The group also brought in track prep specialist Jimmy Bradshaw this
year to create a pristine race surface in every city. The move has been universally
praised by drivers, and Keith says there is a noticeable difference
in the performance of the cars.
With success, however, come challenges. And with the coronavirus
pandemic currently spreading throughout the country, 2020 has presented
a challenge like no other. From postponements and rescheduling events,
to pre-race meets being cancelled less than 24 hours prior to beginning,
to losing sponsorships, the first half of the racing season has taken a toll
on the promoters.
“It’s been an emotional rollercoaster, and I don’t say that lightly,” says
Lautenbach. “I get so high-strung about this stuff. I care so much about
my family, and my business, and us succeeding, that I take it very personally.
It’s been difficult navigating things. Stuff isn’t just changing; it’s
changing by the minute.”
“To be honest, it’s made our life a living hell,” agrees Keith. “Dealing with
weather is one thing. But dealing with something that you have absolutely
no control over, it’s different, because you’ve never had something like
this not let you be able to have events.”
Despite these setbacks, Keith and Lautenbach have witnessed firsthand
the strength and resolve of the drag racing community. While a drop in
racer participation and spectators during this time would be both understandable
and expected, the duo says the exact opposite has occurred.
“Our Oklahoma event in May was triple the size of our normal Oklahoma
event,” says Keith. “You have to remember, everything else that people do
for fun is not happening. Concerts, sporting events, a lot of people have
FROM THE STAGING LANES AT BANDIMERE SPEEDWAY TO THE
PARKING LOT OF THE LOCAL TWIN PEAKS, STREET CAR TAKEOVER
AND ITS PARTICIPANTS TRULY TAKE OVER WHEREVER THEY GO.
cancelled their vacations. Racing is really the only thing you can go watch
right now that’s a sport.”
While proud of their success so far this year in the face of a difficult
situation, Keith and Lautenbach both say they’re looking forward to what
will hopefully be a more normal 2021 season. But in the meantime, they
will continue to push forward, feeling blessed even in a time of adversity.
“Justin and I are two of the luckiest dudes in the history of ever,” Lautenbach
says. “We get to wake up in the morning, and what other people like
to do on the weekend, we get to do every single day. We get to meet some
of the nicest people on the face of planet earth. We work with some of the
best companies in the game. So to see our turnouts not take a dive, but to
actually be growing, even in a time like this, it’s honestly overwhelming.” DI
80 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated.com Issue 158