Car races remain the big fair draw

Car racing has been a part of the Carlton County Fair in Barnum for as long as most people can remember. This past week, the tradition continued as nearly 6,000 fans watched local drivers compete for $40,000 in prize money.

"I've been either involved with the fair or coming to the fair for a long time and these events draw many people who might otherwise not attend the fair," said Steve Loucks, president of the Carlton County Fair Association.

According to Loucks, more than 150 drivers participated this year. That's about average for the events that bring excitement over the last three days of the four-day fair.

The races bring families to the track in what for many is likened to a holiday tradition, a once-a-year celebration.

"Racing at the fair will always hold a special place in my heart," racer Jon Hammitt said. "Our family has always gone to the fair for as long as I can remember. It was something that we always did. I grew up watching the races there and seeing my dad race there. Now my brother and I race, along with our cousin. It's a family event every year for us."

Most racers at the fair do not run cars on a regular basis. Many spend all year getting ready for tjust this one weekend.

"These guys put in a lot of work all winter and summer getting cars ready and most of them start preparing cars for the next year the day after the fair ends," Loucks said.

Jon Hammitt's brother, Matt, spoke highly of how the county fair brings friends and family together and how much that means to racers.

"I love racing in front of the crowd in Barnum,"Matt Hammitt said. "Having raced in weekly circuits, you tend to get a dedicated racing crowd. In Barnum, there are people coming who were looking for something to do at the fair or people who are there to support their friends or family who are driving in addition to the race fans, so it's nice to put on a show for a broad range of a crowd. Plus, now that my niece and nephews are old enough to enjoy it, I get to see how excited they get to come to the races."

Friday night's oval races kicked off the event with Andy Leino taking top honors in the full-size models and the mid-size championship going to AJ House. Nikola Larson won the compact division and the womens winner was Jackie Kwapick.

The demolition derby Saturday night is the most well attended event of the fair with the grandstands, the sides of the grandstand, as well as three portable grandstands all packed to capacity.

Winners in the demo-derby were Levi Westerberg in the mini-van class, Wiljo Korpela in the compact class, Jason Leutz in the truck class, Drake Bandow in the full-size division and Brett Newman in the imperial division.

Sunday night wrapped up with figure-8 races. Another large crowd was on hand to join in the craziness as cars zipped around the track, trying to avoid colliding with each other while maintaining as much speed as possible.

And those bus races are always a fan favorite.

Derek Bartz took top honors in the full-size division while the mid-size title went to Eddie Westerberg. Jordan Grimm captured top honors in the compact class and the womens title went to Donna Palmer.

"We had a perfect few days for racing," Loucks said. "On Thursday the tractor pull was canceled due to the weather, but we were able to have great weather for the car racing and got all the races in and had large crowds and gave away a lot of money."

O'Reilly Auto Parts in Cloquet sponsored the trophies awarded to top racers in each category.