Highlights from Bear Backers Mini NASCAR races

The Bates County Fairgrounds took on a much different look today-plastic mesh fencing and hay bales marked a racing course that was full of straitaways, tight corners and even a hair pin curve. The east parking lot was converted to a pit area; officials in bright fluorescent green shirts all around; and announcer Wayne Seider calling the action from high above. It was the second annual Butler Bear Backers Mini NASCAR races, with all the trimmings of the real thing as the race was officially opened with the National Anthem sung by Debbie Dunlap, followed by a prayer by Pastor Ron Dunlap.

Through the course of the afternoon, drivers worked to score points, sometimes losing parts along the way, due to the occasional bump with drafting that would have made Dale Earnhardt proud. At the end of the day, there were winners and losers, but the losers didn't seem to mind. It was all done in good fun, for a good cause, according to Rob Fritts, as all proceeds raised will go towards the purchase of new uniforms for Butler High School athletic programs. Here's how the day ended:

Winners in the Stock class:
1st Place (14 pts) Diehl Farms
2nd Place (12 pts) Noe, Miller & Miller

3rd Place (10 pts) Country Mart

Winners in the Modified class:
1st Place (12 pts) F. R. M. S
2nd Place (10 pts) Flaming Lantern
3rd Place (7 pts) Dave's Quality Auto

Those who received checks from the Calcutta bids:
Diehl Farms $322.50
Noe, Miller & Miller $161.25
Country Mart $53.75

Fritts reminded everyone that the races will return next year and thanked the spectators and everyone who volunteered their time.