It was good news for Lakeside Speedway when Kansas City, Kansas, missed a large storm that moved through eastern Kansas earlier today.
Lakeside has had more than its share of rain and flooding this year. The track at 5615 Wolcott Drive in Kansas City, Kansas, is poised to open for the season tonight, with hot laps at 7:30 p.m. and racing at 8 p.m.
The season was supposed to open in the spring with a celebration of the track’s 65th anniversary, but with repeated flooding, the opening was postponed until Aug. 2.
“We got flooded three times, we just had to do alterations everywhere,” said a track employee. “We had to clean everything up and put dirt on the track and lights up, so we took care of it.”
After the March 23 flood, there was a cleanup, but then the Missouri River flooded again. The track is very close to the Missouri River in northwest Wyandotte County, just west of I-435 on K-5. Currently the Missouri River is below flood stage and below action stage at I-435.
The track had lots of volunteer help to get back into shape. There also was a Go Fund Me page for Lakeside Speedway at https://www.gofundme.com/f/lakeside-speedway-flood-relief that raised $2,260.
Tonight’s season opener will include the Top Gun series. Lakeside features stock cars, A-Mods, B-Mods and other cars racing on a dirt track.
Several food trucks will be on hand tonight to provide refreshments such as nachos, hamburgers, hot dogs, tacos and Christy’s tenderloins.
Admission is $12 per person (over 15 years old); $6 for those who are ages 12-15; and 11 and younger, free. Admission for senior citizens and those who have military identification is $10.
The weather report now says that the threat of heavy rain has moved away from the Kansas City area and the flash flood watch has been lifted.
“So far the sun is shining, it’s nice out here,” the Lakeside employee said. “Hopefully it will stay that way.”