My 2010 season thoughts

It's amazing how time flies.  We are already to the end of 2010, and a lot has occurred in racing over the last 12 months.  It seems like every year the time flies during the season, then drags along during the winter months.  I am going through that feeling now as a fan.  Thank goodness for racing DVD's haha.  I will give my thoughts about what I saw in the world of racing.

National Late Model Scene: Billy Moyer.  Hands down, he was the best driver in dirt late model racing this year and THE force to be reckoned with in 2010.  Moyer scored 24 feature wins overall, but it was the races he won and how he won them that made this season so spectacular.  Moyer scored 9 feature wins that were worth over $10,000 to win.  That is impressive, but what's more impressive is his sweeps at Eldora and Knoxville.  Moyer had struggled over a decade to win at the Eldora Speedway highbanks.  This year, he did something no one else had done except himself once before.  He won BOTH the Dirt Late Model Dream and the World 100.  His win in the Dream was textbook Moyer.  He took care of his car on a dry track and kept the tires under him and didn't bounce off the walls.  The World was a clinic as he knifed his way stealthily through the field from his 21st starting spot to hold off a late charging Scott Bloomquist and win his record 6th globe trophy.   In Knoxville, Moyer went out and did something that had NEVER been done before.  He swept the entire weekend of the Knoxville Late Model Nationals.   He won all 3 nights in convincing fashion, much to the delight of his hometown fans (For those who didn't know, Billy is originally from Des Moines, Iowa).


NASCAR: I appreciate history, and what Jimmie Johnson did is difficult.  However, I do believe he did it a LOT easier thanks to the current Chase format, which I absolutely hate.  It doesn't reward someone for a whole season's body of work.  The lack of consistency in fines by NASCAR was something that really, quite frankly pissed me off.  It's garbage like this and the fact that the racing isn't as good as it has been in past years that has led to the decline.  There have been a couple bright spots.  Kyle Busch is one.  Love him or hate him, he gets your attention.  He has immense talent behind the wheel.  His win record proves it.  He too did something that no one in NASCAR history has done.  He swept a weekend in the Cup, Nationwide, and Truck series.  He did it at Bristol, and I have to admit it was cool to watch.  It's so hard to get things to go right to do that, and few drivers will even attempt it to start with.    His attitude isn't always great, but at least he isn't a corporate sock puppet like most drivers have become anymore in this day and age of political correctness.  NASCAR's "Have at it boys" was another good idea.  Let the drivers take care of things.  Physical altercations may happen.  Taking swings at one another is much better than using cars to vent one's frustrations.  In the case of that, just keep an eye on it so it doesn't get out of hand and step in if you see it is.  Otherwise, let them settle it man to man, possibly punch to punch.  I'd much rather see that than the same 2 drivers wreck each other weekly and possibly take others out not involved.  I don't mind seeing drivers rub and bump some, as racing IS a contact sport.  The COT is still hideous, but they have made it somewhat better, although the cars still don't even closely resemble the cars on the showroom floors.  It'd be nice to see the cars be different enough you could identify them without the company stickers on them.

Local Racing Scene: Economy.  This word has had a big impact on the local racing scene.  High fuel prices have wreaked havoc on the industry, as it has made it harder for drivers to travel, fans to travel, and promoters to do the day to day things necessary for a track/series.   It has forced all in the business to be smarter, and it has weeded out some who weren't cut out for it.  Unfortunately, it has hit those who are good at what they do but just couldn't keep up.  This is true of drivers and track promoters/track owners.  While this was the case, some places did well due to promoters who had good resources, good business sense, and good common sense. 

My Race of the Year: North/South 100, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series.  This 100 lap race featured the most side by side racing throughout the field I have seen in a long time.  The finish to this one was very similar to the previous year's race where Jimmy Mars beat Don O'Neal going into 3 on the last lap.  Jimmy Owens found something up top with about 20 to go to take the lead, but then Earl Pearson Jr. came on strong to take it away from Owens, only to have Owens reel him in as the laps wound down and he got bogged down in lapped traffic.  At the white flag this year Jimmy Owens and Earl Pearson Jr. were dead even at the start finish line.  Going into 3 it was still either driver's race.  Owens got a good run off of turn 4 and won the race, and the crowd went nuts knowing they had seen a good one.  This one was my choice of my Race of the Year because of the overall quality of racing.  My other pick would have been the 2010 World 100 as there were a couple of drivers who came deep in the field to post solid finishes.


Well, that is a wrap on the 2010 racing season.  I know I enjoyed it.  I am looking forward to see what 2011 has in store.  I know I am not alone.  Happy New Year's everyone!!  Celebrate safely!!

Winter 2010

Winter is a dirty word to some of us.  There is no racing for a majority of us.  The racers do need a break though.  However, few actually get it.  Some have race parties to raise money for their programs and celebrate good seasons with fans.  There is also the trade show circuit.  IMIS in Indianapolis wrapped up last week and currently PRI is going on in Orlando.  There is a Crate Race running at East Bay Raceway Park in conjunction with PRI.  All of this means little free time for racers.  Some are getting their cars ready as they may race as early as January in the Ice Bowl in Alabama, or out in Arizona during the Wild West Shootout.  Others race overseas in sprint cars and midgets.  In some cases, off season means just hustling to get things ready to go.  There really is no rest and relaxation.  Racers are a special breed, and some of us will never understand the hell they go through to do what they do.  Local racers do get more of a break during the winter time wise.  Rather you like or hate a driver, they ALL put a lot of work into what they do, and you should at least respect them for it.  I always try to let my favorite drivers know I appreciate what they do.  You should as well.

News and Rumors 2010-2011 Part 2

Here is some news and rumors I have picked up upon.

1.  Tyler Reddick is the newest member of Team Zero.  This comes as no surprise to me.  I had heard from a very reliable source that they were considering them.  I think it will be a good fit for Tyler.

2.  The 2011 Show-Me 100 will be televised on CBS.  It will be tape delayed.  This was the biggest announcement to come out of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series banquet by far.  To say I was shocked was an understatement. 

3.  Jimmy Owens will represent the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series in the Chili Bowl.  Bloomquist had won the opportunity by winning the series championship. 

4.The hideous new age Silver Crown Cars now have their own Series.  It is called the Gold Crown Series.  They will run on Large Ovals and Road Courses.  Details at http://www.goldcrownchampionship.com/

5.  Chevy and Lotus return to Indy in 2012.  Both legendary manufacturers have been absent for a while.  Chevy was around until bowing out at the end of 2005.  Lotus last tasted success at Indy in 1965 when Jim Clark won the Indianapolis 500.  It will be interesting to see how this improves competition.

6. 2 powerful names may be working together in Indy.  Ganassi is close to signing Rahal.  Bobby's son Graham has had success in CART and the IRL, but hasn't had a ride for the last year.  I hope this happens as I know Rahal will be a good fit for Chip Ganassi Racing and can be a championship contender, and have a very good chance as joining his father as a winner of the Indianapolis 500. 

I know it isn't much at this point, but I will try and do one of these every so often.  Rumors and news will pick up as the trade shows happen.  

 

2010 Lowes Food World Finals Broadcast on SPEED

As the title of this entry says, it is all about the SPEED Channel broadcast of the World of Outlaws World Finals at the Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway.  This year's event was sponsored by Lowes Food and Bimbo Bakeries.   This event for the last 3 years has been the final event for the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series and the World of Outlaws Late Model Series.  This year's event was no different in that aspect.  This year's race, however, had a new division join them, the Super DIRTCar Series Big Block Modifieds.

This was something I had hoped to see, and I was quite happy when it was announced.  It would be a great chance for them to get some national media coverage along with the sprints and late models.

Now, on to my actual thoughts of the racing.

The racing during the on-air portion of the program was pretty good.  It wasn't AS good as years past, but considering they ran a full show in the morning, turned the track over and reworked it and had 3 hours in between before starting again, they did an absolutely fantastic job.  It was exciting even on television.  I thought there was a much better balance between the divisions racing this year compared to the last 2 years.  Sprints still had the most coverage, as they do bring in the most sponsorship money.  I understand some fans frustration with the coverage, but it definitely beats no coverage at all, that is for sure.  Exposure is a good thing for the sport.  We need to figure out how to draw new fans.  If we make a new fan because of that, that is most certainly a good thing.  If it gets them to a local track and gets them hooked, even better.

Broadcast coverage was good.  Good camera work.  Only thing I couldn't stand was Shane Andrews.  Listening to him butcher the name Marlar all night was horrible.  I just can't stand listening to him.  That was the weakest part.  Everyone else did a great job.  My final grade for it was a B.  It still beats the hell out of Pinks, Wrecked, or other non racing programming that is on a channel that's supposed to be all about racing.

Congratulations to Tim McCreadie on winning the Super DIRTCar Series feature, Jason Meyers the World of Outlaws Sprint Car feature, and Jimmy Owens on winning the World of Outlaws Late Model feature.  It was a heck of a season.  The late model championship was decided on the last night.  Both Darrell Lanigan and Josh Richards had fought hard all year long for it.  In the end, Richards did what he had to do and won it.  Congratulations to Josh Richards on winning the 2010 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Championship, Jason Meyers the 2010 World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series Championship, and to Matt Sheppard on winning the Super DIRTCar Series Championship.  

2010 Rumor Mill ETC.1

Well, it's that time of the year.  There are a lot of half truths and whole lies start flowing.  Here are some of the better ones I have either heard or seen.

1.  The World of Outlaws Late Model Dirt Series and it's parent company, DIRT Motorsports Inc., will fold, leaving only the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series.  This one to me seems to be the most far fetched.  WoO had a strong year this year, and I think come next year, the schedules, with some small changes here and there, will look similar.  It's gone around more than once in the past.

2. Some notable drivers may jump series.  This isn't too surprising.  Some may be looking for a fresh start or want to go to certain tracks more and stay away from others.  2 drivers who's names came up about possibly jumping to the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series are Tim McCreadie and Steve Francis.  I could see those, but only time will tell if that one is true.  Also rumors of Matt Miller and Scott James joining the tour again.  If those 2 can secure solid funding, it wouldn't be a big surprise. Zach Dohm, Brady Smith, Frank Heckenast Jr., and Dillan White all rumored to be running for the ROTY.  Heckenast Jr has it on his site, so he is the only one as of now that has said so and put it out there.  How Brady Smith can is beyond me as he has won the Knoxville Late Model Nationals.  Might be a very interesting rookie class next year.

3. Jimmy Owens: There have been so many rumors about the Newport Nightmare.  Some say he will stay in a Bloomquist Team Zero Chassis.  Others say he is going to switch to a Victory Circle M1 by Moyer.  I've heard others as well, but those 2 seem like the most plausible choices.  I honestly expect to see Owens in a Bloomquist car come February.  Also rumors as to what he will do.  Seen one where he won't run the LOLMDS.  I really expect Jimmy to be a championship contender for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series crown, as he was a thorn in the side of Bloomer this year.

4. Farmer City Raceway will have a new promoter.  That much is fact.  After that, the names have flown around.  I've not really heard names, but there is one that a couple of Southern gentlemen will come in and run it.  The Fair Board meets here at the beginning of next month, so time will tell.  All I can say is I hope someone who has deep financial resources as well as a passion for the sport ends up getting it, as it needs someone with deep pockets to fix certain things, as well as someone who cares and knows the sport that can prep the track (or have someone else who knows how), and can draw cars and fans back to one of the best tracks in the state of Illinois.

5. Peoria Speedway will be UMP Sanctioned next year.  This one has floated around in the past, but anymore, nothing is too much of a shock to me.  If it happens or doesn't, the result won't catch me off guard by any means.

6.  The Illini 100 will be at LaSalle Speedway in 2011.  It seems to be gathering a lot of steam, and it's not far fetched since the Izzo's have rented out the track before.  The track, when prepped right, would be a good track for it racing wise. 

These are some of the ones making a lot of noise, and it's not even November yet.  I expect to hear a lot more good rumors about various tracks, events, drivers, and promoters.  Should be another entertaining winter.

2010 Season Recap

Well, it is the time of year I always dread, the end of my racing season.  As of now, I am done.  It has been another good season overall despite the economic hardships drivers, tracks, and fans are all facing.  My first race was way back in March at Brownstown Speedway for the Indiana Icebreaker, and my final race was the UMP Fall Nationals at Eldora Speedway.  Between those 2 were at least 60 other races of all disciplines.  Many were at my local tracks (Macon, Farmer City, Lincoln, Fairbury).  As I usually try to do, I added a couple of new tracks to the list of places I have been.  Currently, I have been to 30 tracks in 6 states, and seen races at 29 of those tracks.  I even sponsored a long haul award for the DRC King of Compatcs event at Brushcreek Motorsports Park this year as well.  I feel However, just because on track action is over, doesn't mean the whole racing scene will be dead.  When the season ends, the race party season begins.  I look forward to hitting as many as I can.  I also plan on enjoying the rest of the college football season and college basketball when it gets going, as well as the NFL and NBA and whatever else I can find to pass the free time I have while not doing my main duty, getting my work done as a college student.  Hope you all go out to some of your local driver's race parties, have fun, and help support them.  I know I will.  This COULD be the last blog posting of 2010, but we shall see about that.

Before I wrap this blog posting up, for those who don't know, former NASCAR star who was banned for life for substance abuse Shane Hmiel, son of NASCAR crew chief Steve Hmiel, was hurt this last Saturday night during qualifying for the Sumar Classic USAC Silver Crown event at the Terre Haute Action Track in Terre Haute, Indiana.  I could attempt to describe the wreck, but I will post the link to the video which is on YouTube.  This is the video of the entire lap.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vitPUBo5E4k&feature=related I warn you, it isn't easy to watch and might be disturbing to some.   Shane needs our thoughts and prayers.  There is a Facebook page giving updates about Shane's condition.  The link to it is http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Shane-Hmiel-Road-to-Recovery/156856564346848  For now, be safe everyone.  Thank you for reading the blog!!

40th Annual World 100 Recap

This is my recap of the 2010 running of the World 100, ran of Friday and Saturday, September 11 and 12 at Eldora Speedway.  This was the 40th annual running of this dirt late model crown jewel known as "The Granddaddy of Them All."  This is the weekend where many in the racing world from the top to the lowest end of the spectrum all convene for the same reason.  They are at the track to have a good time and take some racing in as well. 

My weekend began when I, along with my grandpa, left from their house in Decatur at the break of dawn to make the near 5 hour journey to Western Ohio.  We arrived at Eldora Speedway at a little after 2 PM EST.  The first thing we did, as we always do when we arrive, was to upgrade our tickets to pit passes for the $5 fee.  It really is worth it for those who have never done it.  As we were told jokingly by one of the workers in the pit pass building the very first time we went to Eldora for the 14th Annual Dirt Late Model Dream in 2007 , "You can go anywhere on the grounds except the women's restrooms.  If no one says anything, you can go there too."  One of those things that was definitely worth a few laughs for sure.  After getting our pit passes, we walked around the pit area to see where everyone was pitted and see some of the special schemes that various drivers and their graphics people had come up with.

The next thing on the agenda was sit into the first part of the Dirt on Dirt pre-race show sponsored by ApplianceZone.com.  Below are a couple of photos I took from the first 2 segments of the show.  For those who didn't get to see the show, go to http://www.dirtondirt.com and you can watch the pre-race show for FREE.  Both segments in their entirety are posted.  Those links are:  PART 1-http://dirtondirt.com/video.php?watch=2479 and PART 2-http://dirtondirt.com/video.php?watch=2483 I even posed a question to Steve Casebolt about his experiences driving for others and himself, and what the $70,000 ApplianceZone.com sponsorship, a deal in partnership with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, would mean to him as a driver/owner.  

The first photo has (from left to right), Chris Stepan (announcer and Dirt on Dirt contributor), driver Matt Miller of Whitehouse, Ohio, and Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series announcer James Essex.  In the 2nd photo, (from left to right), Brasstown, North Carolina driver Ray Cook, Newport, Tennessee driver Jimmy Owens, and James Essex.

   

After this I walked through the pits some more, talking to numerous people I know, until it was time for round 1 of qualifying to begin.  Qualifying seemed to go a LOT quicker than years past, but with 134 cars in attendance compared to 160-200 cars, it will make a world of difference.  Austin Dillon would lay down a lap of 15.390 within the first 25 cars to go out.  Josh Richards, the 2nd quickest car, didn't turn his fast lap until early in the 2nd round.  Richards turned a time of 15.591 around the high banks of Eldora.  Dillion skipped 2nd round but the time was enough to hold up.  The next big thing to happen after qualifications ended was the the spin of the wheel to determine the invert for the heat races on Saturday night.

The first picture is while the wheel was rolling.  Eldora Speedway announcer "DJ" Dustin Jarrett was interviewing 2nd quick qualifier Josh Richards.  The 2nd picture is of the wheel when it quit turning.  The invert was one that was popular overall with the fans, but not with the drivers.  There is a straight up, 3 3's, 4 4's, 5 5's and 6 6's.  Dillon rolled the # drivers dread, 6. 

After this, there was only one event left on Friday night, the non-qualifiers event.  Before it started, no one had anticipated on witnessing history take place.  However, we all were witness.  We seen the first female driver EVER to win a race at Eldora Speedway in it's history.  This goes for ANY class.  April Farmer of Livingston, Tennessee, dubbed the Rocket Mom, won the Non-Qualifiers feature Friday night to wrap up the on track activities for the evening.  Below are some victory lane photos I got of this historic moment.  You can click on them or any other photo to see them in a larger view.

 Just because the racing had ended for the evening didn't mean the action around Eldora Speedway had stopped.  Quite the contrary.  Jeep Van Wormer along with his wife Angie, put together this year a group called A Head For a Cure. The website is http://ahead4acure.com/index.html Their big fundraiser was Brave The Shave.  

 It got started at Eldora Speedway at this year's Dirt Late Model Dream, and wrapped up with the shavings happening on Friday night and Saturday before the racing began.  A total of 21 drivers, including names such as Jeep Van Wormer, Shannon Babb, Jason Feger, Jimmy Owens, Steve Francis, Brian Birkhofer, Jack Sullivan, Brandon Kinzer, Tim McCreadie among many more other notable names as well all raised money from then until right up until Friday, some making money right before they were shaved.  They had a goal of $40,000 to raise, and they surpassed it thanks to generous fans, sponsors, and other contributors.  I am proud to say I kicked in over the course of their fund raising for a few drivers and helped the cause.  Below I have some pictures from Friday night.  Sorry but they aren't the best quality.

 After this and talking to a few people I roamed the hallowed grounds of the speedway, then walked through the Speedy Campgrounds across the street from the track to see what all was going on there.  This is strictly what I saw.  It was pretty tame, with the exception of a golf cart with about 6 guys on it pulling a wheelie.  It was dangerous but you couldn't help but laugh and maybe even cheer a bit since no one got hurt.

After some much needed sleep in the car, it was time to get up.  I didn't end up going to St. Henry Night Club for their breakfast buffet as usual since nothing was posted at the track and nothing was mentioned about it.  Kind of disappointing, but I digress.  One thing I have ALWAYS found to be cool was that when you walk into the main grandstands on Saturday morning, for either big Late Model Event, right at the base of the tower, one of the trophies is sitting there on display.

That trophy is one if you ask almost ANY dirt late model driver, that is THE trophy they want.  This race is maybe the hardest to win in the country, and has been through the years because of stellar fields of quality cars from across the country and the vast amounts of LUCK it takes to qualify well, hit the invert, and then race well in the 100 lapper.  

After having some lunch, the rains hit.  The pits became an utter mess.  I walked through them a few times to see what was going on, and ended up a bit muddy, but hey it's a dirt track.  I don't expect to stay clean all of the time.  

At 2, we started shaving those who had raised more money than those on Friday night.  I got some great pictures from Saturday's shaving, and they pretty much tell the story. 

After everyone braved the shave, the rest of the pre-race festivities, including interviews and whatnot, carried on.  After walking around, talking to a lot of people, and taking everything in, I seen the clock and started getting goosebumps.  The atmosphere was becoming electric.  It was just 20 minutes before 7.  Mother nature did dump moisture on the surface, so I knew the traditional 7 PM start of heat racing wouldn't happen.  At 8:15, the push trucks came off and opening ceremonies began.  One very cool thing done by the staff at Eldora was a sign they put up for our nation's troops. 

This may seem simple to some, but this gesture shows that we care and we haven't forgotten who helps to fight for our freedom and give us ALL the ability to go to the races, wherever we happen to go.


At 8:24 PM, one of the most electric moments of the year happened.  The first heat for the World 100 hit the famed Eldora Speedway highbanks.  The track was very wet and heavy and stayed that way throughout the heats.  Some incredibly fast laps were being turned by the drivers.  The heats were fast and furious.  Heat winners were, in order of heats: Chris Madden, Scott Bloomquist, John Blankenship, Jimmy Owens, Don O'Neal, and Bart Hartman (the defending winner of the event).

For the B-Mains, I went down to the infield.  For someone going there for the first time, I HIGHLY recommend doing this and going right up by the fence in either turns 1 and 2, the back stretch, or turns 3 and 4 where you can.  The sensation is absolutely incredible.  While in the stands I could feel dampness and the occasional rain drop.  However, when down in the infield, I noticed something a lot worse happening.  A thick fog was developing and moving in, covering the speedway.  There was a pileup in B-Main 2 in turn 4.  I was in turn 1 at the time, and it almost looked like someone had sprayed fire extinguishers on a car.  It was that hard to see.

As I walked back up, the fog was clearing off and as I got to my seat, it had pretty well cleared off.  The time we had been anticipating the entire weekend was upon us.  It was time to run the 40th Annual World 100 at Eldora Speedway.  The green flag dropped, and defending winner and polesitter Bart Hartman jumped out to the early race lead with "The Real Deal" Don O'Neal and "The Newport Nightmare" Jimmy Owens in tow.  Early on, these three broke away from the rest of the field.  The first yellow flew on lap 11 for "Squirrel" Brian Shirley.  His Jayco Construction, Skateland South, Kim's Autobody Bob Pierce #3s came up lame in turn 1.  The race would restart only to see a caution again for "The One Man Band" Dennis Erb Jr.  His Petroff Towing, Thomason Express, C&J Excevating Barry Wright #28 had issues in the rear end of his car, and he broke in turn 3. Yellow #3 would fly on lap 15 for the #7 machine of Matt Miller.  At 25 laps in, 2 drivers had made a visual charge through the field.  Those 2 drivers, former World 100 winners, were Dale McDowell and Billy Moyer.  They were showing that they were going to make some noise and be in contention when it mattered most.

The 4th yellow flew on lap 28 for the 15B machine of Brian Birkhofer.   By lap 33 McDowell was up to 4th, and Moyer was 5th.  They both looked to have cars that could very well win the race.  Leader Bart Hartman broke on lap 41.  This gave Dale McDowell, who started 17th in the feature, the lead.  McDowell would lead for a good 20 laps or so until 5 time World 100 champion Billy Moyer really started turning up the pressure.  Lap 66 was a turning point as Moyer took the lead from Dale McDowell.  With 15 to go I started to head to the infield so I could get in place to get pictures in victory lane.  I sprinted from the frontstretch to the Love Tunnel.  I watched on the backstretch, in turn 3, turn 4, and the frontstretch.  I got there with about 9 to go. Bloomquist was starting to make a late move and Moyer's pace had slowed some.  The view looking up at the stands was entertaining as well.  The Bloomer fans were rooting as hard as they could for their driver, as Moyer fans and others were rooting for the other perennial powerhouse.  I would say there were more people rooting for Moyer.  He had come from 23rd to lead the feature.  Some were rooting for him because he is considered one of the nice guys (there are more of those than people think).  It was nice to see someone who not just a couple of years ago had been written off as done by many lead.  Moyer has had a decade of bad luck at Eldora as well, but he finally shook that in June at the Dirt Late Model Dream.  This was September though, and this race, as much as it's about money, was about the globe trophies. 

When the white flag hit the air, it was Moyer's race to lose.  "Mr. Smooth" as he is known, lived up to his reputation, coming to take the checkers to win his unprecedented 6th World 100 title.  After he made weight, the crowd erupted into cheers, and Moyer wheeled his black #21 to victory lane.

 

After stopping, Moyer got out, and it was very obvious this win was as meaningful as any he had captured over his illustrious career.  

Moyer had actually climbed up on the roof to show his joy, something Moyer RARELY does to that extent.  Moyer was then interviewed by Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series announcer James Essex.

 After the usual questions about the track, car, and race, one of the trophy queens brought over the hardware so many others had shown up to win.

Billy would then hold the trophy high and proud.

The trophy for the owner, who was Moyer, as well as the check, were brought over next.

Moyer would then do some pictures with the Ms. Eldora's.

Then, the pictures with friends and crew were taken.

Next, Billy's wife Joyce would join the others in victory lane for the group pictures.

            

Moyer then did a couple of pictures with just himself and the hardware.

                  
          



Finally, a photo opportunity I personally asked for.  These featured just the Moyers (Billy, Joyce, and Billy Jr.).


    

This was the last request before Moyer had to go to the tower to do his media press conference.  With these last couple of pictures, I headed back up to the stands, and talked to a couple of people I knew.  It was then off to the car where grandpa was waiting, and we were on the road home from another great weekend at Eldora Speedway.  This weekend was filled with history.  I am just glad I was able to witness it all, especially with my grandpa.