Newcastle prepares for Classic Summer Drags with insurance and logistics planning

The Weston County School District #1 Board of Trustees held a regular meeting on March 12, 2025, to discuss various agenda items, including preparations for the upcoming Classic Summer Drags event scheduled for July 16-20. The meeting began with an acknowledgment of some initial missteps in planning, attributed to the excitement surrounding the event.

The board confirmed that insurance information had been submitted to Cielo, although clarification was still pending from Shelby regarding the school’s involvement. The organizers noted that they had to secure their own insurance due to requirements from the Wyoming Department of Transportation (YDOT) and the unique circumstances surrounding the event's insurance, which is typically covered under city insurance in Nebraska.

Ross Dale, the event coordinator, joined the meeting via phone to provide insights into the autocross event. He shared his extensive experience, having been involved in autocross for over 12 years. Dale addressed concerns regarding the use of school parking lots for the event, particularly about drainage issues and potential damage to the asphalt. He reassured the board that the autocross activities would not harm the parking lot, explaining that the event's setup is designed to avoid areas that could be problematic, such as those affected by hydraulic oil from carnival rides.

The discussion also included logistical details about the event setup, including the use of 18-inch cones for the course layout. The board discussed the timeline for marking the course and placing the cones, emphasizing the need for coordination to ensure a smooth setup process.

Overall, the meeting focused on finalizing arrangements for the Classic Summer Drags, with the board expressing optimism about the event's potential to engage the community and utilize school facilities effectively. The next steps involve continued communication between the event organizers and the school board to finalize details and address any outstanding concerns.