TREENA MIELKE/Rimbey Review
The weather has been kind to the Central Alberta Raceway early this season, and events coordinator Dale Barr is hopeful that won’t change.
“We’ve got off to a good start this year,” he said. “The ATV Mud Bog was a success.”
Barr said construction on the quarter-mile track at the Central Alberta Raceway is ongoing. He noted the project is costing about $1 million and while most of the money is in place, a title sponsor is needed to come up with the balance of the funds.
“We’re hoping the work will be completed this fall,” he said.
The team has been putting in some long hours particularly the past couple of weeks to get the drag strip up to grade in preparation for paving this summer.
The sub-base is nearly completed and placement of pit run and gravel will be the next step.
The 2011 event schedule for July begins with the Rimbey 100-foot side by side shootout sponsored by Nikirk Const. on Sat., July 9.
Practice runs begin at 11 a.m. and the race starts at 1 p.m.
The Wissota & Hobby Stock/mini sprints race sponsored by Fred’s Trucking & Oilfield Service Ltd. will be held at 7 p.m. on Fri., July 22.
The Spring Challenge Auto Value Civil War race sponsored by Auto Value Parts Stores goes Sat., July 30 and Sun., July 31 and the hobby stock/mini springs race sponsored by Gabriel Construction will be held Sun., Aug. 14 beginning at 7 p.m.
The demo derby/hobby stock final open demo/bump to pass race sponsored by Classic Embroidery will be held Sun., Sept. 11 beginning at 2 p.m.
The ConocoPhillips Mud Bog will be held Sat., Sept. 24 and Sun., Sept. 25 with the Saturday race scheduled for a 1 p.m. start and the Sunday race to begin at noon.
The racetrack got its humble beginnings in the early 1980s when the Rimbey Kinsmen started a demolition derby and worked to create a large following of both spectators and participants.
The event gained in popularity and around 2000 a group came up with a vision to build a full motorsports park that included a one-quarter mile drag strip, race oval, demolition derby, motocross track, mud bog and more.
The dedicated group of car enthusiasts worked with the Kinsmen and the Town of Rimbey to get the motorsports park underway.
Thanks to the help of many volunteers, and corporate and private donations the project took off.
Barr said the track has been a positive addition to the community and one that provides entertainment for the entire family.
“It’s a great family event and it’s right in our back yard.”