Tailgating at North Central Speedway -
Getting dirty on date night, but not in the way that you would think.
It was just another Saturday night until my partner and I decided to take a quick drive south of Baxter on Hwy 371 to North Central Speedway. When we arrived we were greeted at the back gate, waiting for 5pm to roll around, so we could get prime seating to “tailgate” along the backstretch and watch the races. We relaxed on the tailgate of the pickup and enjoyed food and drinks as we waited for the races to start. It was slowly approaching start time when we heard the cars revving up from the pits and one by one they lined up.
Here they come making their entrance out of turn two, as they begin one of few laps to warm up their cars. Before you know it the green flag waves and they are off, driving past us at fast speeds, leaving a cloud of dust behind. Several laps go by and you see the white flag wave, followed by the checkered flag after the next go around. The next thing you know, there is a new class of cars starting their warm up laps before they begin racing.
One thing that brings all the tailgaters together, whether families or couples, is the cheering. Each race, you hear nearby groups cheering for the car that they believe will win. It is always fun to pick a car, whether you know the racer or not and create a competition to see who wins between you and your partner. The fun part of the experience is when you realize how dirty you are getting throughout the night, as you wipe your forehead. You never noticed the dust settling on you as the cars roared by with each lap; we just got dirty on date night.
North Central Speedway is home to the only dirt race track in the Brainerd Lakes Area. This oval race track is a 1/3 mile around and races local classes. Some of them being Hornets and Pure Stocks, along with six Wissota Sanctioned Classes every Saturday night during the summer months. North Central Speedway is very family oriented, full of fun memories and occasionally contains raffles and prizes for people of all ages. At an affordable price, you can gather your friends and family to enjoy a fun night out!
Whether you want to tailgate or just sit back and relax in the grandstands, North Central Speedway ensures that everyone will enjoy their night out. With plenty of food and drink options, you may find yourself enjoying a walking taco, sloppy joes and chips, or cheesy nachos. Along with that you can have water or a nice cold beer if that’s what you prefer. Don’t forget about your sweet tooth and finish your meal with a candy bar.
North Central Speedway is the place to be this summer, so plan your perfect Saturday on the lake and end your day watching dirt track racing!
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