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Most tracks don't run a carnage race until the end of the season; but most tracks aren't the Owosso Speedway.  The mid-Michigan speed plant, affectionately known as "The Big O" started its season with a wonderful spring night full of carnage, and through it all, the Gokee family prevailed. 

The track opened the day with a test and tune that saw the Winged Sprint Car driver Chad Goff clock a lap time of 13.50 - not too bad considering the track record is 12.565. Chad's car gleamed in the April sun as the driver shone as well talking about the schedule and getting ready for the July 4th Winged Sprint show scheduled at the Speedway.

The Super Late Model P51 driven by Scott Pemberton was on hand as well Saturday to shake off the winter. Also on hand was a driver relatively new to the ranks, 15 year old Meagan Carpenter.  She has moved up from the ¼ midgets to the Modifieds for 2009, and Meagan will definitely be one to watch.

As practice slowed the grandstands filled with a host of fans waiting in anticipation for the night of carnage that they all came out to see.

Prior to the featured events, driver Doug Krebiehl caught the crowds' eye.  Krebiehl was running around lending a helping hand to anyone who needed it in the pits, and he did so with a smile as big as the 3/8 mile Owosso oval. Krebiehl was a man on a mission - waiting for tonight because he was ready to race in the six of the seven events only missing out in the enduro race. Fans also couldn't miss him in the pits or on the track, where he and his old school bus were both decked out in bright orange. His school bus was an old bus that someone used to take to the MIS infield.  With some modification, it was now turned it into a racing machine.

One fan offered from the stands to Doug that he “should drive a 'short bus',” but Krebiehl quickly replied “Nope, need more horsepower” still with a smile on his face. And, while he may not have won in any of his six attempts Saturday night, he certainly walked away a winner by having fun and chasing his dream of racing.

But, the talk of the night was definitely the Gokee family!

The first race out of the shoot was the 8 lap Pull Race, Jim and Rick Gokee, Jr. won the event  Next on the schedule was a shortened enduro event - this one won by defending Mini-Stock driver Dan Gokee.  The third event was the Push race.  And, as in the first event, it found Jim and Rick, Jr. back in victory lane.

At the event's intermission, fans were treated to a new promotion called “Fire the Tire."  Fans were able to purchase a small tire (which resembled a mini hockey puck), then at the assigned time, throw the tire over the fence on to a target. The closest tire to the target wins a weekly prize and further enters the contestant into a season "final" for a chance at a go-kart.  Half of the contest's proceeds are going to be added to the track's point fund, while the other half will be going to a local charity. What a great idea, maybe even I will have to try this once this year.

After intermission we are back to the carnage! Next up is the Flag Pole race. This race was won again by 28 year old Dan Gokee, and to his surprise (and for the first time in their racing careers) his father, Barry Gokee, finished second. Of the close finish, Dan said laughingly “that is one of the biggest wins for me; I couldn't believe that my Dad climbed into the No. 74 car and pulled up beside me in the shoot. I looked over and thought to myself oh wow that's my Dad.”

After the Flag Pole race, Owosso Speedway officials decided at the last minute to run a Spectator Drag race and the big winner was Aaron Spearling over Greg Hiltz

Next up one of the big races of the night the school bus races! There is something about watching these big vehicles making sharp turns and not tipping over that makes fans go wild.

Big thanks to Ovid Iron, as the sponsor of the Bus Race they brought all five buses out to the track. To Doug Krebiehl this was the event of the night. Doug is planning on running 13 Bus Races this year at Owosso, Dixie, Auto City and maybe more speedways. Doug didn't go on to win the event, which went to competitor Tom Bower in the No. 7. But, the drivers and the fans were both happy with the excitement the buses brought to the track.

The true "carnage" of the event, however, came at the end of the night. It was the Trailer Race. For newcomers to this race, its rules are simple - pull something behind you (trailer, camper, boat, etc.) and keep moving forward. The objective is to finish with the trailer attached - which seemed to be a tough task. Doug Krebiehl again was out in his No. 29 orange van hauling an orange camper, but when he ended the race, all that was left was a portion of the frame!

As was the theme of the night, a Gokee reined carnage over the rest of the field as the checkered flag again went to Jim Gokee.

Congratulations to the entire Gokee Family for coming out and showing the fans that this is still a family sport!