A Green Flag For Wall Stadium

After two consecutive rain delays, Wall Stadium was finally able to open a new season of racing on Saturday when hundreds of fans poured onto the 1/3-mile oval in a pre-race party.

The 60-year-0ld race track let fans who had gathered early for the 6 p.m. start of the racing season to walk on the track, meet the drivers and even sit in the race cars.

Under skies that for the first time in three weeks did not threaten rain, hundreds mingled with drivers, some signing autographs or taking pictures with fans in  a pre-race, on-track party.

There was not lack of celebrity, either. 

Crowds gathered to take pictures with rookie modified driver Shawna Ingrham, of Brick. Sitting outside her shiny red modified Ingrham -- granddaughter of racing supporter Dan Ling -- took pictures with fans as kids and adults alike cued four and five deep for the opportunity.

Further up the track, 7-year-old Ryan Klass, of Lanoka Harbor, sat himself in one of the 1/4  midget cars as his father egged him on.

"I'm trying to get him excited about this sport,'' said Keith Klass. "I don't race myself. But I like to watch it and I appreciate those who do.''

One of those who does is Derek Hopkinson, 17, who drives in the Legends class.

"I like this track,'' Hopkinson said. "It's always fun to race here and I think with the new management it might help bring more fans here and get people excited about racing at the Jersey Shore.''

Another Legends driver, Jim Davison, echoed that sentiment. 

Davison, of Delaware, said the opportunity to race at Wall Stadium is one of the main reasons he started again after a 22-year hiatus. There are tracks closer to him, but he makes the 3-hour drive to Wall because this is where he wants to race.

"I just love Wall Stadium," Davison said. "So far, the new management is great. I support them 100 percent."