FINDING A SEAM — Modified driver Steve Wetzstein (90) moves between JT Wasmund (51) and Josh Ruby during racing action last season at the Fairmont Raceway. The modifieds can average up to 97 miles per hour on the half-mile track. (Photo courtesy of Buck Monson)

FAIRMONT — The Fairmont Raceway is getting a face-lift before its season starts Friday, May 5, with Opening Night.

“We want to make sure that this is a family event and we get people from the city and surrounding communities to the raceway and enjoy a night of fun and excitement,” said Leah Gerhardt, co-president of the Fairmont Raceway.

Her husband, Zac Gerhardt, is the other co-president, and their sons, Landon and Kollyns, are also involved with the track.

The Gerhardts lease the track from the owners, the Martin County fair board.

Hot laps start at 7:15 p.m., while pits open at 5:30 p.m. and the front gate opens at 6 p.m.

Ticket prices are $15 for adults in the grandstand, $10 for those ages 13-17, $5 for those ages 3-12 and children under 3 are free.

A pit pass for anyone age 13 and up is $35 and $15 for ages 6-12. A pit pass is free for children 5 and younger.

On the Kids/Bike Night on June 2, children in attendance have a chance to win a new bike. Bikes are broken down into four age sizes.

Last year, the Gerhardts gave away more than 75 new bikes. This year, they hope to give away more than 100 bikes or gift cards toward a bike.

The Gerhardts added the Cancer Awareness/ Make A Wish event to the calendar.

The duo helped with a similar event last year in Mason City, Iowa, and Leah said it was successful, as it raised more than $40,000 for Make A Wish in Iowa.

Anyone or any business can call and sponsor or donate to this night or put their name on the banner in the grandstand.

Last year the Gerhardts gave away a total of $5,000 in gift cards in a raffle style event with the grand prize being $500 given to help local teachers. Once again, businesses can sponsor a gift card or a care package to help with classroom expenses that teacher budgets don’t cover.

Lastly, during the Back to School Night on Aug. 2, backpacks full of essential school supplies are given away to area students in attendance.

The Gerhardts want to expand this night and give a backpack to every student in attendance, which might be around 350. C & B Operations of Truman has volunteered to help hand out backpacks and donated $500 worth of backpacks.

“This is a big night for the kids,” Leah said. “There is one backpack that contains a surprise for the student; so it will nice to see their face when they open the backpack and see what’s inside.

“Zac and I are excited about the special nights planned on the schedule. They’ll help a lot of people in and around the community.”

Stock cars run on the half-mile dirt track in Fairmont, making it one of the longest on the racing circuit. The cars race at speeds in excess of 100 mph.

“We’re in the process of fixing the track,” Leah said. “We made improvements to the concession stand, too. Zac and I are trying to make this a nice place to spend an evening with the family and for racing fans.”

Spectators can feel the sense of excitement when the cars pass by in the blink of an eye, only to pass by seconds later.

“We have drivers who get out of their car and they’re shaking from adrenaline,” Leah said. “The drivers love to race at high speeds and fans love it, too.”

The drivers are governed by the USRA (United States Racing Association) and each car has specific measurements they have to adhere to, such as height and weight of each car. The USRA tries to level the playing field as much as possible.

The second day of racing for Fairmont Raceway is scheduled for Friday, May 19, and it’s Legends Night.

The remaining schedule is as follows:

Friday, May 26: Clash of the Tuners Night.

Friday, June 2: Kids/Bike Night.

Friday, June 9: Cancer Awareness Night.

Friday, June 16: Tri State Late Models Night.

Monday, June 19: Summer Shootout.

Wednesday, June 28: Salute to AG Night.

Wednesday, July 12: Teacher Appreciation Night.

Wednesday, July 19: Vintage Cars Night.

Wednesday, July 26: Hall of Fame Night.

Wednesday, Aug. 2: Back to School Night.

Monday, Aug. 14: Bacontown Showdown Night.

Friday, Aug. 18: Fair Race Night.

Friday, Aug. 25: Championship Night.

Thursday, Sept. 14: Prelude to Stock Car Nationals Night.