World of Outlaws racing returns to Lakeside speedway Saturday night
The World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series is scheduled to return to Lakeside Speedway on Saturday.
Kerry Madsen, who won last year at Lakeside, said he feeds off the local dirt track’s fans — their energy and passion. That’s why it’s one of his favorite places to race.
“We really had a big crowd get to that race,” Madsen said. “It’s sort of in the Heartland, and it’s great to reach our supporters in that area and it’s one of our favorite races of the year.”
Paul McMahan, who finished second in last year’s race, appreciates the dedication shown by spectators at Lakeside, noting how they arrive at the track early and tailgate throughout the day, as well as their close proximity to the track.
“I’m sure it’s probably one of the most memorable experiences you can have for a Sprint car race when you’re that close,” McMahan said.
“We put on a good show for the fans every time we’ve been there.”
While putting on a show may be fun, McMahan said a strong showing — or even a win — at Lakeside in the O’Reilly Auto Parts-sponsored event would be huge for his team.
“I’ve just never been able to get that win,” McMahan said. “To win there, it would be very cool. I’ve got a lot of friends in that Kansas City area that come to that race, and sometimes it’s the only race they get to all year long.”
McMahan, currently in fifth place in the standings, trails Madsen by 10 points. Madsen said he intends to continue his winning ways at Lakeside and keep McMahan in the rearview mirror.
“It just seems to be when you get around to the Midwest, at some of these more popular attractions, you really want to do well,” Madsen said.
For McMahan, he will look to catapult into contention for a title. He said he would be closer right now if not for his inability to finish a few races earlier in the season.
“That’s part of racing, and we need to be able to overcome that,” McMahan said. “We’ll start at Lakeside.”
This story was originally published June 4, 2015 at 11:41 AM with the headline "World of Outlaws racing returns to Lakeside speedway Saturday night."