NOLALU — For the first time since 2019, races will be held at the Mosquito Speedway this weekend.
The dirt oval, which is now officially known as at the King of the Fields Test and Tune facility, is hosting the Wayne Hari “Fall Freezer” Memorial on Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
Racing starts at 1 p.m. on both days.
“Everything’s come together pretty quickly for this event, but it’s been fantastic,” track promotor Erin Slomke said.
“We’ve had good registration numbers for the streeters (street stocks) and B-mods (midwest modifieds) so far. It’s just like the good old days and the people we’ve talked to over the last few weeks are really excited to be coming back to Mosquito for this.”
The event – which is being held in honour of former track operator Wayne Hari – is the first race at the facility since Thunder Bay Truck Centre Dirt Track Nationals was held there five years ago.
That year-end competition has now moved over to Thunder City Speedway, which opened in 2021.
The track, which Shawn Liddicoat is now leasing, reopened earlier this year and has been used by local drivers for test sessions.
“There’s been a lot of positive feedback,” Slomke said.
“It’s a different track and there’s something about Mosquito that makes it really exciting for everyone.”
Slomke said the track didn’t want to ‘bite off more than we could chew’ this weekend, especially as there are no lights at the facility.
“This winter, we’re going over our game plans for next year and have things being even bigger and better,” Slomke added.
Although the track hasn’t had any action in five years, the local support for the facility is still there.
“The community spirit has been amazing,” Slomke said.
“I’ve barely had to reach out for volunteers. People have been calling me to help out for the weekend.
“It’s an awesome feeling to have this much support from everyone.”
Fans are asked to bring cash only to the track as there are no ATMs on the site and to also bring lawn chairs to sit in as grandstand seating is limited.
More information on this weekend’s event can be found on Facebook.