Fans and drivers at Route 66 Motor Speedway are helping racing keep its roots every Saturday night on the loop.
At Route 66 Motor Speedway, racers have been keeping the sport local since 1994. Bill Worthen, president of Route 66 Motor Speedway, said that the weekend favorite events at the speedway kicked off in 1994 and have been going strong ever since.
"We started on June 25, 1994," Worthen said, "We have attracted cars from about 17 different states and we do a lot of charity stuff."
Route 66 Motor Speedway plays host to different racing circuits from around the country including the United States Modified Touring Services and the American Sprint Car Series. Worthen said that when the ASCS sprint car race appeared at the Speedway, motorsports entertainment giant MavTV filmed the race.
Route 66 Motor Speedway also hosts the G.W. Elkins Memorial Sprint Show every year. Worthen says that the Elkins race is one of the best events of the year because many of Amarillo's older races turn out to participate.
Worthen said that Route 66 Motor Speedway gives back to Amarillo and the surrounding communities by helping out local charities. Worthen mentioned that Route 66 Motor Speedway has been involved with helping Make-A-Wish, Meals on Wheels and honor flights. Route 66 Motor Speedway is also the host to Pokey the Clown, who Worthen described as "an expert at raising money."
The family oriented spirit behind Route 66 Motor Speedway keeps fans coming back, according to Worthen.
"We are family oriented." Worthen said, "We have great food and the people are very friendly. We have an invocation and the national anthem before every race."
Races start in May of every year and run through September.
"The races run through September," Worthen said, "There is nothing in the winter. Winter events are almost impossible."
For more information about Route 66 Motor Speedway, you are asked to call Amarillo Auto Supply and Off Road at 806-381-0033. As for Worthen and the Route 66 Motor Speedway family, they will continue to do what they do best.
"We try to keep people entertained."
