The roar of engines, the smell of dirt, and the excitement of side-by-side racing return to the Pembina Valley tonight and Saturday as Dead Horse Creek Speedway hosts two nights of thrilling dirt track action.
Races start at 7:00 p.m. Friday (June 20) and 6:00 p.m. Saturday (June 21), with food trucks, family fun, and a pit full of cars ready to battle it out on the west-of-Morden oval.
Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the scene, promoter Chris Unrau says the track has become something special—thanks to the community behind it. He reflected on the growth of the speedway, saying he’s constantly amazed by what the team has accomplished together. “I come here and I’m just shocked every time at how much progress has been made and where this group of people has taken this place. It’s amazing—it’s a team, it’s a community effort.”
Racers coming from far and wide
Dead Horse Creek Speedway continues to attract drivers from across the region. Unrau says cars come from as far east as Thunder Bay, with racers also arriving from Estevan, South Dakota, and Minnesota. “It’s a hotbed of activity. People love dirt track racing out here,” he said, noting the sport is thriving in southern Manitoba and beyond.
Why Chris Unrau loves dirt track Racing
For Unrau, dirt track racing is more than a weekend event—it’s a passion rooted in community, challenge, and fun. “I love bringing people together. When people rally for a common cause, it’s amazing what a community can do,” he said.
The track itself is his happy place. “This is my sandbox. I come here and play in the dirt—it’s just a ton of fun. I call it machine therapy,” he laughed. Beyond that, he appreciates the ever-changing nature of the sport. “The strategy, the changing track conditions, temperature, humidity—it’s always evolving. And there’s just nothing pretentious about it. We’re all just regular people with day jobs coming out to have fun with friends and family.”
A family-friendly weekend
This weekend’s races are built with families in mind. From bouncy castles and swing sets to a massive sandbox and candy toss, there’s something for everyone. “The ones that love racing are up at the front cheering on the winners,” said Unrau. “It’s so cool to see the kids rush up to congratulate the drivers. We want this to be a fun, family-friendly environment where everyone feels welcome.”
Spectators can also buy a pit pass to hang out with drivers during the event—or head into the pits for free after the races. “You can come in and meet these people. They’re down-to-earth, they’ll chat with you, hand out candy and stickers, and love showing off their cars.”
Slingshots bring youth into the action
Saturday’s races will include the slingshot division—scaled-down dirt cars powered by Briggs and Stratton engines for kids aged 6 to 12. It’s a key way to get young drivers started in racing. “It’s just a great way to get them involved and have them be part of the racing community,” said Unrau.
Race weekend cchedule
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Friday, June 20: Races begin at 7:00 p.m.
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Saturday, June 21: Races begin at 6:00 p.m.
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Pits start filling up around 5 p.m., with lots to see before the green flag drops.
A track built by community
The Dead Horse Creek Speedway is a grassroots effort through and through. Run by volunteers, supported by local businesses, and maintained by passionate racers, Unrau says it’s not about profit—it’s about people. “This is not a money-maker. It’s a community thing,” he explained. “It’s immensely rewarding to see people rally around this track and support something they believe in. It’s really becoming something special.”
So whether you’re there for the bouncy castle or the big block engines, Dead Horse Creek Speedway has something for everyone. With perfect weather in the forecast and two nights of dirt-flying action on tap, it’s the perfect time to take in some local racing.
For more details and updates, follow Dead Horse Creek Speedway on Facebook.