Callahan Speedway Promotes Diversity

The Callahan Speedway officially opened in April culminating years of planning and work by David Hicken and James Wofford who have more than 50 years of racing experience between them. Callahan's Go-Kart track is located just north of the Multipurpose Building at the intersection of Musselwhite and US 1.
There are several routes. You can reach the new 1/5th mile oval Georgia clay Go-Kart track from the I-95/A1A (SR 200) Intersection at Yulee, FL, and head towards Callahan, turning right on US 1 at that intersection and then north towards Hilliard. The Speedway will be on your right.
If you come on a Thursday evening or most Saturdays, you'll hear the Go-Karts roar around the track. A new lighting system really helps during hours of darkness as racing may still be going on by 10 pm.
Another route would be from I-295 to Callahan and Hilliard via either the Lem Turner or US 1 Callahan exits, depending upon your origin (north or south of those exits). Once you get to US 1, turn right and head north for Hilliard. The Speedway's on the right.
You can also come directly down US 1 from Waycross and Folkston, GA, through Hilliard and you'll find the Speedway about two miles north of Callahan on the left side of the road. It's well marked.
As this article is being written, they've had two practices and their grand opening. David estimated that more than 70 Go-Karts participated in the first practice session. More than 60 Karts actually raced on the first day.
Go-Kart drivers are very serious people, regardless of age. While children's classes begin at 5 years of age, the youngest driver I was able to find at Saturday's grand opening was Jacob Horton, 6 years old. He's still in Kindergarten.
You might say "racing's in his blood." His parents, Randy and Belinda Horton as well as their parents, have racing experience, some in stock cars. Jacob got a chance to drive a Kart on an asphalt track not long ago, and then tried out at the first practice run in Callahan. He prefers Callahan's clay track.
He may, eventually, graduate into stock car or other racing but the Go-Karts are quite enough for now. He drives number 88, a purple plate beginner's Kart, which means he can't go quite as fast as the older drivers.
Donald R. Marcun, 73, was the oldest Go-Kart driver I met at the Grand Opening. He's been driving since he was 68. He developed an interest in racing at a much younger age but felt he could not afford it since he had two daughters he wanted to put through college and make sure they had a better chance than he had had.
Now he can. He really enjoys racing, both as a spectator and as a driver. He walks three miles several times a week, sometimes wearing weights on his ankles to get a little more exercise. He works out with barbells and other equipment, too. I'm 67 and he makes me feel a lot older, especially since I have to use a walker to get around right now.
His car, number 27, is in honor of Merle Bayless, a race car driver.
Drivers first draw placement numbers from a machine not unlike that used in bingo games to set their order in the runs prior to the feature race. These are known as "heats" and there were two 10-lap heats for each class on Grand Opening Saturday. Average placement at the finish line of each heat plus the best time controls the car's placement on the feature race.
There were 12 laps on each class's feature race. The winner on the feature race is the one who comes in first.
While much of the work has been completed, one of the items to be added is a weight building. If you drive in a particular class, you can't exceed a certain limit. Kart and driver are weighed after each heat to make sure they meet limits. Weight is important.
Right now, the scale is located in the open. I watched Karts and drivers being weighed on Saturday. They place the Kart on the scale and the driver steps into it.
It has to be precisely placed on the scale to make sure the correct weight is read. Total weight is what matters and extra lead weights are added to the Kart to bring it up to standard for each class.
The weights are often fastened by a bolt at the back of the driver's seat. They can be changed as necessary since, while the weight of the Kart will probably not change from race to race, the weight of the driver might.
While the Karts are small, their average weight sans driver is about 150 pounds. Engine power is another factor. Depending upon class, engines range from 5 - 20 horsepower (HP). They're similar to those used on power lawnmowers. Regardless of class the Karts can make it around the track rather quickly.
Younger drivers, such as Jacob, have special governors on their Karts to insure they don't go over a set rpm keeping their speeds relatively low. Adult Karts, however, can make better than 50 mph around the 1/5th mile oval track. Some might exceed 70.
Children's classes are primarily by age: 5-8 year olds, 8-10, 10-12, and 12-15. Sixteen year olds generally run with adults. Adult classes generally start at 325 pounds (Go-Kart and driver combined), "stock-light." Other classes include 350 pounds, "stock-medium;" 375, "stock heavy;" and 400, "super heavy."
The same flags and signals are used in Go-Karts as in other racing: Green (Go), Yellow (Caution), Red (Stop), White (One Lap Left) and Checkered (Race's Over, head for the weigh station).
The Karts only have a ½" clearance, so it's unlikely one will overturn even on the sharp turns. Drivers wear helmets, gloves, jackets and other racing equipment to insure safety. At the same time David and James have to make sure the drivers have a smooth surface on which to drive.
They and their people inspect the track during and after each heat and race, making sure there are no ruts or dangers. They also use caution or stop signals as necessary to insure safety.
Watching drivers get into the Karts can be funny. Each Kart is moved to the starting point, usually on a sort of wheeled cart which doubles as a work table. Two people then pick up the Kart and put it into the starting area and the driver gets in. The younger drivers actually step into the Karts and sit down but some of the older drivers look like they're struggling into a very tight pair of pants.
The engines, similar to those used on lawnmowers, are normally started the same way and, with an increasing roar, the Karts take the track. They form up in the correct order and may take at least one lap where no passing is allowed under a yellow light.
Then the green light goes on and the race begins in earnest. Drivers watch for the main chance, sliding into new positions as they race around the track. The lead Go-Kart may actually pass the tail end Kart during the race.
Racing requires skill and courage as well as a good bit of luck. Not enough can be said for all the work that goes into the Karts and engines as well as into the drivers' education. It's exciting and I can understand why so many like to participate or at least watch.
They'll practice Thursdays - the gate will open at 5 pm. From time to time, David and James plan classes, usually on Thursdays, for new or potential drivers of all ages.
Go-Kart racing will generally happen on Saturdays. Spectators' tickets cost $7; there's a discount for Seniors and children 8 and under get in free. Refreshments will also be available. If you're going to race, requirements and rates are slightly different.
If you'd like more information about the Callahan Speedway, call (904) 507-1687. Dave and James are also working on their own website at http://callahanspeedway.com/.
Be sure to call for information or email callahan_speedway@yahoo.com.

Hope to see you there.