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Speedway legends return to Enid

By Cheryl Licklider-Cooksey, Motorsports writer Enid News and Eagle

ENID — Action will heat up Sunday night as Enid Speedway kicks off the second night of the “2010 comeback” tour with the Salute to the Legends of Enid Speedway and the NCRA Southern Sport Modified Nationals.

According to promoter Ed Beckley a number of legends will be honored including Ted Shepard, Kip Hughes, Van “The Kirby Man” Gemmill, Big Jon Tipping, Buck Cadwell, Pat McVicker, Martin Bond and more.

“We want this to be even bigger than our July show,” said Beckley. “We need a huge crowd just like the other one so the county takes us seriously and we can keep racing in Enid.”

The event will include competition in six other divisions including modifieds, 360 winged sprints, factory stocks, street stocks, pure stocks and bombers. Pit gates will open at 3 p.m., the grandstands at 5 p.m. and opening ceremonies will start at 6:15.

Beckley has put his money where his mouth is in resurrecting the sport of auto racing in Garfield County. For the first time in over four decades, this daring promoter is bringing back spectator drags. Twelve local hot rodders will have the opportunity to see what it is like to race on the 3?8-mile high-banked oval at Enid Speedway as they compete in their own car, minivan or pick-up.

“This is gonna be crazy and fun,” said Beckley. “That’s right … one lap from a standing start. We are gonna line ’em up and let them rip with the tires smoking and race one lap around the track in bracket racing eliminations until we find out who is the baddest of the bad in Enid. This will truly be an experience you may never have the chance again to see what it feels like. Do you have what it takes to go a lap with the gas on and the tires squalling while you are sliding around the track?”

Spectator drag racers will need several items. Cars must have a hard top, no convertibles. Drivers must wear a racing-style helmet in good condition and must wear shoulder seat belts (factory ones are OK). Drivers must have a legal driver’s license, insurance on the vehicle and a legal tag. No one under 18 may compete, no passengers and no race car drivers. Spectator hopefuls can register by phoning the Dodge City Raceway Park at 620-225-3277 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The bomber also promises action aplenty. Accord-ing to Beckley it is intended as a fun, affordable entry- level class. Bomber drivers get perks for installing a passenger seat.

“Bomber cars that have a passenger will be allowed to start up front of bomber cars without passengers,” said Beckley. “Also, any fan in the grandstands can claim a bomber for $1,000 ten minutes after the race. Basically these are demo derby cars with a roll bar. We will be checking these cars to the maximum – cheat and we may burn your car in front of the grandstands.”

Racing legends, the potential for action-packed competition, unpredictable bombers and thrilling spectator drags, Sunday should be an action-packed evening at the Garfield County Fairgrounds.

JIMMY MINTER 'AKA'dirtrack234                  
Yesterday 
is history, 
tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift. That is 
why they call it the present.

Ha Ed Becklay u do not no me but i though you may want to no that may Dad won the first Winter National that was put on at Enid Race Track. He raced there every week the track was really his home track he drove for many people there in Enid and Jet. My father is not with us any more he passed away back in Aug. 1992. He was a legend with Ted and Buck and all of the other drivers around the Enid and Kanasa and Oklahoma area. His name is David Flatt our whole family along with many more raced there i am also part of the Bohnstedt family that race at that track.