Tuesday June 30, 2009

MODAC, SC--Of all the sports these days, motor sports is probably the most expensive and has felt the impact of the bad economy. But that's not stopping drivers at Modoc Speedway from fulfilling their need for speed.

Motor racing may be one of the most dangerous sports there is. At the same time, it's also one of the most thrilling.

"It's really an adrenaline rush. Been doing it for 21 years and I get the same thrills I did 21 years ago." said Chris Steele

"It's just like a high or something. Gets your frustartions out on the weekend." added Parker Herring

That's why around 100 drivers travel to Modoc Speedway to race every other week. Some travel hours, others, like Brandon Overton, comes from Evans.

"I get to race in front of all my friends. My parents get to come watch it." said Brandon Overton " When we go out of town, it's hard for everyone to come watch but I like it around here because I get to see everybody."

To be good in the sport, you can't just be good on the track, but also off the track.

"Yeah, you go home Sunday, takes you a good 4-5 hours to get it cleaned. You have to take the shocks off, break it down, service it and maintenance it. So you'll put 40-50 hours a week on the race car once you get off work during the week." added Wendell Chavous

It also takes a lot of money. With a slow economy and rising gas prices, it's tough getting by these days. That's when these guys turn to sponsors.

"Yeah, they're important. They aren't big money sponsors but they're liable to buy a drum of fuel or a few tires or something like that. Every little bit helps." added Herring

"Yeah, we spend a lot of money. You'll never break even if you never win but if you do good every week, you'll break even and help pay for itself." said Chavous

So while money may be on the mind of drivers and owners, the need for speed along will keep these cars running all summer long.

"Really, I don't see any change. There are the same amount of people here, week in and week out as there was last year." added Steele

"It's about fun and seeing this young boy Brandon drive. He has a never-ending drive to win. Everything's paid for and we'll all ready to race. So we're gonna race." said George Trull

The speedway has been averaging around 75 to 100 drivers all summer and get this, more than a thousand fans each week to check out all the racing action.