Fast family fun at Indee

INDEPENDENCE - Cam Granger is quick to mention exactly what the Independence Motor Speedway has to offer, and it's exactly what attracts auto racing fans to the Eastern Iowa race track.

The focus is on affordable family entertainment.

"Our slogan is fast family fun," Granger said. "We're trying to get that back."

Fans flocked to the 3/8-mile dirt oval on Saturday nights for weekly points races, taking in competitive race action and a few amenities the track provides its patrons.

"As far as weekly racing," IMS auxiliary announcer Mike Neilly said, "it's the place to be."

The track includes a newer grandstand seating where fans can see all the action. The larger bleacher area was completed during the 2009, replacing an older structure that was destroyed in a 2008 windstorm.

Part of the new grandstands is an updated concessions area where you can get all the regular snacks. Nachos, hot dogs, hamburgers and popcorn go well with racing, but those aren't the delicacies of the track.

A real treat are the Indy bites, which are deep-fried brownies with a dusting of powdered sugar. make sure to save room for the race track's signature sandwich, according to Granger.

"I'd have to say the hand-breaded tenderloin," Granger said about the $5 sandwich. "We get our meat fresh (from the Edgewood Locker)."

Lulls in the action are scarce thanks to flagman Dan Hilby, who wastes little time getting cars on the track after heat races and features. The entire schedule of races normally last about four hours, concluding around 10 p.m. and helping families avoid kids being out too late.

IMS is an International Motor Contest Association (IMCA) track, racing late models, modifieds, sportmods, hobby stocks and stock cars.

"It's been IMCA forever," Granger said, "and hope it stays that way."

In addition to the action on the track, there were two sets of table set up behind the grandstands. An older gentleman was selling racing collectibles and memorabilia at one. The other was a station for Karsyns Krusaders, a group created by Andy and Jessica Miller, whose daughter, Karsyn, was diagnosed with leukemia in 2008 when she was just 3 years old. They teamed with driver Darin Duffy and his wife, Jennifer, last year to raise money for cancer awareness.

It's another example of the family atmosphere promoted by those associated with the race track. Neilly praised Granger and his wife, Jodi, whose CJ Promotions is in its second year as the track's promoters.

"They do a fantastic job," Neilly said. "We're very family oriented here. We make it fun."

That's what brings a number of families out to the track. Mitchell Faust attended the races with his fiancee, Jessica Straw, sons, Duke and Nathan, and his parents. They occasionally makes the weekly races.

"It gives us something to do instead of sitting at home," said Faust, of Independence. "These guys like to watch them a lot."

Faust and 4-year-old Nathan look forward to crashes on the dirt track. Nathan watched intently while sporting a pair of orange headphones to protect his ears from the roar of the engines. Duke, however, was fast asleep by the time end of the night's action.

"It's a unique experience," Faust said. "It's fun times."

Doug Larson, of Independence, brought his family to the track, making one of their one or two trips a summer. Larson brought his son, Caden, and daughters, Madison and Alyssa, to the races with his father-in-law Bob Mensen.

Larson also travels to Farley to watch a race during the season. He said he wanted the kids to experience the show. On this night, Larson took in his favorite division - the modifieds - and the kids ate nachos.

"They really enjoyed it," Larson said. "They want to come next week."

IMS makes an effort to ease the strain on the wallet. Tickets and food can be pricey for an entire family, but the races can be affordable when children 11 and under receive free admission.

"It's a very good deal," Larson said. "It's a cheap night out."

It's racing that is fast, fun and affordable for the family.