Best Rural Activities

Stockcar racing is a full sensory experience – including your sense of thrill

Watching a car race on TV is nothing like the real thing. The cars thunder around the track doing warm up laps, but that doesn’t prepare you for the race. When you’re sitting in the stands and that green light kicks on, the engines reach a fever pitch, the vibrations echo in your chest, and your pulse begins racing along with the cars!

Racing is a full sensory experience. The roar of the engines and the cries of the crowd mingle in your ears. As the cars whip around the track, the air is filled with the faint smell of fuel, rubber, dust...and popcorn — you can’t go to the races without experiencing the concession stand food. And the sights! There’s nothing like the thrill of your favorite driver making a daring move on the outside, passing the leader and roaring across the finish line as the checkered flag waves. It all ties together for one amazing experience.

The true fans are there every week, rooting for their favorites, anticipating great moves, and connecting with their fellow race enthusiasts. The stands often feel like a family reunion; people sit in the same section every week – because their spot has the best view – and they welcome newcomers, sharing their perspective on the race and answering all questions.

If you’ve never been to the stockcar races,  it’s time you checked out Nebraska’s racing scene to find out if you get more excited about the sprint cars, the late models or the IMCA modifieds. The southwest and south central region offers several excellent oval tracks with racing action every weekend.

Each track has a standard night, but there are special events on the schedule. Check the web sites for up-to-date information.

Mid-Nebraska Speedway in Doniphan claims to be "The Racer's Choice," with the reputation of the fastest track in the state. http://www.midnebraskaspeedway.com/

The Dawson County Raceway in Lexington is a staple of Sunday evening entertainment. http://dawsoncountyraceway.com/

The North Platte Telegraph provides information about the races at McCook, North Platte and Lexington. http://www.nptelegraph.com/lets_go_racing/

Guide to country and small town events and entertainment

Fresh, funky, rugged and fun describe what we do for entertainment in Southwest and South Central Nebraska.  Whatever your interests – festivals, rodeos, car shows, marathons, fishing contests, bird watching, carnivals, county fairs, art galleries, theatre or music – you’ll find it happening here. Listed below are links to some of our favorite places to find fun things to do.

Auto racing in McCook.
www.mccookspeedway.com

Events in Alma and Harlan County Lake
www.almaisforyou.com/events.asp

Fishing by Kayakjak in Benkelman
www.kayakjak.com

Graham Gallery of Fine Art in Hastings
www.grahamgallery.com

Horse events and rodeo in McCook
www.kiplingerarena.com

Performing arts and art gallery in Red Cloud
www.willacather.org

Performing arts in Holdrege
www.thetassel.org

Performing arts, art gallery in Minden
www.mindenoperahouse.com

Tri-City Storm semi-pro ice hockey
www.pickmytickets.com

Visit Nebraska Wineries
www.vintagenebraska.org

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