Good Times: races, tug-of-war, music, barefootin'

July 24, 2009 - David W. Ryan

While dirt drag racing was the main entertainment at this weekend’s Dirt Drag Racing Association’s (DDRA) points races, feel –good, get-down music and an impromptu tug-of-war added another dimension to the family oriented event.

Apparently Louisiana Off Road Race Park owners David McMillin and Remi Baker had discussed the possibility of a tug-of-war in between racing classes.

“We’d talked about it some but never seriously I guess to the point of trying it,” McMillin said. “But once we started to wet the track down, the idea struck both of us.”

With 90 plus powerful trucks all around the park, the attention quickly turned to human power on the track.  Surprisingly quick, four teams were assembled.

The “Off Road” was led by Baker and McMillin and was defeated by team “Them” lead by Bron and Derek Brown. Team “Death Valley” lead by Tony Adams and Kylie Sanders then defeated team “Us” lead by Reginald and Mike Jordan.

After two hard fought pulls some dissention hit and teams were combined for the finals. Teams “Off Road” and “Death Valley” joined forces for an unbeatable 12-man team that out pulled “Us” and “Them” to win the grand prize of $120.

More than 400 racers and fans enjoyed the racing, tug-of-war, and music on Saturday. Oh yeah and the kids 100’ and 300’ (barefoot) mud racing and dancing on the track.

“We are going to try to always have something like this,” McMillin noted. “Everyone really seemed to enjoy it. So we will look at doing some other things.”

While many race fans did enjoy the night it was Deanna Gaspard of Brouillette, La., who spoke for most.

“We had a wonderful time Saturday night,” the racing veteran said. “Of all of the races this had to be the best one yet. The tug of war, the music and dancing in between it was awesome! My little boy enjoyed the race even though he did not win the trophy, he had a blast. I can't wait until the next race in Jonesville.”

Results DDRA Points

Members of "Them" tug-of-war team.	Members of "Us" tug-of-war team.
Wildfire and Bodacious living it up.	Racing partners usually go head to head. On the left is Garrett Reeves racing Evan Parker.
	You can pull that hat down all you want waterboy but we know who you are...