Craig Daily Press

Craig — Perhaps the most compelling race of the evening Saturday at the Hayden Speedway came during the modifieds class.

Matt Harms came into the event one point ahead of his brother, Chance Harms, only to lose the race and, consequently, the season, by five points to his sibling rival.

“That was the most highly-contested race,” speedway promoter Matt Beckett said. “Some of the champions were decided before the night’s racing began, but Chance won the first heat, putting him one point ahead. Then the main had them running first and second, with Chance taking the race and third in the championship standings.”

Ed Hatch ran away with the sport stock division, while Levi Wisecup took home the super street trophy.

Three-year racer Bo Lyons was named track champion in his street stock class Saturday. He got into the sport for the “thrills and excitement” of racing, he said.

“I have a lot of friends in the class, and it’s an inexpensive way to compete,” Lyons said. “There’s not a lot of engine modifications in street stock. Mostly stock parts.”

Lyons said the camaraderie in the class keeps him coming back each year. He also appreciates the tacky track in Hayden and all the support from his sponsors.

Rick Arnold found his way to Hayden races as soon as he was old enough to get a driver’s license. He spent last year in a pit crew and caught the racing bug.

“I found a little car and thought I would give it a whirl,” he said. “It’s been great. Really fun.”

The rookie of the year in sport stock said the most fun part has always been the speed.

“Just trying to go as fast as you can,” Arnold said. “That green flag drops and, whoosh, it takes your breath away.”

He remembers an earlier race this season as his favorite. It’s where he won the trophy dash and captured his first trophy in racing.

Arnold is considering a move up to the street stock class, especially with his wife getting the racing bug and needing a car.

His brother also drove in some races this season when Arnold couldn’t race.

“It’s an epidemic in the Arnold family,” he said.

The Wisecup family must have the same epidemic.

The Wisecups all started coming out recently,” Beckett said. “There’s Levi, Rocky, Ty and Richard. The Wisecups used to race at Hayden back a few years ago.”

With drivers coming from Grand Junction, Hot Sulpher Springs, Rangely and towns across the Yampa Valley, the Hayden races are entertaining more people who are spending a Saturday evening enjoying a summer’s night at the track.

“It’s a heck of a good time whether you’re involved or just watching,” Arnold said. “It’s cheap entertainment for the price of admission.”

Dan Olsen can be reached at 824-7031, ext.207, or dolsen@craigdailypress.com