Blanket Hill Speedway Recap: A Night We won’t Forget

This past Saturday night at Blanket Hill Speedway was nothing short of an emotional roller coaster for the #30s team. What started with confidence and cautious optimism quickly turned into one of our most challenging, yet inspiring, nights at the track.

a Rough Start showed Racing’s Best Side

We kicked things off trying something a little different setup-wise after digging through our notes from previous races. No major adjustments, just a few tweaks we thought might give us an edge. Hot laps were looking promising, but after just one lap, our momentum came to a screeching halt.

The chain snapped and wrapped itself tightly around the front sprocket, bringing the #30s to a stop and forcing an early trip back to the pits. It looked like our night might be over before it even began.

But here’s where the true spirit of dirt track racing shined.

Without hesitation, members from other teams rushed over to lend a hand. Together, we tore into the car, removed the sprocket, and freed the chain that was bound up. Fortunately, no serious engine damage was found. With some quick checks and a new chain in place, we were back in action and ready to make our heat race.

Heat Race Hustle… and Heartbreak

Dominic lined up P2 in the second heat, and when the green flag waved, he wasted no time wheeling the #30s into the lead. He held strong, trading positions in a close battle. Just as it looked like Dominic would bring it home in second place, a late-race caution changed everything.

While slowing down for the yellow, smoke poured from the car. The temperature spiked. Rather than risk major damage, Dominic made the tough but smart call to shut it down and was pushed back to the trailer. We logged a DNF for the heat. While nothing obvious looked out of place, we suspected something in the water pump failed during the earlier chain incident.

Tough Calls and a Huge Gesture

At this point in the season, Dominic and the #30s are sitting second in points at Blanket Hill. Missing the feature would be a huge blow.

As we talked through options in the pits, the racing community once again showed its true colors. Fellow driver and friend Scott Scholl approached us with an incredible offer. He generously offered up his own car, the 81, and invited Dominic to drive it in the feature race.

With the green light from officials, Dominic strapped into a brand-new chassis he had never raced before. Starting from the back in P8, the pressure was on, but so was the adrenaline.

Dominic did more than just hang on. He showed up and drove hard. Adjusting to the feel of a different car, he held pace with the field and made the most of every lap. A major wreck up front brought out the red flag, flipping a lead car upside down (thankfully, the driver walked away unharmed). After the restart, Dominic brought the #81 home in P7.

Victory Isn’t Always About First Place

It may not have been a podium finish, but Dominic proved once again that he belongs behind the wheel. As a newer driver, driving a car he’d never sat in before, in a race that could’ve gone sideways at any moment, he stayed calm and competitive. That’s a win in our book.

We owe a huge thank-you to Scott Scholl for trusting Dominic with his car and giving our team a chance to stay in the fight. It’s moments like these that remind us why we love dirt track racing. It’s about more than just the checkered flag. It’s about the people, the passion, and the perseverance.

Next Steps for the #30s

First thing Sunday morning, we dug into the #30s and confirmed our suspicion: the water pump was toast. Parts are on the way, and thanks to Blazavich Boy’s Racing Team, we’ve got a backup water pump in hand just in case things don’t arrive in time for this weekend’s race.

No, it wasn’t the night we planned. But it was a night full of lessons and the kind of racing spirit that you can’t put a price on.

Trackside Takeaways

Racing isn’t just about horsepower—it’s about heart. From teams jumping in to help, to a competitor offering up his ride, the spirit of dirt track racing was on full display.
Dominic made the most of a tough situation. Jumping in a car he’d never driven before for a Feature race? That’s not just seat time, it’s seat time under pressure, and he handled it like a pro.
Parts may fail, but determination doesn’t. The broken chain and water pump set us back, but the team never gave up, and the 30s is already on the mend.

Appreciation Lap

Huge thanks to Scott Scholl for his generosity and trust! And to Blazavich Boy’s Racing Team for coming through with a backup water pump. Shout-out to everyone else who helped us thrash in the pits.

See you at the next one!

Photos: Prymak Photography