It seems like rain follows the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars Series everywhere it goes these days. However, it appears that Mother Nature really sends the rain on Saturdays. So far in the month of May, the Outlaws have not raced on a Saturday. With no races scheduled the first weekend and the next two Saturdays rained out, the 'Greatest Show on Dirt,' hasn't seen a Saturday night of racing action since April 30 at Tri-State Speedway in Haubstadt, Ind. Even before that, the series raced twice in the month April with both dates coming during the first two days of the month.
The sad thing is that not only is this effecting national touring series like the Outlaws and others, but it's effecting regional and local shows as well. Racers are truly a different breed of people. They sink every cent they have into their machines with the hopes of glory under the lights on a Friday or Saturday night. However, when Mother Nature drops the rain and races are canceled, the money cannot be recovered. Rising fuel costs, material costs and lodging are slowly bleeding racers from the weekly factory stock driver all the way to the nationally touring Outlaws circuit. It's truly inspiring to see people hold out for so long to race. It's a passion that can't be denied.
Another group who is just as determined are the fans of the sport. As I type this now, throngs of racing fans remain at the wet and dreary I-96 Speedway, cloaked in hoodies and ponchos, anxiously waiting for the rain to stop and track packing to commence. These dedicated fans are the reason why the racers can race and the officials can govern. For that, we are truly thankful.
As we continue to wait out the rain, here's to hoping that the rain starts to go away and the roar of motors can be heard from coast to coast.
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