By Scott Roblin

Mud boggers brave heat for packed day of racing at drag strip

Aug 11, 2018 | 8:20 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – It was hot, it was smoky, and it was packed at the Medicine Hat Drag Strip on Saturday, but it was a highly successful 10th edition of the local Mud Bog.

Around 35 drivers turned out to beat the heat on Saturday, revving up their engines to race through a 200 foot long trench filled with mud and water next to the drag strip.

Bruce Johnson competed in both the modified and super modified classes, winning the former with his 1986 Dodge truck.

Despite temperatures climbing to 34 degrees, he said conditions in the pit were excellent for big trucks like his.

“Pit was good today considering [the heat],” said Johnson. “It’s hard to keep the pit sloppy when it’s hot like that. But, the pit turned out really well, it held well today, and it was just my day.”

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It was another strong year for attendance at the Mud Bog, as organizers are estimating around 1,200 people passed through the gates to watch the festivities.

Medicine Hat Boggers president Derek Yanke said they more than excited about that number and are thankful to see the continual support.

“It’s a sigh of relief,” said Yanke. “It’s a lot of what-ifs, you’re hoping that everyone shows up and stuff like that. To see the crowd show up and support us, our sponsors come through again to support us, and everyone show up to race, it’s awesome.”

Since it’s inception a decade ago, the Medicine Hat Mud Bog has grown in size and is now one of the largest events of it’s kind in the province.

Johnson, who also helped to organize this year’s event, said it’s a gratifying feeling seeing the trucks finally sending the mud flying.

“I get as much out of helping put the event on as I do racing,” said Johnson. “It’s a big job, it’s a big day, but it’s so awesome to see the people come out, have fun, and watch all the competitors.”