Ninety One (91) racecars were in the pits for the Kaster Family Appreciation Night. This night was established by the Johnson family in honor of Larry Kaster and what he meant to the track in seasons past. We had drivers from Iowa and drivers from central Kansas, who were there for the first time trying out I-35 Speedway. At I-35 Speedway we always work with drivers from other sanctions and other tracks to get them in a class, one time, with the least amount of changes which still remains fair to all the racers.

Heard from race fans who only make it up once or twice a year that they were totally impressed with how clean and organized the facility was maintained. In fact, this gentleman told me this was only his second time at the track and he was impressed how manicured the parking lots were and how smooth the track was both times he was in attendance.

You could see more improvements were completed as electrical poles were added in the parking lot this past week. These poles are in preparation for the Smokin Trackside BBQ and Brew Bash on August 12 and 13. This BBQ contest has received a Proclamation from the Governor of Missouri making this an opportunity for some BBQ team to qualify for the American Royal BBQ in October. Make plans to be here both nights, Friday includes a people choice BBQ, a beer tasting, a band, and night of fun, Saturday includes the BBQ and the best racing in the midwest!

Had to put in a call to our old friend Back Up Bob to come help as an official at the track when one of our regulars got a call in to his primary income job. Back Up Bob worked one year for free at another racetrack several years ago and even worked the scales which meant no race watching. Toward the end of the season knowing his dedication he earned the right to be an infield official. He earned his name Back Up because as the race started and the car where flying around the turns, each lap, Back Up Bob was backing up further and further away the track to the point he was about 25 to 30 feet behind the fireman, thus the name Backup.

Connor my buddy was back this week opening the gate to the tower every time I came by. He really appreciated the ice cream sandwich but that made it hard for him to open the gate for me as part of it melted to his hands in the summer heat.

Social media comment of the week – We were there!!! Had a great time.

Next three weeks are going to be busy. This week the WAR Series return. Remember last week’s race, when the pass for the win came out of turn 4 on the high side for the win. The crowd went wild! In two weeks it is Kids Night and then we add the BBQ contest to racing.

Hope everyone had fun this past week and hope you plan to be where you always get the most racing for your money, I-35 Speedway this week!