Nodak anxious to get back on track
By T.J. ALLICK, Staff Writer tallick@minotdailynews.comArticle Photos
In just a few short weeks, it will be go time for everyone involved with getting Nodak Speedway ready to race.
Following the completion of the Eric Church and The Perry Band's performance on Sunday, July 25, the Nodak Race Club will have approximately 16 hours to get the track ready for the North Dakota State Fair Enduro race the next night.
It won't be easy, but after sacrificing the majority of their race season (due the new grandstand construction), Nodak is anxious is to get back on the track.
"It's going to be a big project to put that race track back together but we are looking forward to the challenge," said Nodak Race Club Vice President Lindsay Lawson said. "We will have about a 16-hour window to put the track back together for July 26's Enduro race at 7 p.m. that night. It's not a lot of time, but we really want to do a good job getting everything up to the standard of the new grandstands."
The new state of the art grandstand missed its completion date of July 1 (today) due to some setbacks with the weather, but Lawson feels there will be still plenty of time.
"I think they had some setbacks with the weather but I'm sure they have things ready to go for the fair," Lawson said. "Personally I can't wait till it's all said and done because the fan experience is going to be fabulous."
Along with putting the track back together, Lawson feels the biggest barrier to overcome will be, ironically, building a removable barrier.
"Our biggest challenge is having to build the track and then building a wall and a catch fence that is removable," he said. "When we finally get in there to start working on it, we need to build a wall out of Jersey barriers with the catch fence. And it all needs to be able to be taken down that Tuesday (July 27) after the demolition derby.
"It's going to be a task for sure, but we are looking forward to getting back to racing."
Lawson said the process of putting the track back together can, and will be made easier by any support.
"I can't say enough about the support we've already received from Nodak (Race Club) board members, business owners and race fans alike," he said. "They have all been great and we will need that type of support to make this all happen."
Anyone interested in helping now or the night of preparation on July 25-26, visit the Nodak Speedway Race Club website at www.racenodak.com.
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Former Tetons return to coach
WILLISTON - Two former Williston State College athletes have been named new head Tetons coaches.
Alissa Hoehn, a native of Drake and former Teton volleyball player is the new WSC head volleyball coach. Hoehn has been an assist coach for the past two years at Minot State University.
Williston State Athletic Director Hunter Berg feels Hoehn brings the right amount of enthusiasm to the job.
"Alissa carries a great attitude and work ethic and is very energetic and committed to the success of Teton volleyball," Berg said. "Being a former player of ours, she knows what it takes to be at the top of the conference and region. Her experience with Minot State's program will prove invaluable in terms of recruiting. Alissa will be a great addition to our team."
Williston native Shawn Cote, who is also a former Teton player and assistant coach, has been named the new head WSC baseball coach. Cote had been working with WSC in the recruiting office prior to taking the position vacated by Kelly Heller.
Cote has coached the sport at various levels, including college, high school and Legion baseball.
"Shawn's enthusiasm and passion for baseball and our program makes him a natural fit," Berg said. "He has wanted to be a head college baseball coach, and we look forward to him continuing the success of our team, while putting his own stamp on the program. Coaching takes a lot of dedication and Shawn seems ready to put forth the effort to keep our program at the top of the region."
- T.J. Allick
