JACKSON, Wyo. — The summer season continues to zoom by, as exemplified by the rowdiest night of the year: the Figure 8 Races at the Teton County Fair.
Buckrail photographer Nick Sulzer was at the Rodeo Arena on Sunday, July 28, to capture all of the exhaust, mud and glory. Six heats with six drivers each took to the track to see who was fastest to make 12 laps around the figure 8-shaped track.
This year’s races played to a completely packed arena. Emcee Jeff Moran said over the loudspeaker that tickets to the event had sold out in 36 hours.
As ever, dollar bills were circulating through the stands as attendees placed bets on drivers.
A number of cars took heavy hits during the competition. Multiple vehicles needed forklift assistance.
One vehicle tipped over, with smoke billowing from its hood. A fleet of men were summoned to push it back onto its wheels.
Winners took home more than $10,000 in total:
- First Place ($5,240): Ruben Gallegos
- Second Place ($3,144): Scott Hardeman
- Third Place ($2,096): Joel Tate
- Best Paint Job ($200): Robert Henry
‘Til next year, Figure 8s!
