Dirt Track Racers in Westfort Village!
by Scott A. Sumner
Always fun meeting some enthusiastic stock car racers who were showing their cars recently at the Westfort Village.
Riley Matthews, No 9 A Mod driver and in the day is a heavy equipment mechanic.
What is the difference between the various classes of cars?
“ The A Mod has about 200 more HP than an B Mod and we run a 4 link rear suspension. The B mod has a 3 link so ours is a more aggressive rear suspension basically. The body rules are a little different as well. The Super Stock car has a different frame, wheel base,power and rear suspension.”
What motor do you use?
“The motor is a Chevrolet 350 bought from the US which when new are about $35,000 We also have a Longhorn chassis built in North Carolina.”
How long have you been racing?
“ I have been racing for 18 years and last year ended up 4th in points at Thunder City. We also do some racing in Superior, Hibbing, Rice Lake, Ogilvie basically Northern Minnesota or Wisconsin. We shoot for 20 to 30 races a year.
How is it financially racing and how do you enjoy the sport?
“Heartbeat Hotsauce owns the race car and is our main sponsor. It would be impossible without the sponsors. I have been doing it for so long now and enjoy the rush you get, especially when you have a good run. It's the speed and the competitiveness. We travel in a motorhome and a 24 foot enclosed trailer.”
Nathan Roy Superstock 22R from Gorham Township in Superstock and is a welder by trade.
How have you done in the sport?
“ Last year I got 5th overall and second last week. I love the sport and have a need for speed. The straight stretch at the track means you could be 80 to 90 MPH and you have to hope it hooks up in the corner and grab. The suspension makes a difference.”
Can it be an expensive sport?
“ The Superstock has an over 400 HP engine which comes from the states. A rolling chassis costs around $20,000 for brand new and motors are around $20,000.”
Colby Reed, Midwest Mod number 89 who is a heavy equipment operator in the day.
How has it gone this year for you on track?
“ This year is number 5 racing for me. It is going well. We are always working to improve. More seat time helps as well. We are in the top 5 or 10. We went to practice in Ogilvie and then went to Superior and Rice Lake at the beginning of the season.”
Tell me about your car?
“ It is about 440 HP and from the US. The chassis is from Canadian Dirt Track here in Thunder Bay. The car can do about 70 to 80MPH on the straight.
How do you go fast around the track?
“ The cars are meant to turn left and it's all about set up. You have to learn to read the race track.”
