GREAT time at Salem Saturday at Battle at the Banks!
Several really good cars were there…Jimi Day’s AMXcess, Jeff Schwartz’s Ultima GTR, Trent Summers/Brad Coomers new C10 truck, Mike King’s new 63 Tempest, Terry Neuville’s 68 Camaro [from Louisiana!], and several well prepped Corvettes…including the winning Vette of Danny Popp. The 33 Ford appeared at Salem, but didn’t compete for technical issue (mostly related to steering)
There were a fair number of pre entries leading up to the event, but severe weather on Friday night scared some off. The lightning was spectacular, the rain heavy…but it was all gone by Saturday morning. Then all we had to contend with was the “water features” left in the infield. All it took was a little time, a little sunshine, and a small reconfiguration of the track and we were racing by 10:30.
If you’ve never run hard on a steeply banked track, it is certainly a different experience…especially when there is a 2 foot thick concrete wall mere inches from your passenger window. [in reality its about 35 feet, but it looks like inches] Most cars were carrying 70-80 mph through that turn and would hit 90-95 before braking for the infield transition. We certainly found out who had brakes and who didn’t.
There were a fair amount of spectators that showed up. The grandstands at Salem offer a great view. The entire Salem facility is first class…the stands, the concession stands, the bathrooms, the parking lot, the track staff…a really nice place to come. We are looking forward to going back later this year or again next year.
Thanks to all the participants, spectators, and everyone involved with the event. It’s the start of a nice tradition!
Danny Popp and Cale Kern in the winners circle
Cars lined up for the first round of the final race
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