Dirt track auto racing is a family-friendly, fun, warm weather-friendly and into fall, weekend sport that offers a good time for just about any motor sport fans.

For the dirt track racer, it is a challenging and at times dangerous motor sport where skilled (and not so skilled) drivers race each other stock car style but on a banked, oval dirt race track that is a little less than a mile long.

Most of the dirt track racers prefer a track with a base of clay. When the track gets too dry, water is added to make for a more interesting and safer race. Too much dry dirt clouds the vision of the cars behind any car in front which leads to more accidents and of course, to more excitement. But the goal is not to have anyone get hurt

If you have a driver's license, have a car modified to the specifications in the class that you want to race in, have the entry fees and want to try it out, the dirt track is fair game. There are both men and women, young and older, who participate in dirt track auto racing.

When you approach the racing event, you will buy an admission ticket. As you walk toward the track you may see clouds of dust and dirt rising into the sky. You will hear loud engines revving and will smell oil and exhaust fumes at times. You will see lots of families with kids of all ages gathering together on bleachers and sitting in chairs. A few will be stocking up at the concession stands.

The dirt track auto racing drivers will be in the pit. You can buy a special ticket to be allowed in the pit. The drivers will be getting their cars ready and making last minute adjustments.

The cars race by different classes and those events will be posted. When the events are ready to start, the families gather in the bleachers and the announcer starts with what s/he has to say and then ends with the National Anthem. After that, the first race begins. You can find out more about dirt track auto racing at http://www.dirttrackautoracing.com and http://dirttrackracing.blogspot.com

If you are sitting in any of the lower rows, when the dirt track auto racers take off, so does the mud. It will fly through the air like tiny projectiles. It is common to see fans carrying blankets for the sole purpose of lifting them up over their heads to protect themselves from flying mud. That's not a problem though, it's actually part of the fun.

The roar is deafening. The mud is flying. The cars are racing from 70 - 110 mph (or higher). There can be quite a few cars in each heat and the winners of their respective heats meet together for the finals. There are strict rules and regulations that are adhered to, and yes, there are money prizes including big money for the late model dirt track auto racing cars.

So do something different with your family this summer. Nascar isn't the only kid on the block. Besides, you can't get hit with flying mud at Nascar and ducking the pellets is part of the fun. Watching the modifieds slip and slide around the banks, jockying for position is lots of fun too.

Get to know your local dirt track auto racer, become a fan, and cheer him or her on. See you at the track!