Diamond Mountain Speedway
Home to fast and furious family fun Photo by Maddie Musante
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s the sun begins to set on warm summer evenings in Lassen County, it’s not uncommon for residents and visitors to find themselves under the bright lights of the grandstands at Diamond Mountain Speedway sipping on a cold beverage and listening to a combination of country music and roaring engines. The sounds of revving engines, the smell of burning tires and the deafening sounds of an excited crowd fill the air starting in May and continuing into September. Hungry fans from all over gobble up the fast-paced, mud-splattered action as mini, strictly stock and modified class racers zip around the course seeking the checkered flag. This family friendly event is entertainment for anyone looking for a good time in Lassen County, and provides intrigue and excitement as racers roar around the dirt track — sometimes using only three wheels. The smell of fuel, the rumble of finely tuned engines and the excitement of witnessing the races live bring out the best in both fans and racers alike. “It’s definitely an adrenaline rush,” said Larry McCracken, a modified racer. “At first, it’s scary when you are sitting there in line, but as soon as you get going, it’s like you are in a whole
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other world. It’s a blast.” Each year, the races bring in a bigger audience as the popularity of the event rises. It has now become a staple in the county’s entertainment as fans clamor to get a seat in the grandstands each year to witness the incredibly fast and the furious scorch around the track at frightening speeds. The cars rumble to life on race days, kicking up a good amount of the dirt track complete with the smell of burning fuel and oil as the racers fight for the top position in the three divisions. Come check out the races and gather your own heart-pounding story by sitting in the grandstands of the Lassen County Fairgrounds, watching the drivers and hearing the earthtrembling sounds at the Diamond Mountain Speedway. The popular Fourth of July races return and land on a Friday this year. At the conclusion of the races, there will be a fireworks show celebrating the United States. Bring a blanket, grab your significant other and snuggle up tight for the Lassen County fireworks show following the races. There are several more dates for the race season. Check out the sidebar for a complete listing or log on to www.lassencountyfair.org to check on any upcoming races. ❖
Diamond Mountain Speedway 2014 racing schedule Saturday, May 10 Friday, May 30 Friday, June 13 Saturday, June 28 Friday, July 4 Sunday, July 20 Saturday, Aug. 9 Saturday, Sept. 13
Susanville/Quincy Tour schedule Susanville — Saturday, June 28 Quincy — Saturday, June 21 Quincy — Saturday, July 26 Susanville — Saturday, Aug. 9 Lassen County Visitors Guide 2014-15