It has been a while since there has been the rumbling of car racing in the valley, but that could all change this weekend.
     Sunday, July 18 is opening day for Dinosaur Downs Speedway, as they will be hosting four categories of racing at the new track. The track had a false start last season, but now it is set for racing, having inked a deal with the International Motor Contests Association (IMCA) of Canada.
    Gord MacKinnon, second vice president of the Drumheller Stampede and Ag Society, who is helping to spearhead the racing at the facility, is confident the track will be in great shape for the scheduled races. 
    MacKinnon says there is a full slate of racing scheduled of the 3/8-mile track. The IMCA Modifieds are going to be at the races. These are unique whips comparable in speed and power to late model stock cars; however, they are typically open wheeled at the front and enclosed at the back. Some are based on stock cars while other are fully customized.
    There will also be IMCA stock cars. These to will provide great racing action, especially on the larger track that allows for the V8’s to stretch their legs.
    Also on track is the Renegade Stock Truck Club out of Brooks. MacKinnon says they have about a dozen trucks that will provide for some exciting racing.
    Local drivers also have a chance to get in on the action. Dinosaur Downs will be hosting local hobby stock car races at the track this Sunday as well. There is potential for about 10 cars to be on track for racing, with many drivers itching to get back behind the wheel since Hidden Valley Motorsport Park closed.
    If your idea of a Sunday drive is to watch some dust-pounding racing action, the gates to Dinosaur Downs open to spectators at 11 a.m. Time trials start at 12:30 p.m. and racing goes at 2 p.m.
    Go to www.drumhellerstampde.com for more information.