MOTHER NATURE WINS A FEW ROUNDS AT GATEWAY
 The concrete roof tiles became deadly projectiles; they’re all over the place beneath the tower. |
A massive storm hit the St. Louis area Wednesday night (July 19) wreaking havoc at Gateway International Raceway in Madison, IL, during their regular program. Although a tornado was not officially seen, winds in excess of 80 mph hit the region, bringing down trees, signs, lights, and more.
The track’s scoreboards were hit by lightning and were twisted by the wind. Transformers on the west side of the property exploded and power was off throughout the region. There was damage to the tower roof and windows and the grandstand, as well as trash, Port-A-Johns and other small buildings being blown around the facility.
Photographer Bret Kepner returned to his car only to find it covered by a large part of a tree that had been blown down. (No damage estimate on that yet.)
Due to damage at the track, this weekend's drag racing activity on July 21-22 has been canceled. These events include the Junior and Bracket Racing Programs scheduled on Friday and Saturday as well as the Midnight Madness event scheduled on Friday night. (Bret Kepner photos) [7-21-2006]
INFINEON PLANS SPECIAL ACTIVITIES FOR SPORTSMAN RACERS
If you’re a sportsman racer planning on staying in the Sonoma County area between the FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals on July 28-30 and the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series
divisional on Aug. 4-6, Infineon Raceway has been thinking of you and your family. The track has put together a sturgeon fishing boat trip on July 31. The cost is $128 per person for all equipment and two meals.
For more information contact Wyatt Franks at wfranks@infineonraceway.
com. On Wednesday, Aug. 2, the track will host a golf tournament in a four-person scramble. The cost is $25 per person which includes green fees and cart fee.
To register contact Melvyn Record at mrecord@infineonraceway.
com. In addition, there will be discounts for the Safari West wild animal preserve and Six Flags Marine World. [7-21-2006]
WHO IS IT?
Steve Justice sent this photo of the license plate on a famous top fuel car team’s tow vehicle.
Any guesses? [7-21-2006]
