Drag races washed away by rain

Just as engines were getting fired up, the rain came to extinguish the day. 

The Swift Current Airport was all set with racers, racecars and race lights set to go. But, then came the rain. 

Al Kaufman, and his little dog.

For Al Kaufman, secretary for the Swift Current Drag Racing Association, it was set to be a pretty big day before the rain started. 

"We have three classes of the bigger cars," said Kaufman. "Which is Sportsman Class and Super Pro and then we also have Junior Street. Also this year we have a new class called the High School Class."

Not everyone was without some luck, as a few practice runs were able to take off down the airstrip before the weather closed up shop on everyone.

One of the most unique racers was Austin Markusson, who was racing in the Junior Dragster series, the only one to be doing so for the day, with his 790 class car. 

Austin Markusson and his junior drag car, packing up as the rain washed away the days races.

"It went OK, it was a little slow, but that's because it was cold outside," said Markusson. "It's annoying because we're trying to get the car ready for the next [race day]."

One of the most frustrated by this wet weather turnabout was Brian Westerhaug, owner of Westerhaug Racing and Akhlut Automotive in Swift Current. He had brought out his blue 'Cuda for a run down the lanes and wasn't even able to take a practice pass. 

Brain Westerhaug standing beside his 73 Plymouth 'Cuda.

Many like Westerhaug work during the day, and build their cars in their spare time. He was able to just last night put some new rear shocks into the car, only to find that today just wasn't the day to see how they perform in a pass. 

"It wasn't just last night, it was late all week," said Westerhaug. "I had to get the customers work done during the day of course because they're my top priority at Akhlut Automotive," said Westerhaug. "I work on my stuff after hours. I got new shocks on it and everything else and then  I wanted to see what it would do, but what do you do?" 

The rain clouds precluded the whole event, having hovered over the airstrip since folks arrived at 6 a.m.

It's not without some hope though, as they are set to return tomorrow, pending that the weather eases up enough for safe racing. 

"If it says it's going, I'm going," enthused Westerhaug. "We can burn rubber tomorrow."  

At the end of the day, there is always the next scheduled race for June 24 and 25. Folks are encouraged by Kaufman to come out and experience the race day, even if they haven't attended before.

Some big smoke coming off the line during a practice pass.

If anyone would like to race their daily driver, there is an option for that too, according to Kaufman. 

"Come talk to us," encouraged Kaufman. "Say, geez, you know, I'd like to race my truck. We'd show you what to do if you want somebody to ride with you for a round. Somebody would gladly come with you. It doesn't have to be a fast car to be fun."

Folks can keep up to date with the Swift Current Drag Race Association by following them on their social media.