First Time at the Races

Dale Hackwell Jr., car number 145 at bottom, of Hudson, races at the Independence Motor Speedway in Independence, Iowa, on Wednesday, July 1, 2009.
©Dawn J. Sagert/The Waterloo Courier


Dale Hackwell Jr. prepares for his heat at the Independence Motor Speedway in Independence, Iowa, on Wednesday, July 1, 2009.
©Dawn J. Sagert/The Waterloo Courier


Terry Neal, of Ely, 28, top, drives a close race against Rob Toland, of Davenport, 39, front, at the Independence Motor Speedway in Independence, Iowa, on Wednesday, July 1, 2009.
©Dawn J. Sagert/The Waterloo Courier


Terry Neal, of Ely, Iowa, holds up his trophies after winning the final race at the Independence Motor Speedway in Independence, Iowa, on Wednesday, July 1, 2009.
©Dawn J. Sagert/The Waterloo Courier

I was assigned to go to the stock car races in Independence, Iowa for the first time last night. I don't particularly get "into" cars or racing, but it was pretty exhilarating standing that close to the track--especially in the final race!