Lapeer is a small city in southeast Michigan. One of its main attractions is the drag strip located in the city limits. For years, the locals have been looking for a way to entertain themselves on Saturday nights and the answer has been found at the Speedway in Lapeer!
What is a drag strip?
A drag strip is a type of racing track where cars, trucks, and motorcycles are driven as fast as possible. At the end of the race, the driver with the highest number of total race laps wins. After the race, the drivers and their vehicles gather in the infield for a party.
Drag strips come in all shapes and sizes, but the most common type is a half-mile dirt track. However, any type of artificial or natural surface can be used for racing. Some of the world’s most famous drag strips include Daytona Beach, Florida and Las Vegas, Nevada. The Daytona Beach track is one of the most popular venues for amateur and professional drag racing in the world. In fact, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is located less than an hour away from the beach!
How does the Speedway in Lapeer work?
The Lapeer Speedway was built in 1960 and is one of the first paved asphalt drag strips in the area. Each Saturday night, the fans get to enjoy an exciting half-mile race and all the action takes place under the lights. The grandstand is completely open-air and the temperature can reach up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, so you are sure to have an enjoyable and memorable experience. The racing season usually starts in May and ends in October.
The Lapeer Speedway is open to everyone, even if you are not from the area. The parking lots for the races are open to the general public and entry is free. Pit passes are available for purchase, but they are not required for spectators. Spectators are allowed to sit in the stands, watch the races, and have fun. Some of the fans even get up close and personal with the racing vehicles. Others just enjoy the party atmosphere.
Is There A Theme For The Races?
The Lapeer Speedway has been organizing races for over 50 years and they often have special themes or costumes associated with them. For example, the Halloween races always include a scary theme and the participants dress in Halloween costumes (or are naked). Another popular event is the Polar Bear Dip, where everybody (and their furry friends) gets into the spirit of the winter holidays and lines up to get a free, temporary ice bath!
Although there is no theme associated with the races, the drivers often decorate their cars and gear for the occasion. Sometimes it just means using some spray paint to give the vehicle a quick, rough look, but other times the decorations can be as elaborate as they want! The only rule is that the car, truck, or motorcycle must have at least 6 wheels (for cars) or 8 wheels (for trucks and motorcycles). This allows the participants to take turns at driving and the decorations can stay on while the vehicle is being driven!
How Many Races Does The Speedway Organize Each Year?
Each year, the Lapeer Speedway hosts several different types of races for drivers and spectators to enjoy. The following is a list of the most popular races: