[jmen24]

AW,

I have been to many different races and styles of races in my lifetime. Growing up 2 miles (as the crow flies) from Bryer Motorsports Park and then the current speedway NHMS. I been to the motorcycle races (professional and local club) SCCA sanctioned events, karts, Nascar (in the stands as well as the boxes), Indy, manufacturer specific club events. Off location, Motocross events, Hare scrambles, ATV and snowmobile racing and Formula 1.

But the one type of race that I use to go to with my father when I was about 6 or so that I can still tell you what happened with great detail as it was and is still the most fun I have ever had watching a race, is the super low budget racing at any short track. The cars are terrible looking and the drivers are not professional at all, but a Friday night "Run what you Brung" race can't be beat. The first race I ever saw was this style at Lee Speedway.

This is not the tight and technical races of the regional or national touring series, but the local folks that are out there, are running just for the bragging rights. Most folks that are into racing, brush this off as knuckle heads beating each other up in a demo derby race. But as a kid, it is the most excitement you will find.

But it sure beats watching cars go around and around and around. Unless your a fan of the sport, you don't see the small things that are happening. A kid certainly isn't going to see those small things. My kids fall asleep at the Nascar events, but can't even sit down at these small track beat and bang events.

That's my thought for getting young kids into racing, as that was my first experience and it spurred a great love for the sport of racing anything with an engine.

Depending on the age of your kids you could bring them down to Sugar Hill Speedway, Rt 106 RacePark or F1 Boston and take on racing a kart that makes most karting locations feel like pushing a shopping cart. The rigs at F1 Boston will break loose if you come into the throttle to fast and top out at 50 or so. Not for the little little one though, that is why I mentioned age. Adults, if you think you know how to handle a car at speed, go jump into a fire suit, full face helmet and put on your neck brace and see what you really know about fast. They all rent everything you need. F1 Boston rented us the entire track for a 4 heat qualifier and a 30 lap main event for a group of 10 (walk ons are much cheaper than that). Worked out to be $100 per person, for our company outing. Check it out, SOOOO much fun.

Lights, flags, the smell of rubber and gas. Nothing beats it.