Block · one region of the page, as the scanner read it. It may hold a whole story, part of one, several, or an advertisement; stitching blocks into articles is the next step. Text is supplied OCR.
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ms i By Craig Murto Times-Democrat Staff Writer f ASCAR’s Winston Cup Series may be the most popular form of auto racing in the world, but it didn’t always have the paved superspeedways to compete on — stock car racing was born on dirt. Dirt tracks continue to provide their own unique and thrilling form of competition. And Northern Virginia fans are biessed with a number of top-notch dirt racing facilities within driving distance. On these fans can watch what is considered the fastest-growing form of grassroots racing. The best known of those facilities is in Hagerstown, Md. Dirt tracks come and go, but for 50 years Hagerstown Speedway has provided a grade-A track for competitors, exciting shows for the fans, and an economic gain rarthe local community — if not for the state of Maryland itself. And the 1997 season proved to be the best ever for drivers and fans alike. Hagerstown celebrated its 50 years throughout the season, offering its usual mix of weekly late model shows and special events. In a 1989 article, USA Today said that speedway historian Allan E. Brown ranked Hagerstown Speedway as the best overall dirt track in the country. And the track continues to improve. New aluminum grandstands were built for the 1996 season, adding an additional 2,500 seating capacity. Work has already started on six new luxury suites and a press box. Promotions such as the autograph session drivers are See DIRT, Page 13
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