Three times this season rain has washed out the scheduled race program, and the latest occurred on July 22."/>
Three times this season rain has washed out the scheduled race program, and the latest occurred on July 22."/> Race day blues | News, Sports, Jobs - The Pierce County Tribune
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Race day blues

By Staff | Jul 30, 2010

Rugby Midwest Modified racer Ken Hooker is frustrated with all the rainouts at the Geographical Center Speedway schedule this year and he’s not alone.

Many regulars at the GCS also are getting tired of preparing a car for a race that never comes.

“You do get pumped up about (racing), and when the race is called off it’s disappointing, especially when you work hard to change up the car before every race, Hooker said.

Three times this season rain has washed out the scheduled race program, and the latest occurred on July 22.

Drivers hope Mother Nature will permit the green flag to fall this Friday evening, Aug. 6 and again on Aug. 13.

Whether another race will be in store later this summer remains to be seen.

Race officials are keenly aware that extending the season further into August is difficult with harvest in full swing and the start of school approaching. That not only takes some drivers out of the mix, but also affects attendance.

Tyler Dosch, one of the track coordinators, can’t recall the last time weather hampered the race season. It’s not uncommon to have to reschedule one racing program, but three in one season is quite rare and makes it difficult to find make up dates.

Drivers in contention for a track points title know the importance of this Friday’s, Aug. 6 race. A good night could vault a driver to the top, while a bad one could bump them too far back to catch up.

Just four points separate the top five drivers in the IMCA Stock class. Nathan Burke holds a three-point lead over Robbie Conway and Kelly Henderson with Randy Fyllesvold just four points out.

In the Midwest Modifieds, Jim Morlock has just a one point lead over Jeff Hooker. Shawn Nostdahl is five points off the pace.

In the Pure Stocks, Larry Vetsch had a three-point lead over Mike LeMay with Brad Fritel four points back.

In the Hobby Stocks, Dana Brandt had a three-point lead over Dallas Rice.