BOGALUSA - Every second Saturday at the Dixie Speedway in Sheridan, the evening calm is shattered by the roar of small gasoline engines as Dozens of go-karts race around the dirt track at breathtaking speeds.
Charles Lavignette of Bogalusa said he first got started in cart racing because his 13-year-old stepson, Chris Lott, expressed an interest. Now, both of them compete in the Dixie Cup Series.
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At $3,500 a pop for a race-ready machine, getting started in the sport is not cheap. The engines alone cost over $1,000. Lavignette's five horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine has been bored out to provide 12 horses and the tiny cart can attain speeds in excess of 60 miles per hour.
So, just like on NASCAR or other racing circuits, CNC Motorsports, named after Charles and his wife Christi, has recruited sponsors to help defray costs.
Winners' prizes at the Dixie Speedway average $250 in the adult division, depending on the number of entries. Youngsters compete for first, second, and third place trophies, but a trip to the National Finals Go-Kart Championship in Baker, Fla., where 3,200 finalists compete each year, could net the lucky winner $10,000.
For anyone interested in competing in the local event, or those who would just like to go and watch the fun, the next scheduled race in Sheridan is slated for May 6 at 4 p.m.
See you at the races.
(If you know a person with an interesting hobby or occupation, call Danny Hanemann at 732-2565.)
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