Early spring stock car racing in the Midwest is in a constant battle with the weather. March and April rainouts have become the norm. While we sit around on those late summer and fall Saturday nights and wonder why we're not racing..

Most racetracks in Nebraska are sanctioned by the IMCA. Of the 17 dirt ovals across the state, 12 fall under the auspices of the International Motor Contest Association. The powers to be from this Vinton, Iowa-based organization are also becoming accustomed to dodging springtime raindrops. I think they also see the possibilities of racing late into September.

Drivers in eight IMCA divisions will get an extra week to chase national, regional, state and track points. The 2008 point season, which began on Jan. 5, will now run through Sept. 28.

"The vast majority of tracks still race in late September fulfilling their weekly point schedules," explained IMCA Vice President of Operations Brett Root. "That, combined with the terrible weather many tracks experienced last season, justified extending the season one more week."

Mid-Nebraska Speedway Promoter Doug Stange is also wary of the hassles of early season rain showers. Stange decided in the offseason to push test and tune day at the Doniphan track back one week to April 12. That means opening night will be April 19.

Boone County Raceway in Albion has never been one to test the waters of early spring weather. Test and tune day and the annual car show will be April 27. Opening night in Albion is May 2.

The start of the IMCA late model season is running into a wintry forecast. The Deery Brothers Summer Series was to have seen its earliest opening night during Eagle Raceway's Ice Breaker Challenge. Mother Nature had other ideas and with forecasts calling for cold, windy and wet weather this weekend, the special has been rescheduled for April 5-6.

Fresh paint

No battling the weather here. The annual Mid-Nebraska Speedway car show is being held this weekend at the Conestoga Mall. Fifteen race cars will be on display ranging from IMCA modifieds and hobby stocks to Grand National Late Models and Happy Hornets. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and noon to 5 Sunday.

Brad Fossberg is the news director for G.I. Family Radio.