HASKELL — Just off a road, in the middle of nowhere, cows graze in the fields that stretch against the horizon.

A little further down, as you dodge potholes, you can find the fastest dirt track in Muskogee County — 3D Raceway.

The 3D Raceway is open on Saturday nights. The raceway alternates go-carts with quads and cycles every other weekend.

The 3D Raceway owner, Dee Russell Jr., said he never thought the track he built for his son, Smokey, would have turned into an actual raceway, attracting quad, motorcycle and go-cart racers from as far as New Mexico.

“I built the track about 6 years ago for my son,” Dee said. “I never dreamed it would have come as far as it has. If I had, I might not have built it. It takes a lot of work.”

But Dee said it’s worth it.

“Johnny Isaaks, seven- or eight-time AMA (American Motorcyclist Association) Nationals winner, comes to my track every year,” Dee said. “He said he thinks it’s the smoothest flat track he’s been on since 1970.”

A storm swirls dirt into the wind, like tiny twisters coming off the track. Visitors shield their eyes or squint. They cover their soda cans, and eat quickly as the dirt dusts everything in its path. But no one seems to mind.

“It’s all a part of being at a dirt track,” said Smokey, 15.

Smokey, a Haskell High School student, has been racing go-carts since he was 4, even after one of his rides ended with the fence catching him, blacking his eye and busting his nose and lip.

“It’s all a part of racing,” he said. “I love it. I like the unlimited carts more than anything.”

Smokey is leading in points in three classes, and he said he won’t rest until he takes the cart championship Oct. 18.

But he’s not the only one with a points championship in their sights.

His girlfriend, Kortney Dobson, 17, is leading in points in her class.

“I used to race when I was a little kid, until my dad broke his neck,” she said.

Dobson works at her parent’s shop, Muskogee Brake and Wheel, when she’s not helping Smokey out with the track work.

“It can be dangerous,” she said. “But it’s a lot of fun, and for the most part full of good sportsmanship. 3D does a good job of making fair calls.”

Dee said fairness is what he wants the most for the reputation of his track.

“We have just started a rules committee this year,” he said. “Our members all come together and make decisions so we can be fair to everyone.”

Jennifer Slader said racing is in her kid’s blood. All three of her children race at 3D Raceway as well as other tracks.

“Their dad, Brian, races out at Outlaw on Friday nights,” she said. “Then we are in Haskell on Saturday nights. The kids love it. We love it.”

Her children: Brittany 17; Kyle, 13; and Jake Hall, 11; all race carts at 3D Raceway.

“It’s a very family oriented sport,” she said. “Everyone in the family goes. Plus it’s a good incentive for keeping their housework and school work up. If they don’t do it, they don’t race. That’s the deal.”



If you go

WHAT: Haskell 3D Raceway:

WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturdays.

WHERE: Haskell, from the junction of Oklahoma 16 and 64, travel west on Oklahoma 16 for two miles until you see the 3D Raceway sign.

Take a right and travel one mile north until you reach an intersection. You will see another 3D Raceway sign. Turn left at the sign. Continue down the road until you see a checkered flag at the end of the driveway.

ADMISSION: Pits, $12 per person, more if you’re racing; Stands, $5 per person. Children under 5 and seniors are admitted free.

INFORMATION: Dee Russell Jr., 685-0994, or http://www.3draceway.net.