craigdailypress.com

What do you get when you combine six friends, four wheels and a lot of adrenaline?

In the case of Doug Wagoner, Bo Lyons, John Madsen, Scott Heizer, Justin Gallegos and wife Vicki Gallegos, you get crude humor and a lot of fun on the racetrack.

The half-dozen Craig residents form half of the 12 Street Stock drivers at the Hayden Speedway.

"The reason we work together is that way we know we aren't cheating," Wagoner joked.

Some drivers said they have racing in their blood (Wagoner), some merely "lucked out" (Lyons) and others consider it a hobby (Heizer).

Whatever it was that first drew them into the time-consuming love affair of driving around a dirt track, they all agree on one thing - the friendly competition keeps them coming back.

Most drivers have been racing together for about three years and began in the pit crews for one another.

"None of us are mechanics by trade, but we borrow from each other and work well together," Heizer said.

Shortly after finishing their day jobs, the group members usually convene at Wagoner's house to repair, weld, paint and provide general maintenance to their prized stock cars.

"If you're not working on your car, you are looking for parts," Heizer said. "I do a lot of shopping on eBay. Everyone out east does this year-round, but our season is only about six months."

Justin Gallegos puts the time, money and energy spent into perspective.

"You spend about six hours a night for about 30 minutes of work," he said. He and wife Vicki alternate weekends driving the red-and-white No. 18 car.

"I usually do the mechanic work, and she does the driving," Justin said.

Lyons said he spends a lot of time on his car and estimates he has spent $3,500 on modifications.

Wagoner, with wife and children shadowing his work in the garage, couldn't even estimate how much work he puts into his car.

"You just about cannot measure," he said. "Taking care of a racecar is a full-time job. You've got way more time than money, but you can do it on a budget. That's why this group is so much fun - I couldn't do it alone, and wouldn't want to."

The group has competed mainly in Hayden and some have ventured to Vernal and Price, Utah.

While the dirt and dust of the Hayden Speedway may be a far cry from the bright lights and sponsor-filled NASCAR, this group is happy right where they are.

Wagoner refers to a motto used by dirt-track racers - "Dirt is for racing and pavement is for getting there," he said.

"Pavement cars go a lot faster, but I think dirt cars are much harder to drive," Justin Gallegos said.

In the end, the bond of friendship continues to bring the group back to the track.

"It's a huge friendship thing," Wagoner said. "There's been a million reasons why I should quit, but these guys are the reason I keep doing it."

Drew Turner can be reached at 824-7031, ext 211, or aturner@craigdailypress.com