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It seems lately that every week my column starts the same way. Oh well, what can I say. It's finally here!!! The weekend that Maritime Drag racers have been planning and waiting for at least six months now is finally upon us. The 40th Scoudouc Reunion is set to go at Miramichi City Dragway, on the outskirts of Miramichi City, New Brunswick.
Yesterday, I ventured into the "Once Again Sports" establishment to see Billy Hickey for any last minute changes that may have occurred. He told me that more sponsors have been secured for the event so the purse has been increased to pay third place in the showdown. He also said that it is the biggest drag race event in many years and the richest ever with over $20,000 in prizes to be won. A race this big may never be seen in these parts again. The three day event kicks off on Friday but the big races are on Sunday.
A special trophy in memory of Kevin Burns has been donated by his wife and family. It remains to be seen what the trophy will be awarded for, but you can bet it will be special.
Apparently some of the classes are full and entries have to be turned away. It is going to be exciting.
Before this event happens though, the wheels are pointed toward Speedway 660 on Saturday for race 7 of the 11 race Maritime Pro Stock Tour. The weatherman is calling for warm weather but the action on the track is going to be even hotter as teams strive to move up in the standings. Last weekend's event at Riverside left no doubt that our Maritime Tour is as good or better than any on the Eastern seaboard. Cars were entered from the PASS Tour as well as our own and two of the drivers were from the top rung of NASCAR, the Sprint Cup. Our local (Maritime guys) dominated most of the way until NASCAR's Reagan Smith broke through late in the race to capture the victory and he was driving one of the locally built cars. Smith had stated that he had some "unfinished" business at Riverside ever since last year when he finished third. He also stated afterward that he'll be back next year to defend his title.
Last week I mentioned the rumour about the possible closure of Centre for Speed. Saturday, I caught up with Mr Wile at Riverside and he confirmed the situation much as I told it last week. The track will reopen on August 3rd for the Pro Stock 150 and the following week as well. If fan and driver support is not there, the track will close. In Mr Wile's words, "You can't run a race track without cars."
Keeping with the theme of "Big" events, next weekend the two wheel "Boys of Summer" return to the Motocross arena at River Glade Motorsport Park. Springhill native Ryan Lockhart and his younger brother Bradley will be competing as well as several other drivers from the Cumberland County area. This event is part of the National Motocross competition and always provides ample excitement for any motorsport enthusiast.
It looks like the "heat" is on and the excitement meter is over the top so "lets go racing!!!"
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