Racing is stirring up dust at Marshfield.
Attending races at the Coos Bay Speedway has recently gained popularity.
Senior Alicia Post is a student who participates in the races. According to Post, she got into racing because of her mom. Some students even get behind the wheel.
“In 2008 my mom bought a car and that’s how that all started,” Post said. “I bought my own car and I’m going on six years now.”
Junior Brad Dubisar sometimes works in the pit stop for his older brother, which comes with responsibilities in helping maintain the car.
“You’ve got to change the tires and you’ve got to make sure the pressure of tires is right or you could screw up and wreck,” Dubisar said.
According to Dubisar, he was raised in the racing environment since he was little and also enjoys racing himself.
I was raised racing so I just love it,” Dubisar said.
There are many different types of races specific to the types of cars being raced. Post has participated in many of the different races.
“I have raced hornet cars, street stocks, sportsmans, late models and sprint cars for a whole season and karts,” Post said.
According to Post, many people who race are hooked after the feeling they get when they win a race.
“[When I win] I feel exhilarated,” Post said.
Senior James Black’s great-grandfather, Chuck Prather, owns the Coos Bay Speedway and his father, John Black, participates in the races. According to James he was introduced to racing at an early age.
“I’ve been around it my entire life,” James said. “I grew up going to the drag strips and dirt tracks. It’s just become something I’m used to, it’s something I do with my family.”
According to James, he no longer participates in the races but still enjoys spectating and socializing at the races.
“It’s a lot of fun, you get to go out and watch people tear things up, and throw dirt everywhere and meet new people,” James said.
According to James, there is also a sense of sportsmanship and friendliness between the racers.
“The atmosphere’s great, everybody gets along,” James said. “A lot of people like to help each other.”