LIMA — After a few consecutive nice weeks out at the track, racing fans can expect a competitive field tonight for the Four Banger Friday I at Limaland Motorsports Park. The pit gate opens at 4:30 p.m. and racing starts at 7:30 p.m.
There are two people who will not be racing but will be just as important to the race tonight. Jeremy Vogel and Bridgit Brunk are two flag people who enjoy the racing life. Vogel is in his second season as official starter at Limaland while Brunk is in her first season at Limaland. The couple have worked together for a total of 12 years, having spent 10 years at Waynesfield Raceway Park, before working at Limaland.
“I went to college and graduated from UNOH in 2002,” Vogel said. I was fascinated by the general layout of the (Limaland) track. It’s a beautiful track. There’s side by side battling. I was honored when I was asked by (competition director) Gene Frankert to be the official starter.”
Brunk, who according to the Limaland staff, is the first female flag person dating as far back to the mid-1960s.
“It’s definitely special but I don’t see myself being any different,” Brunk said. “I’m there to do the job and keep the race going as smooth as possible. I know it’s rare though. This past Friday night, I was really nervous. I was shaking.”
Vogel mentioned being nervous at times as well.
“I look at Limaland as my home track,” Vogel said. “People who run the track are like family to me. I always want to do such a good job and I’ve had butterflies.”
Brunk explained the importance that the flag people have on a race.
“I go up at 7 p.m. with Jeremy,” Brunk said. “I help him keep an eye on the track. Good communication without physically looking at each other is key. That’s very important because nobody’s eyes leave the track. He shouldn’t have to look at me. It’s just about having knowledge of racing and when to flag and when not to flag.”
Vogel was excited for tonight’s race.
“Every week there’s great racing,” Vogel said. “It’s a family friendly environment. We hope to see all of the fans there.”
Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for those between the ages of 11 and 15 with children 10 and younger getting in free. Pit passes are $25.
For complete results of Four Banger Friday I, check out the Sunday edition of The Lima News.
Waynesfield Raceway Park
WAYNESFIELD — Drivers of the Performance Powder Coating AMSA Mini Sprints will go wingless Saturday night to take on the visiting USAC Midwest Thunder Midgets. In the events two-year history, drivers have called the meeting a “learning experience” on finding the perfect setup for the 1/3rd mile. For some rookie competitors, Saturday night will be the first ever outing in a non-wing sprint car. Saturday’s head-to-head matchup will be the first of two meetups between the local drivers and the traveling USAC series. Other non-wing racing by the Satellite Connections Non Wing Sprint Cars will also headline the program with the Quest Federal Credit Union UMP Modifieds, Block Insurance Tough Trucks and Indian Lake Outfitter Compacts also on the program.
The pit gate opens at 4 p.m. and grandstands at 5 p.m. Cars begin to push off for hot laps at 6 p.m. with the first green flag of the night at 7 p.m. Adult general admission is $12. Kids ages 11-15 are $6 with everyone under the age of 10 admitted for free. Pit access is $25.
For more information go to waynesfieldracewaypark.net.
