Best Race of the Year Just Around the Next Turn

There is a racetrack out there that will always come to my mind when people mention “great” racetracks. Most of you haven’t been there and even more of you have never been there. But, if you are the race fan or enthusiast you say you are then you need to witness a race or two at Salem Speedway.

Salem Speedway is located in Salem, Indiana, about an hour North of Louisville, KY. The ARCA Re/Max Series has been racing there for a long time and I have been fortunate enough to have competed in several events at the famed half mile speedway. You have all heard of Bristol, and, more than likely, you have seen a race at Bristol. Well, Salem Speedway would maybe be considered the Bristol of the ARCA Re/Max Series and other short track series across the country.

Everyone that has ever been to Salem Speedway as a competitor will give you an opinion of the place. That opinion is usually based on there experiences at the tough short track. The drivers either love it or hate it. It can be intimidating. It can be frustrating. But, it is respected by everyone. The high banks and worn out surface will get your attention. Salem is one of those tracks that you “race the racetrack” and not the other racers. As soon as you ignore the track, it will jump up and bite you. The NASCAR world knows the “Darlington Stripe” and the ARCA world know the “Salem Stripe.”

I am one of the drivers that love the place. From the first time I tested there I really enjoyed it. Those types of tracks have always fit my driving style: Salem, Winchester, and Pocono. These are what I would consider “race the racetrack” speedways. My last win came at Salem Speedway back in 2004. I will remember that win probably longer than I will my first ARCA win at Kansas Speedway. The two wins are very special but there is something that tells me that winning at Salem was a little tougher.

For the next week I will be thinking about the Salem Speedway. I was even having thoughts on how I could make it there to race while I was driving home from Nashville last Saturday. That probably will not happen but you can bet that I will be checking in on what is going on for the best race on April 22. It will actually be the best race in the country that weekend. Take a trip to check it out live or stay tuned to www.arcaracing.com to keep up with the exciting action at Salem Speedway.

For this story and other racing information check out www.jasonjarrett.com.

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