16 Aug 2017 Yakima, WA – Going to Renegade Raceway from here in Enumclaw has a couple of options. Going up over Snoqualmie pass on I-90 is the common path most folks will go, and this is true because the early drag racing season begins there.
Summer time though you can head right out of Enumclaw on Hwy. 410 for the slower but much shorter drive over, and a whole lot better view as you climb around Mt. Rainer. Near the summit you can stop at and enjoy Tipsoo Lake with the mountain in the background.
Cresting the pass and now in Eastern Washington, coasting at 50 mph on the newly surfaced roadway though off in the distance smoke is filling the sky. A couple of months of no rain and high temps have made everything tinder dry. When you approach a temp sign “smoke over roadway” you know you are getting into it.
Passing thru and seeing how close the fires were to the roadway and the helicopter with water bag just over your head now you know how lucky you are to have gotten thru as the emergency and local officers had started the closure process. Lucky me now on to Renegade.
Never having been to this event I had a few hours to spend with no real agenda in mind. It’s always good to go over and watch Derrick Snelson and his “Warhawk” jet funny car and a much better treat was to see Ed “The Outlaw” Jones and his wheel standing “Stage Coach”. Fresh off running at Firebird Raceway, The G-Man nitro funny car all here to put on a show for the many folks that come out on a Wednesday night.
Combining a “box-no box” race and a test and tune gave everyone plenty to take in. Got to thank Sara and Derrick and crew always good to see you there and for everyone else check the Renegade website for the date next year for a hot August night.
