CULLMAN, Ala. – What began as a backyard project to give one boy a quiet outlet has grown into a full-fledged racing venue. Now, P and G Speedway, owned by Aaron and Kendra Gaines, is preparing for one of its biggest events yet – the Hootenanny 50 on Saturday, Nov. 15. The event will feature a full day of dirt kart racing, family activities and award-winning barbecue from Hootenanny BBQ.
Gates will open at 3 p.m. on race day, with drivers meeting at 5 p.m. with qualifying to follow. A practice day is scheduled for Nov.14 for $5. Pre-entry cost is $65, with day-of registration costing $75. Spectator admission is $10.
“My husband started building the track back in April for our son, who was dealing with some issues at school and major anxiety,” said Kendra Gaines. “It was only ever supposed to be a personal track for us to make memories, like the ones Aaron made with his papaw when he was a kid. Never in a million years did we think our small backyard track for our three kids would become P and G Speedway, now hosting events.”
The Hootenanny 50 will include 11 racing classes ranging from children as young as five to seasoned adults. Youth classes include Jr. Predator, Red Plate, Green Plate, Purple Plate and Blue Plate. Adult categories include:
- Rookie A – adult class for beginners
- Super Stock/Stock Appearing – unmodified stock production motor, with internal motor modifications
- Limited Predator – 212 Predator motor with specific rules that can be found on the P and G Speedway Facebook page
- Clone – 365 weight and NKA motor rules
- R.W.Y.B. – flat cart requirement, no limitations
- PowderPuff – a race specifically geared for women. Women can also compete in other race classes.
The Clone class will headline the race, with a growing cash purse that could surpass $1,000, depending on kart turnout and sponsorships. In addition to the feature races, families can enjoy foot races, bicycle races (bring your own) and candy drops.
Food will be provided exclusively by Hootenanny BBQ, owned by Cullman native Maylon Jones, bringing his award-winning BBQ to the event. A 50/50 raffle will also take place, with ticket prices ranging from $1 to $20. Half of the total pot goes to the winner, and half supports the track.
For Gaines, who had never attended a dirt kart race before her family built the track, the experience has proven to be far more than just racing. “It’s something fun and different, not your typical family outing,” she said. “The kids enjoy the kart races and the activities – no iPads, no TVs, just getting outside, being kids and getting dirty. Everyone loves a good race, so why not let your first time be at P and G Speedway, the family-friendly track where there’s something for everyone to enjoy?”
Gaines added that the growth of the track wouldn’t be possible without help from those closest to them. “We couldn’t do this without Phyllis Patrum, Aaron’s grandmother, our other family members and the racing community,” she said. “The way people show up and pitch in when we have races means everything to us.”
For more information, contact P and G Speedway at 417-680-6611 or follow their official Facebook page at P and G Speedway.
P and G Speedway is located at 1521 County Road 1579, Cullman, AL 35058.
