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 Deadhorse Creek Speedway hosts the final races of the season. With food trucks, family fun, live music, and a pit full of cars ready to battle it out on the west-of-Morden oval, it is the last chance this year to experience the thrill of dirt racing under the lights.
Races start at 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 22 and 6:00 p.m. Saturday, August 23. The Beerjammers will be playing both nights, bringing music to the mix alongside the roar of the cars.
NLRA makes its debut Saturday
For the first time ever, the prestigious Northern Late Model Racing Association (NLRA) is racing at Deadhorse Creek Speedway. It is not every day that this top-tier regional dirt late model touring series rolls into our local track, and Saturday, August 23, marks a milestone moment. The Slingshot division will also be racing both days, giving young drivers a chance to shine on the same dirt as the veterans.
Racers coming from far and wide
Deadhorse Creek Speedway continues to attract drivers from across the region. Promoter Chris Unrau says cars come from as far east as Thunder Bay, with racers also arriving from Estevan, South Dakota, and Minnesota. He explained, "It is a hotbed of activity. People love dirt track racing out here," 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 is a passion rooted in community, challenge, and fun. "I love bringing people together. When people rally for a common cause, it is 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 is 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 is always evolving. And there is just nothing pretentious about it. We are 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 is something for everyone. "The ones that love racing are up at the front cheering on the winners," said Unrau. "It is 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."
There is also a chance for you to head into the pits for free after the races. "You can come in and meet these people," Unrau added. "They are down-to-earth, they will chat with you, hand out candy and stickers, and love showing off their cars."
Race weekend schedule
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Friday, August 22: Races begin at 7:00 p.m. (Slingshots, Dead Horse Stocks, Wissota Mods, more + live music from the Beerjammers)
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Saturday, August 23: Races begin at 6:00 p.m. (NLRA Late Models debut, Slingshots, full lineup + Beerjammers performing)
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Pits: Start filling up around 5 p.m., with plenty to see before the green flag drops.
A track built by community
The Deadhorse Creek Speedway is a grassroots effort through and through. Run by volunteers, supported by local businesses, and maintained by passionate racers, Unrau says it is not about profit, it is about people. "This is not a money-maker. It is a community thing," he explained. "It is immensely rewarding to see people rally around this track and support something they believe in. It is really becoming something special."
So whether you are there for the Beerjammers, the bouncy castle, or the big block engines, Deadhorse Creek Speedway has something for everyone. With perfect weather in the forecast and two nights of dirt-flying action on tap, it is the perfect time to take in some local racing before the season comes to a close.
For more details and updates, follow Deadhorse Creek Speedway on Facebook.
~With files from Jayme Giesbrecht ~