From October 16 to 19, 2024, the towns of Sanderson and Fort Stockton, Texas, were abuzz with the high-speed excitement of their annual race weekend. The event attracted racing enthusiasts from all over the region, featuring a series of races, technical inspections, and festive community gatherings.
The festivities kicked off on Wednesday, October 16, in Sanderson with registration at the Senior Center followed by a morning filled with technical inspections at the Courthouse Parking Lot and a host of practice sessions on West US 90. The day also included a rookie school aimed at sharpening the skills of newer racers.
By evening, participants gathered at Bi-Centennial Park for a welcome party that set a convivial tone for the competition ahead.
Thursday continued the pace with more registrations and inspections, alongside additional practice runs. A key event of the day was the Navigator School, hosted on the courthouse’s second floor, which prepared navigators for the challenges of the race routes. The day wrapped up with a Racer Reunion and Rookie Reception at the Centennial Bar in Fort Stockton, providing a casual backdrop for racers to exchange stories and strategies.
On Friday, the focus shifted to Fort Stockton where further registrations and inspections were conducted at the Large Community Hall. The day also featured a Navigator/Co-Driver School, a critical Driver/Co-Driver Meeting, and a visually engaging car show at Rooney Park. The park was also the setting for an evening parade, followed by important preparatory meetings for course workers to finalize details for the upcoming races.
The pinnacle of the weekend was Saturday’s racing, beginning early with a pre-grid setup at Rooney Park, followed by a course sweep to ensure the route’s safety. The races commenced with Leg 1 from Fort Stockton to Sanderson in the morning, followed by the return leg in the afternoon, testing the stamina and skills of the participants. The weekend’s events concluded with a banquet and awards ceremony at the Fort Stockton Civic Center, where racers and teams were honored for their performance and sportsmanship.
The annual race weekend not only highlighted the racing prowess of the participants but also celebrated the enduring spirit and camaraderie of the racing community in these historic Texas towns.
