BY: Jordan Miller, Staff Writer
Published: Aug. 31, 2012
Gas City gives friday night lights a new meaning.
Instead of the beat of a marching band, it is the roar of engines. Instead of the smell of fireworks after a touchdown, it is the smell of gasoline fumes fills the air.
Despite sensory overload, spectators' eyes are glued to the track. They're here for one thing: racing.
For more than 16 years, fans and drivers have gathered at Gas City Speedway for races involving a variety of sprint cars, stock cars and other modified race cars.
The tight quarter-mile track provides spectators with high-speed bumper-to-bumper action. Bobby Taylor of New Palestine, Ind., is an avid fan of the speedway.
"This type of racing is more competitive than NASCAR and IndyCar," Taylor said. "Sprint car racing is the most exciting form of motorsport in the world. The fact that Gas City is a tight bullring adds to the close racing action."
Even drivers believe the Gas City Speedway brings out the best in dirt racing. Ohio native Cody Gardner, driver and fan of the speedway, says it has the kind of racing that satisfies his hunger.
"As small as it is, it's action packed the whole time," Gardner said. "From watching in the stands or even in the driver's seat, it's constant racing going on the whole time."
Gardner also appreciates that fans can meet the drivers in the pit area before the races begin and check out their cars and trailers.
With only a handful of races left in the season, Gas City Speedway looks to provide pure and competitive racing for fans and drivers like Gardner.
"It should be on everybody's bucket list of a track to see because of just how well-prepared it is," Gardner said. "I've been there four times this year, and every time it's just awesome to watch, to drive. It don't matter."
Gates open Aug. 31 at 4 p.m., and races start at 7:30 p.m. Race admission is $12 or $6 with a student ID.
