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!!