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| Speed enthusiasts racing to Salinas International Speedway |
by Marie Custodio
DownIsland Staff
DownIsland Staff
Click on pictures to enlarge
From the minute you enter the gates you could hear the motors roar. While
you wait to get into the parking lot, many of the cars around look like the
Hot Wheels you used to play with in your childhood. Everything indicates
that Puerto Rico International Speed Way, in Salinas, is THE PLACE for
the race fans in the Island.
The fee is $12 per car to enter a World where your status is rated by the
kind of wheels you ride. Wednesday nights, cars, motorcycles and
fourtracks from all around Puerto Rico get to Salinas to test their velocity
and show off their shiny bodywork. That night they have “street races”, an
event where anyone can go to compete against similar vehicles or just test
how fast they are, in an attempt to eliminate the danger of real street races.
Even though it’s a weeknight, many people, mostly men in their twenties
and thirties, can stay until 2 or 3 in the morning to race or just as
spectators; the later the more crowded it gets. It’s not a luxurious place, but
fans say they don’t need more than a speedway in good shape and the
vehicles they want to see. Some of the owners even name their cars like
women, “La atrevida” (the daring) and “La Anaís” (name of a female local
singer) were going to be giving a great show soon after our visit.
A walk around the parking and you’ll see a lot of very flashy cars that are
just there to be admired because. Usually, the car is surrounded by a crew
that includes the mechanic, who will be thrilled to explain every detail of the
machine if you ask.
For those who are there just for the fun of watching the races, the beers
and the fried chicken is a most. And you can buy a t-shirt or other
souvenirs at a small shop.
you wait to get into the parking lot, many of the cars around look like the
Hot Wheels you used to play with in your childhood. Everything indicates
that Puerto Rico International Speed Way, in Salinas, is THE PLACE for
the race fans in the Island.
The fee is $12 per car to enter a World where your status is rated by the
kind of wheels you ride. Wednesday nights, cars, motorcycles and
fourtracks from all around Puerto Rico get to Salinas to test their velocity
and show off their shiny bodywork. That night they have “street races”, an
event where anyone can go to compete against similar vehicles or just test
how fast they are, in an attempt to eliminate the danger of real street races.
Even though it’s a weeknight, many people, mostly men in their twenties
and thirties, can stay until 2 or 3 in the morning to race or just as
spectators; the later the more crowded it gets. It’s not a luxurious place, but
fans say they don’t need more than a speedway in good shape and the
vehicles they want to see. Some of the owners even name their cars like
women, “La atrevida” (the daring) and “La Anaís” (name of a female local
singer) were going to be giving a great show soon after our visit.
A walk around the parking and you’ll see a lot of very flashy cars that are
just there to be admired because. Usually, the car is surrounded by a crew
that includes the mechanic, who will be thrilled to explain every detail of the
machine if you ask.
For those who are there just for the fun of watching the races, the beers
and the fried chicken is a most. And you can buy a t-shirt or other
souvenirs at a small shop.
