A special night at the races

By Jessica Crepps
Daily Journal

FARMINGTON — 410 Winged Sprint Cars and IMCA Dirt Modifieds took to the track Thursday at St. Francois County Raceway in Farmington.

Kenny Wallace, Steve Wallace, David Stremme of the NASCAR series were guests of honor on the special race night.

“The Hermanator”, also known as Kenny Wallace signed autographs before the races. Kenny was born in St. Louis. His father raced local tracks while Wallace was growing up.

Jennifer Smith sold ‘Hermanator’ memorabilia during the races. When her husband, Billy Smith isn’t busy racing, he works as crew chief for Kenny Wallace’s dirt cars. Smith and Wallace met a few years ago when Wallace came to St. Francois County Raceway for a fan night.

“They’ve been friends every since,” Smith says as she sells shirts, cars and more at the stand.

It’s a family affair at the races as 2-year-old Drew Conway pretends to drive a golf cart while his dad, Chad, watches. Chad works for Reggie Auto Body in Potosi.

“They sponsor about 10 of the cars here,” Conway explains as his son makes ‘varoom’ sounds.

Dustin Adams, who has been racing for four years, joked around with Kory Bales, as Bales  made the final adjustments to his car before taking to the track.

Brent Thompson was the trophy dash winner in the modifieds.

Tommy Worley Jr. won the trophy dash in the sprint car division.

Modified feature winner was Brent Thompson.

Brian Matthews was the feature sprint car winner.

St. Francois County Raceway will be closed July 26 for the St. Francois County Fair. Racing will continue Aug. 2 with all classes.

Admission to the raceway is $10 for the grandstand. Children under 12 are free, with pit passes available for $12.