As the sun set, the lights came on the roar of the engines began.
This was the beginning of the first leg of the fifth annual Firecracker 4 Crown Series Super Late Model racing at Greenville Speedway Thursday night.
The drivers began coming in around 4 p.m., driving around Greenville in the late afternoon you could see the trailers hauling race cars around town. When the gates opened, the crowd poured in. A hot Mississippi summer day gave way to a pleasant evening with a beautiful sunset over the track as the hot laps began before the racing.
“There’s a good crowd here tonight,” said James Clolinger, who, along with Wesley Washington runs the track. “We’ve got 26 Super Late Models tonight,” he said with a smile.
The Clolinger and Washington hopped up on a picnic table to host the driver’s meeting. They both explained track rules and talked to the drivers. Some drivers came from right here in Greenville and Leland, while others ventured from Arkansas and Louisiana, all with one thing in mind: winning their heats and racing for the prizes.
Racing is for families. Just ask the dozens who were in the pits, or the hundreds who filled the stands to watch the races. Fathers and sons of all ages worked on cars while mothers and daughters took pictures and lent helping hands to their racers. Children helped, picking mud off the cars and handing tools to their fathers, uncles, cousins and older brothers. (And yes, there are female drivers, as well)
Tonight, the racing will continue, only in Winona at the Central Mississippi Speedway, Magnolia Speedway will host on Saturday and things will conclude Sunday at Columbus Speedway.
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