Eagle's Nest
Ohsweken, Ontario, Canada

Speedway Season Opener
July 13, 1997 Eagles Nest
From: Kim Gregory

Eagle's Nest opening day was disappointing. Rain caused lots of delays in the construction of the track, and was barely ready for Sunday. All our efforts had gone into the construction, and little done about promotion. (Build it and they will come - NOT!)

We had only about twenty spectators, and eight riders. Biff Waczvnski came up from Maryland, Matt Otto from Rochester NY, Guy and Nick Fafard from Quebec, Gene and Jason Bonsignore from New York, and only Gary Hesmer and I from this area. Our local Ontario riders had ridden Paris and Welland already this weekend, and (those without equipment failures / injuries this weekend) said: "that was enough racing for them"! The 95 degree F heat (4pm start) was a deterrent as well. Reporters were on hand from the local Brantford paper, interviewing the riders for a story.

We had watered the track for 4 hours before race time. We were cautious of putting too much water on the track, so only soaked it three times, then with delays at the start, ( trouble with the new starting gate ) it dried out. The first two heats were a dust storm.

We added a quick sprinkle to kill the dust, and by the final, the track was getting worked in for the first time, and began to get enjoyable. Several of us went out after the races were over just to get some laps in on the improved surface. I had made a deal at Paris to buy Chris Slabon's old leathers, but he didn't show at Eagle's Nest, and had to duct tape my leathers again to race. I made it into the final and finished third!

Do it sideways! - Kim (leathers desperately needed!)