show at Arizona Speedway should have no problems either, with a sweltering high of nearly 110 degrees predicted.

The Tuesday and Wednesday USMTS Modified shows in Texas are my biggest concern right now with scattered thunderstorms predicted in the area of both events.  With temps in the 90's and high humidity, the chance of a t-storm is always there...but I'm hoping at least one of these shows is able to get in.  Both the Tuesday race at Heart O'Texas and the Wednesday show at Devil's Bowl are currently staring at a 30% chance of rain.

Looking on ahead just a little, the final two races at Diamond Mountain, UT and Aztec, NM look good with no chance of rain, at least for now.  That having been said, I never put too much stock in a forecast more than a few days out.

We'll see what happens with the midweek Texas racing.  Obviously, given the fact those races are on a Tuesday and Wednesday, a rainout at both venues would be devastating to say the least.

RACING VACATION 2014: Part 2

In less than a week, I'll be 1200 miles from home on my long await summer vacation.  The trip will span nine days and will include six races at six tracks in five different states.  To say I'm excited would be a huge understatement.

The first stop will be Fairgrounds Speedway in Cortez, CO on Friday, June 20th.  A regular racing program is scheduled with IMCA Modifieds headlining the card.  Little info is available on Fairgrounds, but they're the only track racing in a four-state region so they get the nod for the opening night of my trip.

Fairgrounds Speedway in Cortez, Colorado.  (track photo)

Saturday, June 21st I'll hope across the Four Corners state lines to Arizona.  A CDM Late Model show is on tap at ET Motopark's Arizona Speedway in Queen Creek.  With daytime highs well about 100 degrees for the Phoenix-area 3/8-mile track, you'll likely find me hanging out in the air-conditioned car as long as possible.  "Oh, it's a dry heat", every says.  Doesn't matter.  100+ degrees is HOT any way you slice it.

After a few days off, I'll make the trek to the Lonestar State for a pair of USMTS Modifieds show at Heart O'Texas Speedway in Elm Mott on Tuesday, June 24th and the historic Devil's Bowl Speedway in Mesquite on Wednesday, June 25th.  Heart O'Texas is a 1/4-mile bullring which, from everything I've seen, provides some absolutely outstanding racing.  On the contrast, Devil's Bowl is a big, D-shaped half-mile, but is also the home to some fantastic side-by-side action.  I've been asked to help with some post-race coverage of the USMTS shows, in which I'm extremely honored to do.

The impressive grandstands at Devil's Bowl Speedway.  (track photo)

From there, it's a long journey northwest for a Wild West Tour Modified race at Diamond Mountain Speedway in Vernal, UT.  A scenic, 3/8-mile facility located in the northeast part of the state, Diamond Mountain only races five weekends out of the year and is one of only two tracks racing in the "four corners" states on Friday, June 27th.

The trip wraps up on Saturday, June 28th with a regular racing program at Aztec Speedway in Aztec, NM.  Aztec rose to fame after being included on the original Dirt Track Racing game for the computer.  The 1/3-mile oval is hosting a regular show featuring Late Models and Modifieds among other classes.  

Cars in the staging lane at Diamond Mountain.  (track photo)

If all goes as planned, this epic trip bring my Track Chasing totals up to 180 tracks and 42 states ... leaving just Connecticut, Rhode Island, Mississippi, Louisiana, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, and Hawaii as the only states I will not have seen a race in.

Let's just hope Mother Nature cooperates...