How Dirt Track Racers Are Spending Their Winter Months

 Just came across this story out of Moline, Illinois, from KWOC-TV 6 - highlighting the activities at the local slot car raceway, which have picked up significantly during the pandemic. The group of participants is comprised of former real-world racers or people that have been drivers, fans, speedway fire-rescue members and other people who decided they wanted something to do in the winter months.

Spread a little baked wheat flour down and suddenly you have a "Dirt Track."

Located in the huge garage of a former sprint car driver, Bent Wrench Speedway--as it is called--shares space with some vintage vehicles, lots of spare parts and loads of construction and mechanic's equipment. Patrick Moore, who owns the garage, is a third generation racer, and his family has been collecting and enjoying slot cars for decades. Slot racing has allowed the locals to still enjoy some competition during the winter season.

To make the miniature dirt-track racing more authentic, they bake wheat flour at 350 degrees for an hour and then spread it over the slot car track. That becomes the "dirt track" racing surface, allowing the cars to slip-slide around.  For the complete story and video footage, check out the KWOC-TV website.