The speedway has had a great showing for cancer these past two years raising thousands of dollars and attracting old and new race fans to the track for a good cause.
This will be the third annual Powder Puff Race held at the track on April 26. Each year speedway owner Chad Broadhead opens his doors and heart in support of cancer.
The race is organized by Kjester Buesig who has organized all three races at the speedway. This event is usually the first big car count of the season. Last year the race drew 67 cars, which included 13 Powder Puff racers. According to Broadhead, 438 paid fans came out to see the race. The race raised $1,400 for Relay for Life, an American Cancer Society event.
The race is 15 laps around the track and for every ticket sold that weekend the track will donate one dollar to the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer. Buesig came up with the idea three years ago after attending another fundraiser for cancer. She said it inspired her to do something in her own community and racing was the perfect way for her to raise money since she loves the sport so much.
Buesig said after the race last year the event was very successful.
“I was very happy and overwhelmed by all the people that showed up. We had more people in the stands this time. Within the last week there was a couple more cars added, which made for such a good race. All the girls drove so well. Just one accident and it went green. All the spectators just loved the race, they had a great time,” she said.
The race rules allow all women who are not professional racers to drive. There are no men drivers allowed and this lends to an interesting race. For most drivers, the only training they get is a couple of laps around the track before the race. The racers use Mini Stock race cars donated by regular speedway drivers.
“It is actually harder to get the cars to use in the race than it is to get drivers because those cars do race that night,” Buesig said. “This year we have a lot of new Mini Stock drivers in the division and I have not really talked to them, so I am not sure how hard it will be to get drivers for the race. My goal is to race more than what we did last year. We will be doing the race and the raffle tickets to raise money.”
Most would think that the racers are timid drivers — not.
Last year a first time racer took her car on to the track while the race was going on. She was lucky none of the cars hit her. Buesig said the driver was confused and thought the lineup guy told her to drive onto the track —not timid.
Then there was first time driver named Courtney Salmon who stepped into a race car for the first time and completely tore up the track. Her first lap may have been timid, but after that she was pedal to the metal and almost won the race, taking 3rd place.
Last year Suzie Wulfenstein took first place, Aylin Crete took second.
Broadhead said this year his IMCA Modifieds have more numbers so the race should be bigger this year. Over half of the Powder Puff racing slots have been filled. He hopes to have 15 this year, but drivers are still being sought.
“We hope to be bigger this year. It is for a very good cause. This race for cancer is one of our biggest races of the year,” he said.