Raceway kicking off 2017 season Saturday

CUMBERLAND — For nearly five years, the Fairgo Half Mile at the Allegany County Fairgrounds sat abandoned.

That will change Saturday when The Greater Cumberland Raceway kicks off its 2017 season with the Mudd Classic 100 Enduro race.

“We know it’s going to work,” said Christa Kennell, the events coordinator for a nonprofit citizen’s group promoting the speedway and organizing volunteer and fundraising efforts.

“We’ve put too much time and money into it for it not to work.”

A consulting firm hired by Allegany County officials suggested last year that the track be removed because it didn’t generate revenue. The citizen’s group went to work from there, resurrecting the track in less than six months.

“Coming to the racetrack isn’t just about the racers,” said D.J. Troutman, a local racer and volunteer. “It’s about a family. I grew up going to the racetrack.”

Saturday’s race will not be a traditional boxcar event. Cars won’t exceed 60 mph and the track will be wet in an effort to keep speeds down.

Any car is eligible to race, organizers said. Registration and pit fees apply.

About 60 racers have registered so far, and the race will happen rain, snow or shine.

Gates open at noon and racing will start at 4 p.m. The race will consist of 100 laps around the track or two hours.

There is an admission fee.

At least 150 concrete barriers have been hauled to the site and installed to create an outer edge to the track. Telephone poles have been placed to support guardrails and significant resurfacing of the dirt track has also taken place.

Officials estimate at least $200,000 has gone toward the track’s upgrades.

 

Follow staff writer Heather Wolford on Twitter @heatherbwolford.

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