Rod Taylor’s enthusiasm for Columbus Speedway and its revitalization were matched by uncertainty entering the track’s season-opening Winter Classic on Saturday.
The event was to be held during the day — a rarity in dirt-track racing — when many drivers usually still were putting the finishing touches on their cars.
But after a 75-car turnout and a show that stayed on schedule, Taylor breathed a sigh of relief after the first of 30 scheduled shows this season.
“I was pleased with all of the effort put forth by so many people,” Taylor said. “From our staff, to our volunteers, there’s been a lot of hard work to get us to this point.
“It took a little while to roll the track in and get it sealed, but my goal was to be done between 6:30 and 7, and we got done at 6:30.”
Taylor said Saturday’s 1 p.m. start provided challenges track officials and drivers don’t typically face at night: a dry racing surface. Lap times were slower and the top-side of the track never became locked in during the hot laps and heat races, but once the sun started to set for features, moisture started to rise to the top of the racing surface, Taylor said.
“That’s just part of day racing,” Taylor said. “It’s going to be dry slick, whether you put water on it or not. That’s just something the competitors are aware of, and it causes a little more wear on your tires, but it also makes the teams step up on their game a little bit to make some adjustments on the car to make it hook up a little better.”
Taylor said he and his crew will start preparing the track for the March 10 race — the first Friday race on the schedule — later this week. He said repairs will continue on sky boxes and to the grandstand area. Taylor also will explore alternative lighting options in the spectator parking area, including solar-powered lights.
In race action:
n Billy Franklin won the Crate Late Model feature. Justin Carter, Chase Washington, Jeremy Shaw, Marcus Minga, and Mark Stokes rounded out the top five.
n Dean Carpenter won the Super Late Model feature. Billy Franklin, Brett White, Jason Milam, and JC Waller rounded out the top five.
n Tony Shelton won the 602 Sportsman feature. Allen Simmons, Wesley Green, Mike Pickard, and Cody Wooten rounded out the top five.
n Billy Tedford won the Street Stock feature. Jamie Sudduth, Lucas Horton, Lee Ray, and Clint Vaughn rounded out the top five.
n Bo Minor won the mini-stock feature. Mike Minor, Nick Deese, Matt Meadows, and Ronnie Guin rounded out the top five.
n Jason Byrd won the Factory Stocks feature. Brandon Whitley, Johnny Ponnell, John Johnson, and Billy Waller rounded out the top five.
n Terry Merritt won the Buzz Class feature. Steven Quick, Jessie White, and Rodney Davis Rounded out the top five.
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