Organizer David Syslo and a few of the other Waiting Room Lounge employees and friends were sitting around, trying to think of what to do on nights without live music. When, they thought, why not bring back those friendly car competitions from when they were younger?
And, it’s winter in Nebraska and what else are they going to do? In other words, beer, friends, cars and friendly competition. Solution--take a live music destination and offer something new.
“It’s something different,” he grins, his enthusiasm for the glory days almost playing out behind his rimmed glasses. His eyes shine, as if to say he’s already imagining his Chevelle racing the quarter mile, gravity drag orange strip.
Racing League Rules
Everyone has a level playing field, Syslo said. Racers will pay $10 for the season and only 100 spots are available in this double-elimination setting. Cars are given out in a blind drawing and are first come, first serve. Meaning, Syslo said, “you can’t come with your own ride that’s already been tricked out.”
Participants must be 21-years-old or older. And, Syslo says, there’s already been a few ladies that have signed up. The competition takes place on the quarter-mile, orange gravity-drag track "just like when we were kids."
Benson Revitalization
The Waiting Room Lounge is located at 6212 Maple Street, in Benson. The area, which is part of Omaha, is a vibrant, growing community. According to NationMaster.com, “Benson has become a center for music in Omaha.” The Waiting Room Lounge, managed by 1% Productions, is a leading music venue, hosting everything from rap to reggae music. Other events like movie night feature lesser-known but equally intriguing films like "Sypathy for the Devil."
And, a nice piping hot bowl of chili.
With shopping and other entertainment within walking distance, coffee shops, shoe stores, second-hand shops and comic book stores maintain an ecclectic, neighborhood stop withing a larger city.
Hot Wheels
Mattel Toys’ Hot Wheels began producing Hot Wheels toy cars in 1968. Today, according to Mattel, “over 15 million boys ages 5 – 15 are avid collectors, and the average boy collector owns more than 41 Hot Wheels cars.”
Hot Wheels have grown to include NASCAR collectible series, and Planet Hot Wheels, an MMO or massive multiplayer online game.
Hoping It Grows
The Waiting Room Lounge Hot Wheels Racing League beings January 6 and it’s something Syslo hopes will continue to expand. Participants can win prizes, as old hot rod and other car-themed movies are played in the background. Syslo has ideas like “movie night” cars, such as the Bat Mobile or The General Lee race. He’s also looking forward to having some additional rockabilly bands complete the atmosphere.
