Terry Guest
Special to the Record
The green flag drops on the 2014 Saratoga Speedway on Saturday, May 3.
Last year saw lots of records set in both car counts and fan counts, with 2014 looking to be no different. This year's race schedule promises to bring even more action-packed race nights, with the addition of more drifting, drag racing and the first-ever drive-in movie night.
Opening night will feature every class that is local to the Speedway – Crash to Passs, Hornets, Bombers, Roadrunners, Figure 8s and the I.M.C.A Modifieds will all be competing for double points, which will all be capped off by an amazing fireworks show.
The monster trucks will make their first appearance on the May long weekend. The Crash to Pass cars, Hornets, Figure 8s and Roadrunners will accompany them on Saturday night, with Sunday night seeing the Bombers and I.M.C.A Modifieds joining the action.
Last year the Drifting class was introduced to the Speedway, and within the first few nights, they made an immediate impression, wowing the crowds with some amazing drifting abilities. The first three rounds of drifting will take place May 10, 24 and 31.
Our annual car tossing competition will take place June 7, which last year saw 45 feet be the winning toss; the Roadrunners, Crash to Pass cars, Hornets, Bombers and I.M.C.A Modifieds will join the fun. The Wilroc Sprint cars will make three appearances, the first being June 21, accompanied by the Dwarfs, Bombers and I.M.C.A Modifieds.
The sixth annual Bikini Contest will be held July 5. Brooke Bella from Courtenay will be looking to repeat as this year's winner. The first-ever motor home jump will also take place on the 5th, accompanied by the Crash to Pass cars, Hornets, Roadrunners and Figure 8s.
Big Rig Highway Thunder will make its return on July 19, which last year saw a full field of beautiful Big Rigs hit the track. The Crash to Pass cars, Hornets, Roadrunners, Figure 8s and a car rollover competition will accompany the Big Rigs. The final appearance of the Monster Trucks will be Aug. 2-3 with the usual lineup of Crash to Pass, Hornets, Roadrunners and Figure 8s joining them.
The crowd favourite Crash to Pass Boat Race will take place Aug. 16, which is the only one of the year. The Island Mini Stocks will accompany the Crash to Pass cars, Roadrunners, Figure 8s and Hornets that evening. The first-ever Saratoga Speedway Drive-in Movie Night will be held Aug. 20, with proceeds going to a Black Creek fundraiser.
The annual Canadian-American Demolition Derby will return Aug. 30-31, with Team Canada looking to retain the title. The Island Mini Stocks, Figure 8s, Hornets and Roadrunners will join the festivities.
The year will be finished with yet another amazing fireworks show and the championships for the Crash to Pass cars, Hornet, Figure 8s, Roadrunners, Bombers and I.M.C.A Modifieds to all be awarded.
The focus for the 2014 season is to limit the smaller nights and make more exciting, action-packed nights for the fans to enjoy. For all information on the Speedway, visit our new website www.saratogaracing.ca. Let's go racing!
– Saratoga Speedway