Runnin’ at Lil’ Dega

TURKEY CREEK — Everyone at some point and time in their life has had a dream they wish to make into reality. Unfortunately, most people do not follow up on that dream and never see it come to fruition.
For Lil’ Dega owners Clyde and Shay Ware, this is certainly not the case.
The two brothers had the idea of opening up a place where families can come together and have some quality time together and forge even stronger bonds; maybe even enjoy the sport they have come to love.
“I started racing dirt cars around 1996 and always loved it; anything that would go fast,” said Clyde Ware. “I used to go to Bristol and watch NASCAR. It was something I have always enjoyed.”
“I raced lawn mowers a little and did some go-kart racing at the Alexandria Coliseum,” said Shay Ware. “There were a group of us that would go and race lawn mowers. We had some that would go 60 m.p.h.”
Their idea came to life two years ago when they took an old rodeo arena and turned it into a dirt go-kart track used for competitive racing.
“When we first started, we had the same people show up the first six or seven races,” stated Clyde. “But it has been growing ever since. This year we have had 70 go-karts in each of the two racing days so far.”
“We have kids as young as five years old racing, so it makes it a family affair,” he continued. “It gives them something to do on a Saturday night and gets the parents and kids working together.”
But, make no mistake about it, these are not your typical go-karts. In fact, you cannot even race these karts unless they are built on a racing chassis.
“I can’t let the typical yard kart out here,” said Clyde. “The karts that race is not something you can just go buy. A brand new go kart chassis without the seats, tires or motor is about $2,500 bucks. Some of these guys can have up to $2,000 to $3,000 dollars just in tire prep alone.”
Even though there is prize money involved in the winning of a race, it still does not pay enough to recoup your investment. For most of these racing teams, it is the thrill and excitement of going fast that keeps them coming back every weekend.
“Every kart that races puts up 20 dollars,” explained Clyde. “So, if one class has 20 karts in it that is $400 dollars for that class. We then split the money between first, second and third place.”
On this night, however, there would be no money winners, as the Ware brothers graciously donated all proceeds, including concession money to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in the name of Tyler Fontenot. Fontenot was a racer that passed away in the fall in a car accident.
“Tyler was a great kid,” said Clyde. “He raced here last season and was always around willing to help out in any way possible. He became really good friends with us and I thought this would be a tremendous way to honor him. We asked Tyler’s dad what would be the best place to the donate the money and he said St. Jude’s.”
The Wares are planning on making this same type of fund raiser an annual event.
“Next year, we plan on finding another charity, or maybe we will donate to St. Jude’s again,” stated Clyde.
Money is not the only incentive for the racers. At Lil Dega pride and the chance to be named the overall season champion is on the line too.
“We have a point system that allows us to name an overall season champion,” stated Clyde. “At the end of the racing season, each class of racers has an overall points total leader after the 14 racing events. Those winners get a jacket with the Lil’ Dega logo on the back.”
Lil’ Dega is not the only go-kart track in the state. There are three other sites that host races either every weekend or every other weekend, depending on the schedule of that particular track. Other sites include Plainview, Pineville and Elizabeth.
Lil Dega races every other Saturday. The next race will take place on June 11.
To create a track that is safe and decent takes a lot of time, work and money.
“When we leased the arena, it was not ready to be raced on,” said Clyde. “We had to remove the dirt and put about 850 yards of clay. We had to add on to the walls for insurance purposes. All told we have about $25,000 dollars invested in the track.”
That investment continues every year. For this racing season, the Wares have added a timing system to help keep track of racers.
“We put in a new scoring system this year that cost about 4,000 dollars,” stated Clyde. “Each kart has a transponder on it. When the kart passes under the sensor, it will tell us how fast they are going and their lap times.”
“It also tells us where they fall in line,” Shay explained further. “And, it will keep up with their points all year long. Also, if you have a smart phone, you can log on to our site and you can follow your driver. Last year we did not have this system, so it made it tough when you have 20 karts in a race to keep up.”
So, who are the thrill seekers that venture into this type of sport? Even though they may be different in age or background, they all have something in common; competitiveness and the desire to have fun.
Just ask 14-year-old Turkey Creek native Eudora Thrasher.
“I was raised on racing, I guess you could say it is in my blood,” commented Thrasher. “Just coming out and being around everyone is so much fun.”
Her laid back attitude exuded off the track is not one that she takes onto the track. When asked if she was competitive during the race, Thrasher smiled with a wry grin and answered with a definitive “Yep.”
The Wares are wanting to make it bigger and better, but know their limitations.
“Last race, we had 72 karts,” stated Clyde. “That is about our limit right now, with us still trying to figure out the new scoring system. But, if we continue to make things smoother, hopefully we can grow over the next few years.”
Either way, Lil’ Dega has a lot to offer. So, if you are looking for something to do on a Satruday night, head on over and catch some good old fashion racing with a family feel.