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.