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Southern Classic At Columbus
Late Model Mark
Pinson, Alabama (September 23, 2010)
This weekend it seems I get to go back in time, a simpler time, a feeling of old school racing at an old school track, just like when I was growing up. Going to a place where you feel like your wanted and appreciated. This round of the Red Clay Report will be about a trip to one of the coolest racetracks in the country, Columbus Speedway just outside of historic Columbus, Mississippi.
Starting today, the 21st annual Magnolia State 100 gets underway at the historic third mile track. Tonight will have a four hour practice session while Friday night will see qualifying and heat race action. Then Saturday the big show runs with the Super Late Models running for a nice check of $25,010-to-win. Each team making the field will get a nice check in the amount of $1000 to make the show. Just to make the show will be tough as there are 80 plus cars pre-entered so far. Also on Saturday night, the Crate Late Models, Open Wheel Modifieds, and the Street Stocks share the card. In my view, the Street Stocks at Columbus put on the best show for that division of any track that the dude in the Orange shirt has ever seen!
Of the many things that make this long-running crown jewel of the South great is the fact that this race is unsanctioned, so many of the big shows these days have been scooped up by the two large touring series. This event, the track is leased and the giant purse is payed by Dewitt Singleton. The track prep and other vital tasks are completed by "Dr. Dirt," Johnny Stokes. Johnny takes care of many things but he excels with the track prep at Columbus as well as crosstown sister track, Magnolia Motor Speedway. Oh yea, Johnny races too, he has racked up a number of wins in 2010 driving his potent Crate Late Model. Stokes takes big pride in track prep, he has been working on the surface all week, that's his baby and he pampers that dirt like a newborn.
Columbus Speedway is just across the Alabama state line, without the signs you would have no clue one of the country's best tracks is off the very rural Highway 82. Just a short hop off the highway, next to a small cluster of houses, sits this old style track. When you drive onto the grounds you can see the "redneck" style home built suites that fans have payed for and built. You park in a giant, well groomed grass lot, you then see the armada of motorhomes, trailers and campers that litter the area. The grills are fired up, the chairs set up, and hundreds of fans having a blast. Many have televisions set up so fans can watch college football. I can attest to the "fun" that can be had as I get stopped a dozen or so times while walking around. Fans offer all kinds of adult beverages, if I indulged with all of 'em, I would never see the races if ya know what I mean.
There is such a cool atmosphere at Columbus, an electric feel to it, you can just feel you are part of something big, something special. While the Lucas Series decided that they would schedule on top of this long running show with a race up at Brownstown, this race has survived well, if not flourished. While the track may not have fancy or huge grandstands, the seats are close and you have great sightlines. Want to bring your lawnchair, no problem, there is plenty of room for that as well. You can bring in your cooler with food and drinks with no trouble, in fact they are very welcomed. The fans are super hardcore lovers of Late Models, you will find fans from many states who make the trek down South for this event. A big bonus is to hear the race called by two experts, "Big" Ross Tingle and Ben Shelton, they will inform and entertain the crowd.
The feel of Columbus is really something I look forward to a lot, I only get to Columbus twice a year, I make this race a priority, when I walk thru the gates the smile index goes off the hook. Packed grandstands, savy fans, an awesome field at a racy track, life is good. 100 laps for $25-large with a premium field of unmuffled rip-roaring Late Models in the South is the best!! So the ole Dodge will be heading West to the little town of Columbus for the big show, the 21st Magnolia Sate 100, pinch me!!
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