Get unlimited local news and information that matters to you.

Gallery: Racers slide into 40th annual Clay Cup Nationals

July 21, 2024 10:59 am

Raio Salmon, left, and Mattix Salmon enter the front straightaway Saturday, July 20 during the 40th annual Clay Cup Nationals at Deming Speedway. — Raio Salmon, left, and Mattix Salmon enter the front straightaway Saturday, July 20 during the 40th annual Clay Cup Nationals at Deming Speedway. (Eric Becker/Cascadia Daily News)

Lucas Mauldin speeds down the rear straightaway during the 600-class race. — Lucas Mauldin speeds down the rear straightaway during the 600-class race. (Eric Becker/Cascadia Daily News)

Mary Jane Merrill smiles while waiting to begin her race. — Mary Jane Merrill smiles while waiting to begin her race. (Eric Becker/Cascadia Daily News)

Rachel Westmoreland, front, and Jarrett Heimlich slide through a turn. — Rachel Westmoreland, front, and Jarrett Heimlich slide through a turn. (Eric Becker/Cascadia Daily News)

Kaleb Hart talks about the importance of the Clay Cup to midget car racing. — Kaleb Hart talks about the importance of the Clay Cup to midget car racing. (Eric Becker/Cascadia Daily News)

A pre-race drivers' meeting is held in the pit lane. — A pre-race drivers' meeting is held in the pit lane. (Eric Becker/Cascadia Daily News)

Mary Jane Merrill leads Amelia Rudeen along the straightaway in the junior sprint race. — Mary Jane Merrill leads Amelia Rudeen along the straightaway in the junior sprint race. (Eric Becker/Cascadia Daily News)

Lucas Mauldin slides during a turn. — Lucas Mauldin slides during a turn. (Eric Becker/Cascadia Daily News)

Raio Salmon comes out of a turn onto the straightaway. — Raio Salmon comes out of a turn onto the straightaway. (Eric Becker/Cascadia Daily News)

Midget car racers competed in the 40th annual Clay Cup Nationals from July 18–20 at the Deming Speedway.