It was a perfect day for racing.
At least that was the opinion of Brian Sape, the race announcer for the Sangudo Speedway.
On Saturday, July 30, Sape was back at the racetrack a short six weeks after having a heart attack.
The racetrack, which is operated by a not-for-profit society, is a 3/8 mile dirt oval that first opened in 1990.
“Actually, I’m fairly new at announcing,” he said to the Barrhead Leader during a race delay. “I used to be the owner of City Furniture and I used to do all my own commercials so I guess they thought I might be a good announcer.”
Sape added he has travelled all across North America and has visited a number of racetracks.
“This has to be one of the best. It is in wonderful condition and just look around. Where else could you race on a track and see an old railway trestle bridge that is surrounded by trees?,” he said.
Sape added he hopes to soon be leaving his announcing duties on the side as he returns to his first love behind the wheel, where he has had considerable success.
“Last year, here in Sangudo, I started in last place in five races and by the time they waved the checkered flag I was in first place,” he said, adding when he first had his heart attack he had a few doubts that he would be able to return to the race track as a competitor.
Not that he did not have confidence about his health, but because of objections from his wife and daughters.
“My wife told my daughters at the hospital that if I ever got behind the wheel of a race car again, she would leave me,” Sape said. He jokingly replied that the house would seem empty without her.
Sape plans to be behind the wheel at the Sangudo Raceway for their next event on the Aug. 21 weekend.
