At one time or another as kids, we found pleasure playing in the dirt. For boys, it probably had something to do with playing with cars. And with girls, it was probably more along the lines of making pies from dirt and water. Whatever the case, we all likely have some memory of playing with the good earth. And just as likely, most of us outgrew the desire to play in it.
However, there are some adults that never outgrow the need to interact with dirt-farmers, landscapers, horticulturists, archeologists, and the like. Then there is Bruton Smith and Humpy Wheeler.
For those who are unaware, Bruton Smith is the chairman and CEO of Speedway Motorsports in Charlotte, and Humpy Wheeler is the president and general manager of Lowe's Motor Speedway, also in Charlotte. Both men are renowned as race-event innovators.
This dynamic duo of race promoters is about to become the dynamic duo of dirt! In fact, they are going to put dirt into racing in ways that are new and unique.
First, they are bringing the World of Outlaws (WoO) and Hav-A-Tampa racing to Charlotte this summer. They are able to do that because a dirt track is being constructed at the Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte. And if you don't think that proves they like to play in the dirt, then consider the fact that they have brought in 400,000 cubic yards of dirt to build it!
Second, they also plan to have WoO and Hav-A-Tampa racing at one of the most exciting venues in all of racing-Bristol Motor Speedway. That's right, Bristol.
How, you ask, can dirt racing like WoO and Hav-A-Tampa happen at Bristol? That's easy. The dukes of dirt are having 12,000 cubic yards of dirt dumped on the speedway, and in doing so, will change the track from a 36-degree banked concrete track to a 22-degree dirt miracle!
In the world of racing, where some things have become mundane and predictable, these new events are a welcome change.
For my money, it doesn't matter if these two men have outgrown the need to play in the dirt or not. It all sounds really exciting, so I say, hey Humpy, hey Bruton-keep right on playing in the dirt!-David Miller
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