A Little History, a Little Rain, but a Lot of Excitement

Thursday, March 25, 2010 - David W. Ryan

Despite threatening skies nothing could dampen the enthusiasm of the season’s first Dirt Drag Racing Association (DDRA) sanctioned points race; that is until is started to rain.

“We had rain in the forecast for today but still had 55 trucks registered and ready to run,” DDRA President David McMillin explained. “We did finish a couple of the classes before it rained us out.”

The plan now is to finish the other classes at the next sanctioned point’s race at the Louisiana Off Road Race Park on April 17th.

“So if your truck was still in this race, we will be looking for you to be at The Park for our next sanctioned races and be ready to finish those races at 12 noon; before we start the next race.”

McMillin added that no winners would be announced or points awarded until the conclusion of the March 20th races.

For the April 17th races, Stock ET and Pro ET trucks will need to be at the track and ready to run by 2 PM.

“We will run Stock ET out, then we will run Pro ET until 5 PM and after that we will start running rounds of all classes,” McMillin explained the schedule. “Whatever we have left of Pro ET will run in these rounds.”

O f the racing that went on Saturday, a crowd of nearly 600 fans enjoyed some fast action and good food as grills, smokers, and BBQ pits filled The Park with that unmistakable smell and smoke.

In fact, there was a little bonus action as an impromptu ATV race was held with winner-takes-all 13 year old Wade Chambers from Denham Springs. Jonesville native Kyle Neal finished a close second.

In addition to some good early races, the hot passes might have been just as fun. Father and son from Denham Springs, John and George Butler, raced with George jumping out to a big lead but 70 year John Butler caught him at the end.

And speaking of the Butler men, John’s grandson Austin won a race with crowd favorite Thor in the new 4.2 Class; despite Jeff Wells’ truck blistering the track for a new Park record of 4.13.

Some of the very best action of the day came from the sidelines, where cooks like Michael Poole, of Jena, the unofficial cook for the Ronnie Duncan’s Buck Creek Racing, were serving it up as fast as it would cook.

“I’ve known them (Ronnie and his wife) for a long time and they’ve got two trucks up here racing. It’s a lot of fun watching them race.” Poole noted of his hosts and pointed out: “I’m really not much of a cook but I do the best I can on this grill.” His menu for the day included ribs and hamburgers.

Many more like Gerald Huffman of Jonesville had a full grill of chicken wings, hamburgers, pork fingers, and sausage. Huffman, who also caters large events, said as he sampled his product: “Oh brother, this is the life. Good food, good racing, surrounded by family and friends.”

Throughout The Park, hamburgers ruled but the variety was impressive from wieners, boudin, deer sausage, pork loin, and more. And from the sound of each grill master, the next big competition could come from the sidelines.

Track owners have noticed the number of grills at the Park the last two events.

“We are considering having a cooking contest,” McMillin noted. “So let us know what you think about the idea and if you or someone you know might be interested.”

Send your ideas or comments to david@dirtdragracing.com

• Solid Gold Plans
  

McMillin has decided to let the cat out of the bag somewhat this week with the announcement of the Louisiana Off Road Race Park will host the very popular “Solid Gold Saturday Night” with Country Boy Mark Porter on September the 11th.

“We will have lots of contests for cash, plenty of games, lots of food and music,” McMillin said excitedly. “So make plans to be here and those of you who love to camp and RV, now would be the time to reserve your spot.”

The radio station hosting the live event, WQNZ “95 Country” in Natchez, Miss., has already contacted Guinness Book of World Records in an attempt to compete for the largest crowd ever at a live radio show.

“This is something you do not want to miss!”

Michael Poole of Marksville came up for the weekend with close friends and racer Ronnie Duncan. Today though Michael Poole is all about some sausage and ribs.

13 year old Wade Chambers (top) outduels Jonesville native Kyle Neal in the ATV race.

Gerald Reeves of Jonesville prepares a wide variety for his family and friends including chicken, wings, pork fingers, and sausage.

Ms. Midnight Rumbler herself Susan Lang makes a hot pass.

Lamar Brown's Black Widow and Steve Bruce's Plum Nutz share a hot pass.

It's an even start for Amanda's Headache's Lee Park and Garrett Reeves.

Jeff Wells of Walker, La., set a new Louisiana Off Road Race Park track record as his truck "Thor" covered the 300 feet in 4.13 seconds.