San Antonio Raceway Back On Track
By J M Hallas
Marion, TX (June 13th, 2015) – After sitting idle for six months, San Antonio Raceway was ‘back on track’, literally and figuratively, this weekend.
After some legal issues that saw racing the ¼ mile drag strip come to a halt, the roar of engines was once again heard on the speed plant just outside San Antonio. Through the efforts of Iain Grae (owner of Cycle Ranch in Floresville), who purchased the facility, and dozens of volunteers, straight line racers once again have a local track. The raceway held its “soft” reopening Friday and Saturday nights with test-n-tune available for any and all racers.
Friday night traffic was backed up onto the interstate as racers, teams and spectators waited to enter. An estimated 1,000 spectators filled the grandstands along with nearly 400 cars signed in throughout the evening. Saturday’s gate opening was pushed up to allow people easier access and less waiting time. During the heat of the day crowds and car counts were less than Friday, but quickly picked up as the evening cooled temperatures, filling the pit area again.
Besides the test-n-tuners, the Southwest Super Chargers were on hand for time trials for their class. The overall car count was an interesting combination of cars that included Top Sportsman, Top Dragster, a Pro Mod or two, plus many of local bracket racers and a slew of street cars.
The day was dotted with a few delays, one for a quick shower that passed overhead and two major on-track incidents.
Early in the day a Super Gas Corvette drifted towards the center line and as the driver tried to straighten out, the car over-corrected and went across the lanes, narrowly missing Tina Hudel in her Altered. The ‘Vette nosed hard into the concrete barrier and will probably need a front clip.
Later in the night a Chevy Monza got out-of-shape at half track and turned over on its top, sliding across the track. In both cases the drivers were able to walk away with no major injuries.
All in all the ‘soft’ opening was a huge success among drivers, teams and fans portending good things ahead for the track.
Next weekend the track hosts Bike Madness on Friday night with War of the Worlds (Import vs. Domestic Challenge) Saturday.
June 26th and 27th is the official Grand Opening with test-n-tune, plus a Jackpot race on Friday, then Saturday it’s the IHRA Summit Super Series Bracket Races, swap meet and manufacturers midway.
Of course the word everyone’s been waiting for… Oh wait, I can’t let the feline out of the sack just yet… Stay tuned.
For more information on the track and schedule visit their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/sanantonioraceway or www.saraceway.com.
Photos:
1 Defending bike champ Brandon Mitchan
2 Donnie Anderson Summer of Love Nostalgia Top Fuel Dragster
3 Jesus Bengoechea wheel standing mini farm truck
4 Josh Gaspard old school Challenger
5 Steve and Laurie Vontours new Monzanator
6 Wes Bendele Top Dragster
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