Silver Eagle races toward season's end

Time is ticking away for those planning to catch a race at Silver Eagle Speedway.

Only four of the 32 planned events at the track remain.

Bruce M. Parkins, co-owner of the track, said that people who make attend the races will be in for a great night of fun.

''It is a full night of entertainment,'' Parkins said. ''This used to be the roots of NASCAR. If they are race fans, it's up close and personal.''

More than 1,000 spectators got up close and personal Saturday, when the United Sprint Car Series came to town.

Parkins said those who didn't make it missed a great show.

''I think everybody walked away happy,'' he said.

The next race is scheduled for Friday. The featured car types will be late model, street stock and super stock. Parkins said the super stock cars have been the most successful this year because of increased room for modifications - such as racing tires.

''It is still a stock appearing car, but they can put a lot of racing parts underneath,'' he said.

After Saturday, Parkins said that he is planning to put together a tribute for the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The event has been tentatively scheduled for Oct. 13. The local season ends Oct. 27, which will be driver appreciation day. After that, fans will have to wait for March 2002.

The speedway is closing out its second year of operation, and Parkins said that it has been fairly successful.

''We've been building a business like you're supposed to.''