It's been a while, but I am back on the blog and ready to write. A lot has happened since the last time I posted, but I am back with several posts planned for the next few weeks. Look for a Road Trip Recap on my recent trip to Charleston, WV-Huntington, WV-and Cincinnati, OH and a recap on the 2014 Eastern League All-Star Game in the coming days.
Since this is my return to the blog, I decided the topic for this post should be on the revival of Thunder on the Mountain at Jennerstown Speedway. The track closed in 2009, and racing fans had to go elsewhere to see local racing action. The track reopened in May, and the new ownership group has done a great job at the speedway. Here is a breakdown that based on my experiences attending races this season.
Food/Drinks: The track offers a variety of food, with something for everyone. There is a main concession stand, a stand known as the back window, and a stand near the entrance to turn one selling Funnel cakes. The track has done a great job keeping the prices affordable, while also offering weekly specials. There are also employees in the stands selling drinks.
Merchandise: The speedway offers a variety of merchandise, along with a local collectibles dealer selling racing collectibles and photos from recent races at the track. There is also a 50/50 drawing benefiting the local fire department.
Atmosphere: The owners and staff have done a great job with the atmosphere. This begins at the gates where the entry staff are quick and friendly, getting everyone in efficiently. Under the grandstands, fans can purchase food/drinks/merchandise and take a spin in the racing simulator. Younger racing fans can head over to the playground near the entrance to turn one, which provides a view of the track for the guardians. Once racing begins, the staff includes the fans, especially the kids. Kids are invited down to the track after each feature race to be in the winner's photo. Each time I have been there this has been popular and the kids move on and off quickly. On certain nights, fans are invited down onto the track to see the cars, meet the drivers, and get autographs. Most of the drives have candy/giveaways for the fans coming down to the track. The track also offers a weekly door prize drawing, which is entered by purchasing a weekly program. Prizes given away so far this year include amusement park tickets and rides in a pace car. The track has done a great job creating a fun atmosphere for all ages.
Each race I have attended at Jennerstown has been exciting, and I look forward to heading out to more this season. The staff continues to work on improvements to the track, while working on improving car counts. They are also open to suggestions and ideas, which is evident on their social media accounts. It will take some time, but based on everything that has been done so far, those of us who love racing will be able to experience Thunder on the Mountain on summer Saturday nights. I encourage you to consider taking a trip down to Jennerstown to experience it yourself. You will not be sorry.
More Information:
Website: http://jennerstownspeedway.net/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jtownspeedway
-The Flood City Sports Fan
