Isaac Jewell of Sparta throws back his head after winning a foot race through the mud pit during the mud sling last Saturday night. Jewell claimed a $100 prize for his efforts, along with a free mud bath.

Mud Sling draws big crowd

About 2,500 people attended the first Mud Sling held in Alleghany County in about 20 years. The event, which raised about $14,400 at the Alleghany Fairgrounds Saturday night, was sponsored by the Alleghany Homebuilders Association. It likely will be an annual event, organizers said earlier this week.

The events once were a staple in Alleghany County, with courses built around the county, including several locations in Sparta. However, large-scale public events had not been held here in many years.

At the most recent event, a total of 56 entries took part in seven classes.

At Left: Travis Hamm roars through the pit on his way to a first-place finish in the first division of the night. A total of 15 drivers were entered.