The highly anticipated annual event, the Kindersley Dirt Drags and Tractor Pulls, had another successful year despite the rain that temporarily shut down the track.

Opening day for the event was set for Friday, however, the track quickly became muddy, slick and unsafe for drivers after a day of rain in Kindersley. The decision was made to cancel Friday’s races and resume on Saturday once the track had regained racing conditions.

Saturday brought no rain and a lot of sun as spectators and racers filled the grounds ready for a show. The grounds crew worked to the track in an effort to dry up the moisture from the previous day’s rainfall and by approximately 3:00 pm, the dirt was ready to handle the horsepower.

Race teams from across the prairies and into BC and even as far as Arizona and New Mexico, made the trip to compete at the annual event and were packing vehicles with horsepower in the thousands.

Although many were vying for the top spots, it was Kindersley’s Good To Go Racing that claimed first and seconds in the shootout final.

Shayne Neigum and his car, Second Chance, went head to head against his teammate, Mark Savage with his car, Perfect Storm, in the final. Both cars on the track had a combined 8700 horsepower, with Second Chance boasting 4500hp and Perfect Storm with 300 less at 4200hp.

Neigum and Second Chance, came out ahead beating Savage and Perfect Storm, claiming the win, however, an impressive showing by both had the crowd happy they came out.

Darla Dorsett with Good To Go Trucking, said the event fared well despite the rain.

“Friday night is usually our busiest, so with the rain and rescheduling, we still had a good turn out. On Saturday there were about 4000 people and Sunday there was about 600, but a lot of people I don’t think knew that we were continuing things on Sunday, but regardless, it was a great turn-out and a great show”.

Dorsett said in the year previous, they had about 6000 spectators between both days, so to almost lose a day and to come in at approximately 76 per cent attendance, it was a successful weekend, and one she said requires a lot of help and support.

“I can’t thank all of our sponsors and volunteers enough. This show wouldn’t be possible every year without them and the employees from Good To Go Trucking, Good To Go Rentals and GPR Fluids, went above and beyond and all of our volunteers were so great, and we are just really thankful for our sponsors and volunteers”.

Planning for this event is no small feat. Dorsett said on average, the whole process will start in December or January for the next event, which means the whole team will now be able to breath a little easier before getting back at it in a few months time.

The event, in addition to providing entertainment for thousands of spectators, also raised money for STARS Air Ambulance throughout the weekend as well. Dorsett said they are still tallying numbers and a donation total will likely be determined within a week.

 

Photo's from around the grounds on Saturday. (Photos: Brittany Warner)