Many of the young races began at age 4 or 5.

Artie Dietz of Madelia won the early 65cc race. Brody Stadick of New Ulm finished second, just ahead of Raymond Schwab and J. Howk.

“It’s just fun going really fast,” said Dietz after winning the race.

“It’s run racing here with all the competition from local riders,” said his mother Steph Dietz.

Stadick said he enjoys racing against his friends.

Next year, the Flying Dutchmen are celebrating 25 years of racing at club’s flat track.

Flat track races were held on a third-mile track since 1995 at the Brown County Fairgrounds until it decided to build the New Ulm Civic Center there.

“We decided to build our own track at the club grounds in 2001. It’s interesting how the club stepped up and created its own track and remodeled an old barn for a clubhouse,” said club member Jack Grausam.

“It’s pretty good racing. A pretty good show,” he said. “Some racers race past age 50,” said Grausam. “Crashes are rate. We run 30 to 40 races a day this weekend.”

Staff photo by Fritz Busch Artie Dietz of Madelia smiles after winning the 65cc first heat Saturday at the Flying Dutchmen Flat Track Races.

Racing this weekend includes the hooligan division with a $2,500 purse for big bikes like Harley-Davidsons.

“We also have masters and pro classes,” said Grausam. “I don’t race, but I enjoy being part of organizing the event, fundraising, emailing, covering fees, track preparation. I like doing the background stuff and help time the races.”

He said there are more than 60 club members, more than half of which are active members.

“We have lots of volunteers to make flat track races and hill climbs happen. Anybody here is a guest of ours. Lots of racers and their families camp out here,” said Grausam.