By Courtney Renee – Special to the Pahrump Valley Times

This year’s racing season started on Saturday after a two-month hiatus that seemed to fly by. For some, it was not enough time to fully prepare for the season.

During the early races, with fewer competitors, the caution lights on the track were not functioning. However, by halftime they were operational again.

In the preliminary dwarf races, Mark Dillie, in the 17 car, blew his engine on the track.

Drivers such as Pete Wallace, who typically compete in two race classes, were not competing at all.

“My car just isn’t ready yet. I am hoping to be out here next time,” Wallace said.

Wallace isn’t too concerned with missing the early races of the season. Typically the drivers don’t drive as hard and there is plenty of time to catch up on points.

“I should be ready in two weeks. It is getting there. My car only had 80 races on it and it looked brand new, probably because I use Lucas oil in it. I have done a lot of improvements,” he said.

The first few races of the season, according to Wallace, are trying to prepare the car rather than competing.

“The first race is spent trying to get all the bugs out. The beginning of the season isn’t as competitive because drivers are trying to prepare their cars.

Most of the competitive races are toward the end of the season when drivers are pushing for the championship and points,” Wallace said.

However, due to new rules and regulations, Wallace will no longer be competing in two race classes.

“I am in an IMCA sanctioned class now and we all need IMCA licenses. You can’t drive Hobby Stock with an IMCA Super Stock license because you need a Hobby Stock license and they only issue one license. My days of racing in two classes are over,” commented Wallace.

Despite the technical difficulties with the lights, the track was in condition enough to make Wallace itching to get out there.

“I really wish I was out there, the track looks good today,” said the veteran driver.

Also, with some new rules set on the track along with the new Hobby Stock class, drivers are getting their financial situations in order so they can get their licenses and their vehicles ready to compete in the long haul of the season.

About 250 fans turned out for week one, and the turnout usually improves in upcoming weeks along with the change from day races to night races.

With the new Hobby Stock class and different rules, this season of racing is bound to be promising.