Pour it on thick
Race officials will use Coke syrup during upcoming race
By Matt “It’s MillerTime” Miller
Coke syrup can be used for many things. It is used as an over-the-counter remedy for nausea or mildly upset stomach or to even clean a toilet. The syrup will once again come in handy as gallons of it will be used to prepare the track at this weekend’s Battle at the Barn at Veterans Memorial Auditorium.
“We’re going to pour down about seven gallons of Coke syrup on the floor the night before the event,” said Toby Krause, spokesman for the event and who promotes similar races in Marshalltown. “We use it because it makes the track really tacky and sticky for the riders. It’s the same stuff that you buy in a can or in a fountain drink. You might not think of Coke syrup being used like this, but it has many wonders.”
This weekend’s event will be the second annual Battle at the Barn, an event Kruse says has been absent from Des Moines for 15 years. Races include go-carts, three-wheelers, four-wheelers and from pit bikes up to 750 Harleys. There will be junior and senior divisions.
“Last year was the first time the event had been here in many years, and we far exceeded our expectations,” Kruse said. “We look forward to doing it again this weekend. It’s going to be a lot of fun — people are definitely going to get their money’s worth.”
The 2009 Battle at the Barn had 340 entries from 10 different states, and Kruse says this year’s numbers should be similar. While the majority of riders register the day of the event, Kruse says he already has seen pre-registrations from South Carolina, Texas and South Dakota. There are also a number of riders from Iowa across the Midwest.
“About 95 percent of the competition will just be here the event day,” he said. “People’s plans change or the weather might get bad, so we simplified it to have registration on race day.”
With more than 5,000 spectators in attendance last year, officials believe there will be another strong showing this year. Along with the races, race fans can visit the 50,000-square-foot trade show that will feature numerous businesses selling many of the industry’s top products.
“We have something here for everyone,” he said. “It doesn’t matter how young or old you are, the Battle of the Barn appeases to everyone.”
While the Battle of the Barn has visited Veterans Memorial Auditorium for many years, Kruse says this is the last year it will be held at “The Barn.” Polk County officials plan to renovate the building to attract more conventions and increase economic vitality in downtown Des Moines.
“Our plan is to be here for many years,” Kruse said. “We are currently working with Wells Fargo Arena to host it after this. We’re very optimistic about the future.”
In the meantime, Kruse says fans should appreciate what they have now.
“I’ve been a race fan all my life, and we’re a special breed,” he said. “Our fans have been cooped up all winter with cabin fever, and this is there time. It happens only once a year, so it’s time to come out and enjoy the races.”
Locker Room note: The Des Moines Rooters Australian Football Club will have an Australia Day celebration on Saturday, Jan. 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. at The Royal Mile, 210 4th St. The group will meet at The Royal Mile for lunch and then move to The High Life Lounge and el Bait Shop later in the afternoon. E-mail dsmfooty@gmail.com or visit www.desmoinesroosters.com. CV
The Battle at the Barn takes place Friday, Jan. 22 and Saturday, Jan. 23.
Photo courtesy of Motorsports Photography
