Facility operator building Airway Motocross Park’s potential
After many years as a small business owner, veteran rider Joshua Hitchens tackles a new challenge as the operator for Airway Motocross Park.
In a steady start to the 2014 season, Hitchens’ plans include maintaining success and establishing new goals.
“My mission this year was to continue on with business as usual and steady positive changes to adjust to track life,” Hitchens said. “I have heard nothing but positive (comments) so far about the track operations.”
Hitchens’ biggest task from week to week thus far is akin to working the land, not operating a racing facility.
“The amount of time dedicated to the track to keep moving forward is far beyond a full-time job,” he said. “… You get up early to tackle a huge list of chores. That list of chores extends far beyond the track when you have such a huge facility to take care of.”
Like a farmer, having equipment in good working order is vital to the facility’s success.
“Instead of a crop, we farm dirt bikers,” Hitchens said. “We till, groom, and water the track in order to keep it in good shape for the riders.”
Funding for the facility’s master plan will be crucial to Hitchens’ ultimate goals.
“Money is the fuel for the track,” he said. “The more money we can generate, the faster things will happen. Getting rich is not the mission here. Having a great place to ride is.”
NHRA at Spokane County Raceway
NHRA Division 6 racing highlights this weekend’s action at Spokane County Raceway. The three-day event features racing in Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Cars, Sportsman Motorcycles, Pro Mods, Stock and Top Sportsman. Many of the best drivers in NHRA regional racing will be in action.
Racing will be held in 10 classes with nearly $500,000 in prize money posted for the event.
Expected to return to SCR in defense of their 2013 divisional victories will be Pat Bryon (Comp Eliminator), Dan Provost (Top Dragster), Joe Sorensen (Super Stock), Casey Plaizier (Stock Eliminator), Bob Woodruff (Super Comp), Eddy Plaizier (Super Gas), Bill Gee (Super Street), Daryl Hemley (Top Sportsman), Buff Kobs (Sportsman Motorcycle), Stefan Kondolay (Pro) and Spokane’s Tom Clark (Super Pro).
As an added bonus to Saturday’s schedule, race fans can take in night drag racing. With a secured admission ticket, fans can go between the facilities and sit on a side of SCR that allows views of both the oval and side-by-side action down the strip.
The oval features Pony Stocks, Road Runners and Bump to Pass action in a tightly formatted schedule.
NHRA testing for division racers begins Friday morning at 10, with elimination set for Sunday morning. Saturday is a one-day format for Top Dragster and Funny Cars. Sunday’s elimination rounds also start at 10 a.m.