Despite being a cool and somewhat windy, the Big Eagle Showdown was another success. Held for the Manor Fire Department races began at 2 p.m. with preliminary runs determining who would earn a spot in the feature events.
Cameras flashed as dust flew and engines roared as approximately 600 people attended. In total 26 drivers took to the track with competitors from across Canada and some from the United States
Local racers included Hobby Stock racers Kruz Wilson and his father Mike of Manor, Landon and Leevi Runge of Lampman, Riley Raynard of Lampman. In the Street Stocks Gary Goudy and Gary Goudy Jr. of Stoughton, Ehren Martin of Redvers, Alvin Dube of Lampman were racing. In the Modified category Masen and Jett Big Eagle of Manor, Joey Galloway of Manor, Matt Mutz of Manor, Tanner Matheson of Redvers, and Jeremy Johnston of Arcola.
Races began with hobby stocks taking to the track first followed by Streets and then the Modifieds. The ground rumbled as the cars flew around the track, drifting around corners and accelerating along the straightaways the crowd's excitement was evident through whoops and hollers for their favourite drivers.
"The day went pretty good," Big Eagle stated. "I would have liked to have seen a few more cars out but it went well. There were only two caution flags throughout the whole day, the track was smooth, and despite it being a cold day we had a great turnout."
The qualifying races gave way to the feature events following a driver calcutta. Three racers of each event were auctioned off with the chance of winning a percentage of the pot if their driver took first place. In the end Ryan Saxon, Daryl Ariss, and Derrick Big Eagle donated the moneys won back to the event for the Fire Department.
The Hobby Stock event saw Raynard and Leevi battling through corners through the entire race. A tough fought battle to the end saw Raynard claim victory with Leevi taking second place.
Raynard was excited about the win and gave credit to his friends like Leevi who on the track help push him to be the best he can be.
The Street Stocks were up next with Scott Yale taking first place. Yale comes from North Dakota and following the race smiled widely as he exclaimed the track is a very entertaining one to compete on, while explaining he will be trying to get others next year to come out for the event from the States as well.
The final feature event was a 50-lap race for the Modified class, with a mandatory pit-stop and fuel mid-way through. Excitement was in the air as Joey Galloway led the racers in the first few laps, but technical difficulties led to an early exit from the race for the local driver.
Taking the lead car's place was Travis Peery. Masen Big Eagle attempted to catch-up and surpass Peery, but was unable to do so in the end despite a valiant effort. Peery took first place and stopping in Victory Lane was given his well-earned trophy with his two boys, Ryan (Kid Rocket) Peery and Blake Peery, running towards their father to congratulate him on the win.
Travis stated his boys are a big part of his operation both helping in the pits to varying degrees and even helping bring out gas during the 25-lap break.
The action concluded and a crowd returned for a cabaret that evening with Third Degree Birnz entertaining the crowd.
"It was a bigger turn out than last year," Big Eagle explained of the cabaret. "Everything went off without a glitch."
Overall the day was again thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance, while the Manor Fire Department benefited from the generosity of those in the crowd.
The event is hosted by the Big Eagle and Galloway families, with help great support from the community and surrounding area.
"Thanks to everyone to helped us out," Big Eagle said. "It's not something done by just my wife and me, we have lots of volunteers who help make it the day that it is."
Final numbers raised for the Fire Department are still being determined, but it was once again a great success.
