Regan Tafoya loves dirt track racing.
Hes been circling the oval track for nearly 20 years in the Four Corners.
Tafoya, 37, saw his first dirt track race in Cortez at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds Speedway.
The first time I ever came to a dirt racetrack, I didnt even know what dirt racing was, he said. The first track I ever came to was right here. That was kind of exciting for me. Its always been a special place in my heart. My memories here are always kind of special to me.
A Farmington, N.M., native, Tafoya always came back to race in Cortez. He has primarily raced modified cars since 1997.
Tafoya is back again this season. Hes still racing. But, hes also taking on a different role the role of speedway track promoter.
Former promoter Jack Nelson decided to take a break this year.
The problem?
No one else stepped up to take over promotion of the fairgrounds speedway, until Tafoya got word.
We just didnt want to see the track sit still, he said. Its going to be tough, racing and promoting at the same time, but we got enough people out there in place that will take care of what needs to be taken care of.
With some help from Nelson and many generous volunteers, racing is indeed back in Cortez. The green flag waved Friday and Saturday night, as fans cheered with delight at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds.
Being a track promoter is like running a business, which Tafoya does so in Farmington as the owner to two barber shops.
Its what this is. Basically running a business, the barber said. Its a service. A service for the fans and the race car drivers. Im hoping all the knowledge Ive got the last 12, 14 years, will help me out there.
With running any business, certain problems will arise.
Were going through some bumps and bruises now, but hopefully everyone is patient with us, Tafoya said. Well get the track where it needs to go.
The muddy, watered down track looked like beef stew Friday night, as a bulldozer circled around to push the mud off to the side. Once a path was cleared, racing was officially on.
On Saturday night, the track problem was adjusted and the races began as scheduled at sundown.
A greater amount of racers are expected throughout the season.
Now that they know were back up and running, theyll start coming back out here, said Tafoya of more race car drivers appearing in Cortez this season.
One thing is for certain, though, racing is back and it doesnt appear to be going anywhere, anytime soon.
Reach Bobby Abplanalp at bobbya@cortezjournal.com.