A large group of dedicated racing fans attended the Second Annual Flyin' High at the Eagle Showdown which was held at the Big Eagle Ranch. The dust was flying and the motors revving on Saturday, Sept. 29. There was excitement in the air and many racers vying for top prizes in the hobby, street, and modified events.
The racers warmed up with heats at 12:30 p.m. followed by the preliminary rounds beginning at 1 p.m. as the cars sped around the quarter mile track. After intense racing in these placement heats a break was taken for all to stretch their legs.
Throughout this time passenger rides were being given both during the races and during the break. For a fantastic thrill people paid a fee to ride along in an Eagle Motorsports/Joey Galloway Racing modified car. Flying sideways around corners and zooming down the straightaways everyone thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity, which was presented.
The finals began just after 3 p.m. All final races were 30 laps long. The hobby class was the first to get underway. Racers took off around the track. In the end number 43 took the win, Brad King, who was followed by number 27, Mike Wilson of Manor, and 97R, Riley Raynard. There were many cheers as Wilson grabbed second place and quite a few whoops as Raynard a 14-year-old from the Estevan area crossed the finish line in third.
Next on the agenda was the street class. These cars move a little quicker around the track and great skill was needed for drifting around the corners. A few cars spinning out in mounds of dust and knocking into each other they made their way around the track. In first was Gregg Mann, number 95, followed by Ryan Atkings, number 44, and J.J. Barnstable, number 1, came in third.
Following the street class was the modified races. These were the quickest vehicles on the track. Drifting completely sideways as rounding corners they would punch their gas attempting to overtake others coming out of the turn. This final was led by an exciting challenge between Mason Big Eagle, Joey Galloway, and Tyler Wagner. The top three racers eventually finishing with Joey Galloway in first place, Mason Big Eagle in second, and Tyler Wagner took third.
Announcing for the day was Toby Kruse, a good friend of Derrick Big Eagle's, who came up from Marshalltown, Iowa to partake in the day.
"I've known Derrick for several years and was fortunate to be asked here today for good times with good people. It's too bad the wind was from the south, but you make the best of it and there's always a good time to be had at the races," Kruse explained.
By the end of the day everyone was covered in a layer of dust, but grins from ear to ear showed no one was disappointed in the day.
During this time a car show was being held outside the Big Eagle shop. A variety of classic cars were lined up. A lot of time and work had been put into them making the vehicles look brand new.
Supper followed the day with many enjoying the delicious meal provided by Rylan and Cindy Weir at the Big Eagle Ranch.
The party was just getting started, however, as Third Degree Birnz rocked the joint following the meal. Many enjoyed the evening by camping on site where they could retire following the cabaret which lasted from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m.
It was a greatly enjoyable time for all. Many people were proud to enjoy watching entertaining races in which many locals did very well. It was a fantastic day which was able to raise money for the Manor Fire Department.
