Get ready to get muddy

 Organizers for Weiser’s Mud Drag Races at Mortimer’s Island are excited to present the 19th edition of what has become a popular tradition here.

 The annual event is set for the first Saturday in October each and every year, and Oct. 7 will hold all of the action, fun, and mud enthusiasts have come to expect.

 “We still do registration on the day of the event,” spokesperson for the Weiser Mud Drag committee Laurel Adams told the Signal American. “The drivers gate opens at 6 a.m. and we get them registered and tech’d in. Fees are $50 per vehicle per class. The races start at 11 a.m.

 “Depending on the year we get anywhere from 50 to 100 driver registrations,” she added. “Last year’s count total was 64. We get racers from all over the northwest.”

 With as many as 10 classes for participants to enter, they include: street legal; mud mod; powder puff; powder puff pro; pro mud; super stock; pro stock; ATV-UTV; diesel; and high school. Something for everyone at any age.

 Looking ahead to 2024, Adams said they are hoping to get their website finished and a pre-registration system set up by then.

 The gate admission for spectators is $10, with entrance for ages 6 and under free.

 “We have lots of vendors lined up,” Adams said. “A selection of food and adult beverages, and don’t forget the ‘Dash for Cash’ event, where everyone gets muddy!” 

 Anyone who’s spent any time outdoors this summer should be well aware that it’s been a particularly buggy year. As well, the location’s close proximity to the river, along with the muddy conditions for the event, adds to the likelihood of an abundance of flying insects.

 “Please bring your sunscreen, bug spray, and lawn chairs, but please, no outside coolers,” Adams added. “We recommend leaving dogs at home, too, because it’s loud and crowded. But anyone who does bring their dog(s) will have to keep them on a leash and under control at all times.”

 Proceeds from the event are regularly designated to a community benefit.

 Partnering once again with the Weiser Chamber, Adams said, “We have decided to continue our relationship with the Chamber because it’s such a great fit. We were able to donate over $4,300 to Weiser’s 4th of July and Christmas parade fireworks displays last year!

 “We’ve again selected the fireworks fund to be our recipient this year,” she said. We feel it’s as ‘America’ as it gets (kind of like mud racing) and it brings our community together (kind of like mud racing) and it’s something everyone loves (kind of like mud racing). 

 “We are always open to and looking for additional sponsors for the Mud Drags, too,” she added.