Words and photos by Brian Losness

There is just something about being met at a drag strip’s front gate by Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls.  Or maybe hearing the brogue of a Chinese leprechaun/announcer over the PA system.  Or seeing Jesus, Bill Buckner, and the scarecrow from Wizard of Oz working the starting line.

No, you haven’t fallen into some bizarre secret world.  Nor is it not some sort of new futuristic video game that you’ve been sucked into

It’s the Halloween Classic at Firebird Raceway in Eagle, Idaho.

This event is about more than JUST the racing. It’s about the experience of being with friends old and new. Being a part of a culture that’s healthy and vibrant, where the competition is fierce and so is the camaraderie.

The Classic is not for the faint of heart either. Believe me when I say that this event is a marathon: five days in duration (six, this year, thanks to a non-cooperative Mother Nature), with on-track action every day from sunup to sundown (and after).