Thunderbird Speedway to re-open

March 3rd, 2010

I remember when I was growing up, we lived in Oklahoma, Florida and Texas. When we lived out of state, we would still spend the summers in Muskogee. Then, later, I married and settled in Muskogee. I remember the warm summer Friday nights filled with the sounds from Thunderbird Speedway.

Depending on how the wind was blowing determined the volume, but you could hear the races all over Muskogee. I was very sad when it closed down. Even if you weren’t at the track, it was still exciting to listen to the cars accelerate and decelerate with a popping sound.

In the meantime, Outlaw Motor Speedway opened South of Town and has gained quite a following, so the question is: Can Muskogee support a track inside city limits again?

Stanley Slader is re-opening Thunderbird this month. Personally, I will welcome the Friday night sounds again, but I realize that some people will not, especially those living close to the fairgrounds. It will be interesting to see what happens that first race night as far as how many people complain about the noise.

I wish Mr. Slader the best of luck in re-opening this track and I plan to attend races there again.

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