The introduction photo is the grandstand at Moler Raceway.

Many years ago our daughter (who is now 50) won tickets to a dirt race track for LOUD cars. That began a family tradition. At first we drove way out to the country for the event. Then a newer track was built closer to home and that became our go to.

They race modified cars on a quarter mile race track. The size varies from little ones (that sound like angry bees to us) to V-8 engines that can threaten you with hearing loss. In fact, my apple watch warned me more than once regrading the noise level. I forgot to take ear plugs and eventually bought some for $1.00.

Several times earlier this summer we planned to attend, but the heat and humidity were just too much for use to endure. We went last Friday night. I packed two zip lock bags of peanuts in the shell. We took our insulated water bottles. The snack bar was actually reasonably price be it a soda, corn dog or chili fires. There were six family members in all. We wanted to finish our snacks before the races as an open plate of pizza would just invite ‘eating dirt.’

The owners always wet down the track prior to the race. However, with cars in sets of 5-10 going around it at 50-85 miles per hour it does not take long for the dirt to fly. I was smart enough to wear a ball cap and old clothing. I did not remember to take a hoodie or a sheet for protection. My bandana was soon soaked from perspiration and after a few laps I wondered it I was smearing mud on my face? There were a couple near crashes and the race was stopped while the track was cleared. No one was injured while we were there.

Here are some photo examples. The great news is that everyone was getting dirty!

Bob and I sat side by side. We were both tidy when we arrived. We do not have freckles on our legs. Get a load of this!

Yes, a great time was had by all as we watched the various hot laps and races. The announcer was unintelligible. The family tradition lived on for another year!

While in the line for refreshments I had great fun telling Rowan about one year when he spent the night with us after the races. He is now 14. At the time he was quite a bit younger. When we got home that night I told him he had to take a shower. He balked and put up a fight. When I told him the story he shook more dirt off himself and said, “Gross!” I told him I agreed!

And the first time we took Ellie (now 20) the announcer was able to be understood. He was saying the names of the drivers. Ellie in full playground voice turned around and asked us, “Did he say Weasel Roads?” Indeed he had! If I could have found shirt with that drivers name on it I would have bought it for her in a heartbeat.

If you are there and get bored with the races, you can always people watch. This year they were selling something like 5 aluminum beer bottles in a sack of ice to keep them cold. One little girl had great fun playing with the ice. (I wondered if I could have just bought the ice?) She eventually put some up the leg of her dad’s shorts. The family did not think it was as funny when she tried it on her grandpa!

We left a halftime, our usual departure. Everyone but the retirees had worked that day and some had to work the next morning.

I hope you have some sort of family tradition to keep the joy and mirth flowing through the dog days of summer.