What the fan sees PART I: Through the eyes of an experienced fan

Sunday night at Lincoln Speedway, Muddboss Video owner/operator Chuck Flynn and I were doing interviews in the pits.  Various interviews with drivers, retired Hall Of Fame drivers, etc.  We had talked about doing a fan interview before, and we happened to run into someone who has been around for YEARS, and has raced back in the 50's and 60's and been a part of a Street Stock as late as the early 2000's.  His name is Steve.  Here is the interview in it's entirety thanks to Muddboss Video.

Speaking with those who have come up through the "glory" years of the sport, when it was deeply engrained in American culture and was A BIG DEAL, opened some eyes.

It is definitely needed that fans BE HEARD, GOOD AND BAD.  We can't work on fixing what is wrong with our sport by always being politically correct.  We HAVE to be REALISTIC.  Analyzing what is wrong in a constructive manner, working to get others on the same page would just be a START on what would likely involve A LOT to try an do what is possible to ensure the health and well being of motorsports, from the local levels to the top levels of racing.  I don't have the magic solution.  I WISH I did.  He is right about attitudes being different.  Folks like him are NOT getting younger.  We HAVE to continue to attract new fans.  I have a deep passion for this sport that many in my age group simply don't.  We HAVE to try and get people hooked at a young age like I was, and keep them interested  I, like Steve, plan on going until I can't go anymore.  Not everyone is that way.

I ALSO want to get the perspective of new fans.  WHY they were drawn to the sport.  That will also be somewhat telling as to what is being done RIGHT in racing.  To know what we are doing right is EQUALLY as important as knowing what we aren't as a sport.

There is no agenda here.  Deep down, I am a fan who loves this sport and has since the age of 5.  I know feathers MIGHT get ruffled hearing things that aren't totally positive, but it is MUCH BETTER to hear it from someone who has seen a lot and is willing to stick with the sport, then to NEVER HEAR IT from a new fan who maybe has went once or twice but may never come back due to a bad experience or experiences.  

2014 Florida Speedweeks: The trip I never seen coming.

To say this Florida Speedweeks trip this season was planned well in advance would be a lie.  It all started in early February when I seen that Belle-Clair Speedway was doing a giveaway for 4 tickets to the 56th Annual Daytona 500.  I had to that point only been to a single NASCAR Sprint Cup race, the 2002 Brickyard 400 for the THEN Winston Cup Series.  It was a contest on who fans of the Belle-Clair Speedway fan page thought would win the 500.  I went with Tony Stewart, thinking after all he had been through recovering from his broken leg suffered in a winged sprint car accident, he would be hungry as ever and driven to FINALLY win The Great American Race.  February 6th, I get QUITE the shock.  I have WON 4 tickets to the 56th Annual Daytona 500.  Now the interesting part, figuring out how this trip will even happen.

After some discussion and deliberation, Pops threw out the idea of going old school, pulling the seats out of the van, and making room to sleep and put our things.  Not the most ideal situation, but going on as little of a budget as possible, this was a great alternative to trying to find a hotel room.  We talked too about when to leave as well.  Do we go Thursday to get there that night, or leave to get there Friday?  We decided to leave LATE Wednesday night to make the trek down and try and make the World of Outlaws first race of the DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park.  This would be my first race event of any kind in the state of Florida.

As the time came, I loaded up with citrus water and Red Bull for the long drive, as well as plenty of snacks and food, as well as the luggage for the weekend.  It was raining and close to freezing as we left home.  With stops thrown in for fuel and food, the trip down took around 14 hours, with the longest break for dinner of around 30 minutes.  Hauling ass and watching the time, we roll into Volusia Speedway Park, which is PACKED.  We stumble into a great parking spot, and decide to get a ticket to go in.  We catch the final Super DIRTcar Series consi.  No clue what had happened that evening, but we are ready to see racing.  I am in a short sleeved shirt with no jacket and comfortable.  It feels wonderful.  The smell of race fuel is in the air.  When the late models roll out, those familiar first night goosebumps were there.  IT IS TIME.  Racing season for me is officially beginning.  The feature would go on to not disappoint, as I see something that I may never see but a handful of times.  Scott Bloomquist took the lead from Casey Roberts after the 101 machine made a mistake, and he looked to be in command.  Roberts rebounds, reels Bloomer in, and is there with 2 to go.  The move he makes is one that had the entire crowd cheering and on their feet, as I am sure those who were tuned into the Dirt on Dirt/DIRTvision PPV broadcast around the world were as well.  Roberts makes a power move, and takes the checkers.  It is his first Speedweeks win ever, as well as first ever World of Outlaws Late Model Series win.  It was one of those moments I will definitely remember.  And that was only feature 1.  Pops had NEVER seen the Big Block Modifieds before, but this was his chance.  It was another reason we dug AS HARD AS POSSIBLE to make it there as well.  Stewart Friesen would go on to absolutely blister the field, but there was great racing behind him.  Night 1 was in the books, and we found a quiet spot at the track, and camped much like he had in the 60's in Indianapolis for the 500 when it was possibly the single biggest race in the entire world.

Waking up Friday, it was a huge disappointment to see rain falling.  We decide to head to Daytona to do the tourist thing, get some souveniers, look around to see where exactly our grandstand is, etc.  We at the time didn't look to sell the other tickets we had.  After eating, we headed back to Volusia Speedway Park to wait and see how bad it was.  With it rained out, we sat around.  Then, after some talking and convincing we head BACK to Daytona and the big track.  We were fortunate that handicapped parking was free and close to the track.  We go in, park again as we did earlier, and run into a gentlemen who it didn't take much to figure out he was a ticket broker.  After some discussion and watching, we see he is buying/selling for all races.  We make a deal on the tickets, and decide to see what he has for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event that evening (also my 2nd event, the first at 2002 at Gateway).  We make a deal for tickets in Sprint Tower, and still have a chunk of money in hand.  First going in, we are bombarded as we are closer to the wall by the deafening sound of the jet dryers.  As we make the trek up, we are both wondering, are we gambling on getting rained out, and what will happen.  With it being the first series event of the season, I KNEW NASCAR would do all they could to get it in.  This was also neat for me (and Pops too I am sure) as it was a chance to see someone who we have seen racing since he was a young kid in mini-sprints at Macon, the Southern Illinois Center, and other places, and seeing him progress to a midget, and then a Super Late Model, The California Kid Tyler Reddick.  It was his debut event for Brad Keselowski Racing. 

When we got to our seats, we realized we had gotten a great deal from the broker.  Working with him and making a fair deal paid off with the reward of great seats and money in hand.  We were right by maybe one of the most important places at the track, the start/finish line.  Many incredibly close finishes have happened in that spot, and the possibility was there that we could witness something like that.  When the pre-race festivities had wrapped up, and the command given, I had goosebumps then as well.  This was going to be my VERY FIRST race of ANY KIND at The World Center of Racing, Daytona International Speedway.  I had visited there ONCE as a child in the summer of 1998.  How fortunate I was then to get to see the race-winning car of Dale Earnhardt.  A man who had worked so hard to win the big one there.  Now, I am there, in the stands, ready to watch 36 trucks go at it for 100 laps, 250 miles in the NextEra Energy Resouces 250.  The green flies, and the sound is just awesome.  As the motors come up to full song the first lap, the sound as they come out of 4 and towards us sounds exactly like a term used frequently in motorsports, a thundering heard.  There was a low rumble that grew louder as they approached, then scream by at full song.  The sensation of speed under the lights is incredible.  We watched as there were numerous close calls, tight pack racing, and the action from pit road.  Tyler struggled at first, stalling the first few pit stops.  He finally got it figured out, and was running well.  There were a couple of accidents, but thankfully everyone was okay, and we were also treated to what was an exciting late race finish.  Kyle Busch, who had never won there in a truck, make a move coming off of 4 into the short straight just before the tri-oval curve where we are.  Timothy Peters runs him up as far as possible, but realizes Kyle is coming, and if he isn't winning, will take Peters with him.  He slips by for a CLOSE finish at the line.  A GREAT ending to a race we had originally not even planned on attending.  After getting some photos of where we were and listening/watching the victory lane ceremonies, we are ran out, and we head to one of the favorite post-race destination of fans and racers alike, Steak-n-Shake to eat, then head back to VSP to sleep.

Saturday rolls around, and it is an absolutely BEAUTIFUL day.  We decide to head back to Daytona Beach, but not to go to the race.  We get breakfast by the track, then decide to cruise over towards A1A and go check out the ocean front, and cruise around to see numerous sights.  We decide to stop seeing some people fishing just north of Daytona Beach, which happened to be a cool stop in Ormand-By-The-Beach, FL.  What looked like a watch tower, indeed was.  However, it turns out to be a World War II watch tower used to watch for enemy planes approaching the shoreline.  Very cool historical marker that was unexpected and neat.  We also there watched people fishing along the shore for what they called whities, which I still haven't figured out exactly what they are.  After seeing some be caught, we headed back, and met with good friend Ernie to eat lunch at Bahama Breeze.  After some good conversation and good food, it was time to head back to VSP for the DIRTcar Nationals finale with 50 lap main events for both the WoO LMS and SDS Mods.  I get the free pit pass upgrade offered, and walk the pits, taking some shots of cars, as well as the track itself including the famed Gator Pond.  The racing this night was fantastic all the way around.  The late models would see ANOTHER upset with local driver Kyle Bronson outdueling some of the best cars in the country to score HIS FIRST World of Outlaws Late Model Series and DIRTcar Nationals win, with more great 2 and 3 wide racing and drivers advancing through the field to put on one helluva race.  The Big Blocks were interesting as Stewart Friesen pitted early, changed tires, and STORMED through the field, just NARROWLY running out of time, finishing second in what was a GREAT end to the DIRTcar Nationals.  After speaking to a lot of familiar people, it was time to leave and find a spot to get a few hours of sleep and prepare to leave for the big track and what had brought this whole journey to a start in the first place, The Daytona 500.

Rested and ready to go, it was time to head in and park at the track.  Making some talk with the concession workers was a hoot, as they really enjoyed what they were doing and helped ADD to the experience.  We waited until just before the pre-race concert to head up and find our seats.  We were right at the end of pit-road, but we could see fairly well with everything in place.  It was up to 80 and it felt GREAT.  Weather, however, would go SOUTH in a hurry.  The engines fired, pace laps were in the books, and the green flag flies.  The Daytona 500, our first one, is underway.  We start feeling drops around 15 laps in, and the temperature starts to drop.  38 laps in, it starts coming down pretty good.  I decide to hit the restroom while people aren't really fleeing and hiding as the rain wasn't torrential at the time.  I come back out, and not even 2 minutes later it is absolutely pouring.  We find out too that tornadic weather passes by around 20 miles away.  It is absolutely pouring, and it isn't letting up after an hour.  Water is everywhere.  After 3, there is water pooling everywhere.  I then decide to get something to drink.  I ask what is cold at the beer stand, which also had water and soda.  Only cold thing is Budweiser.  I drink that, and the thirst is quenched.  Everything is selling like hotcakes.  People were even selling shirts that may or may not have been totally legit INSIDE THE TRACK. $10 would get you a dry, maybe not 100% authentic shirt.  They were going like crazy.  All kinds of other crazy things were going on or rumored to be happening.  Finally, after about 5 hours, rains subside.  I go out to the car, and the first thing I do is seek dry clothes to change into and to dry everything I couldn't change, like shoes, out as much as possible.  After 6 hours and 30 minutes, we were racing again in the Daytona 500, but it looked iffy, but we were racing under the lights.  Looking at the weather, we were racing it as well.  That led to frantic, fantastic racing with intensity that it was the last lap each lap.  It was crazy to see that much intensity lap after lap from these guys which hasn't been the norm.  Close to the end, NASCAR fan favorite Dale Earnhardt Jr. takes the lead, and EVERYONE there was going crazy.  I was even happy as JR has struggled.  It was good seeing him run well.  He had to fend off HARD charges from numerous drivers including Keselowski, Hamlin, and more.  Junior went on to score his 2nd Daytona 500 win.  It was a spectacular sight in person.  He was truly excited for everyone on his crew, and showed it by thanking them all before doing anything else.

After that final checkered flag, it was time to roll out and hit the road north bound to leave the warmth and beauty of Florida to the dismal, bitterly cold weather of home, Central Illinois.  Another LONG, basically non-stop (fuel and food only stops) made it back home safely with memories I will cherish for a lifetime.  It was a first time experience where A LOT of crazy, fun, interesting things happened that all combined to make a trip I never seen something one helluva ride.

Thanks everyone for checking out this latest entry into The Race Blogger's World.  I am not sure when my next entry will be at this point as I am fully focused on bigger priorities in my life at this moment, such as employment.  I feel this is as good of a time as any to say I am taking a hiatus from here writing wise.  I am NOT DONE.  I don't want to leave a huge gap like I did before (same reason) without letting everyone know why.  Thank you for your support.  I will be back again writing on here! 

Pictures from the trip available at the following links to albums:

DIRTcar Nationals (plus the WWII Watch Tower): https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152330988289248.1073741850.503429247&type=1&l=bd89d44d62

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race video: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152331892644248&l=5044482216540084500

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Photos: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152330988289248.1073741850.503429247&type=1&l=bd89d44d62

56th Annual Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series video: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152331126489248&l=8928709340095303372

56th Annual Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152331040559248.1073741851.503429247&type=1&l=4c31464275

A fan now a part of the industry

Anyone who knows me, knows I am a diehard race fan who tells things as they are in a direct, yet polite as possible, manner.  I love this sport.  I want to see it be successful.  Now, it will be partially because I now have a stake in it.  I have been named the new PR &Social Media Coordinator of CILTRAK,which manages Central Illinois race tracks Jacksonville Speedway, Quincy Raceways, and Lincoln Speedway, as well as partnering with the Midwest Open Wheel Association sprint car series.  It is an exciting opportunity to be a part of the sport.  My goal is to still try and be the same person, who is known for being an honest professional who's ONLY agenda is the health of the sport I have loved since childhood, and will continue to love, motorsports.

Denny Hamlin: He's not gonna take it!

First off, let me say, it feels great to write another piece again.  It has been a while.  School has been my priority as I finish up my pursuit of my Masters in Business Administration.  The plan is to start writing more in my free time again.  Anyways, on to the topic at hand.

For anyone who has followed NASCAR this season, the racing with the new car has been sub par AT BEST.  I know it is early with the new car, as does most everyone else.  Denny Hamlin was asked and gave an honest response about the car after the Phoenix Sprint Cup Series race last week, saying they were hard to pass in, and that there was a lot of work to get the cars to where they can pass.  He addressed tires, newness of the car, aero, and so on as the factors to it.  He wasn't snide or disrespectful, just honest and to the point with no sugar coating or political correctness. 

The Hamlin Interview

Denny was fined $25,000 for comments made in this interview by NASCAR for his comments which NASCAR found disparaging to the new, MUCH HYPED Gen 6 car.  The response by the fans was nearly unanimous.  #StandWithDenny trended on Twitter after the announcement, and MANY fans sent messages of encouragement to Denny on the social media site.  Media and fellow drivers were very mixed and not nearly as supportive.  Denny came out and said HE WOULDN'T TAKE IT and WILL NOT pay the fine.  He is in the process of appealing the fine as we speak.  For a series that wanted drivers to be honest and speak up and have personality, this is a total step in the wrong direction.  Some have pointed out other sports fine players/coaches/others for similar things.  My counter to them is simple.  Is it right JUST because others handle matters that way?  If there is something that NEEDS to be said, it SHOULD be said.  I'm not saying someone should just go out and openly bash a series.  State what an issue is, and be done with it.  That is exactly why I, and many others, are irritated with NASCAR.  I STAND WITH DENNY!!  HE'S NOT GONNA TAKE IT!!  Until next time friends, enjoy your racing on the dirt, pavement, road course, drag strip, short tracks and superspeedways.

Weather Safety: Who is responsible for being prepared?

Racing as we all know, 99% of the time is an outdoor sport.  We are out in the various elements nature can throw out at us.  However, thunderstorms, lightning, and other forms of severe weather are issues that have to be taken seriously.  We were reminded one week ago at Ponoco when their event was rained on and severe weather rolled through, and 9 fans were struck by lightning, killing one.  However, who is responsible in terms of being prepared?  Obviously, the track should be prepared.  They should be in contact with the local National Weather Service and law enforcement agencies in order to know what is going on.  Technology is also helpful, as promoters/organizers can have radar and updates in the palm of their hands with smartphone technology currently available. Plans should be in place how they will handle severe/inclement weather situations.  They should use the information gathered to make decisions that are in the best interest of fan/driver/employee safety.  This may not always be popular, but it will keep everyone safe.   However, the fans have to be aware as well.  That same technology promoters have, we do as well.  I was put in the position the night before Pocono at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55, as severe weather and lightning rolled through.  I had also been in that position at Peoria during the UMP Summernationals, which were all aluminum bleachers.  Some people don't put much thought into it, but all it takes is ONE strike and it can be devastating.  You have to be willing to leave before being told to, although some are too stubborn to.  I try to hold out myself, but I am not willing to risk my life sitting out in a dangerous situation for too long.
The event at Pocono serves us all a sobering reminder that lightning can, at ANY TIME, strike and injure/kill ANYONE.   We ALL, fans and promoters/track officials alike, ALL have to be prepared to take appropriate actions whenever weather arises.  Remember, no race is more valuable than your personal health and safety.  Be aware, stay alive.

Announcing...an underappreciated art I now appreciate more.

Announcers.  When you go to the track, their voice either graces the PA and informs the people of what is going on, including times, action, driver facts/statistics, and some advertising for the track.  Others can make the track experience much less enjoyable.  From butchering driver names, not being informed, being obnoxious, etc., they can make a fan experience much less enjoyable.  I have always had certain expectations/standards as to what makes a good announcer.   Someone who knows the names of drivers, facts/statistics about the drivers (nicknames, career accomplishments, season to date info), doesn't try to call what isn't there, and doesn't try to be funny and is just natural on the mic are those who I consider good or great.  Names that come to mind in all forms of motorsports include Tom Carnige, Bob Jenkins, James Essex, Rick Eschelman, Bret Emerick, Dustin Jarrett, Chris Nunn, Mike Meurer, Johnny Gibson, Mike Norris,  and Larry Limbach are all announcers whom have honed their craft after many years and who among their respective spectrums in the racing world, are considered the best at their craft.
On the Monday before the Mary Lee Standridge Memorial event at Jacksonville Speedway, I was discussing with a group of fans about Twitter, and the subject of whether I could do it and Tweet(something I have really become known for as of late) came up.  Like I said, I don't think it would be as easy, but promoter Kenny Dobson asked me if I wanted to take a shot at it and call the UMP Late Model portion of the program.  I had thought about announcing for a long time, and with the encouragement of a few friends/followers, I decided to give it a whirl, knowing that this was a big honor and I might just be able to leave my own positive mark on the program.  Needless to say, it just came naturally.  That was because I have watched the sport with knowledgeable people, and heard some of the best in racing call the action.  It was a fun experience, and I ended up calling home a big local/regional fan favorite, and good friend, "The Highside Hustler" Jason Feger.  The look on Jason's face when he got out and realized that I was the announcer and was going to be doing the interview was PRICELESS.  That night on social media and the next night at Macon Speedway, my Saturday night home track, friends and fans were coming up and letting me know I had done a great job.  Needless to say, it was humbling, and I was thankful for all of the kind words.  Apparently I do have a knack for it after all.  I will definitely pick up the mic gain in the future and give it another go.
After being put in the position, I do have a much greater appreciation for those who do this all the time.  It takes constant information, good sources/friends, a personable attitude, and a good presentation style to deliver on the mic.  Some parts of it you can learn.  However, you have to be comfortable speaking publicly. This is really one of those things you can learn some, but you either have it or you don't. 

Daytona Speedweeks...unlike any in years past

I think all of us as fans were expecting some changes in NASCAR.  We knew the EFI engines were coming.  In testing, NASCAR tweaked with the cars to try and bring back pack racing.  They ended up lowering the spoilers and giving the cars/trucks bigger plates.  This combination has been seen in Indy Car in the past to make the drivers have to finesse and drive the cars again.  Early on, the drivers kept trying to do the 2 car tandem draft.  It showed early that the cars weren't as stable, and there were a few wrecks.  I figured they would figure it out and not do it until the very end and on the straightaways only.  Boy was I wrong.  The Budweiser Shootout was a wreckfest, but it ended in exciting fashion, with Kyle Busch timing the pass on Tony Stewart just right to slingshot around for the win.  This finish gave me some hope for some great racing.  Sadly, this wouldn't be the case.  The Camping World Truck Series was an absolute wreckfest.  Eventual winner John King even got into then leader Johnny Sauter.  John is a rookie, so it wasn't a big surprise.  Even the veterans were struggling with drafting..  King went on to win after 3 green white checkered attempts all saw yellows for accidents.  The Nationwide race Saturday also turned into a rolling demo derby.  Lots of cars ended up scrapped in that one.  Winner James Buescher was 11th coming off of turn 4 when the leaders wrecked, and he passed all of the slow and wrecked machines to capture one of the most bizarre wins I have ever seen.  The Daytona 500 last night was a spectacle, and I don't mean that in the good way.  For a while, it seemed like it would be fairly tame.  A few wrecks, always happens.  Then towards the end, the drivers got nuts, and lots of cars ended up wrecked...again.  This doesn't include the most bizarre accident I have EVER seen in all of my years watching NASCAR.  Cale Yarbrough has hit a fire truck in the past, but what happened to Juan Pablo Montoya will be something we remember forever. Seeing his car break and hit a jet dryer that ends up exploding into flames and dumping 200 gallons of fuel onto the Daytona International Speedway pavement, it's just unbelievable.  Thankfully Juan and the driver of the vehicle were okay. It will be one of those incidents that is brought up in the future and no one believes you until you show them the footage.  Also, how about Brad Keselowski using Twitter to interact during the red flag?  I actually find this cool.  Kind of funny that he had the phone in the car with him.  Definitely a sign of the times.  As for the last 40 laps.  Did Tony Stewart have a patton tank?  He got into 2 incidents that would most times damage a car, yet he came out no worse for wear.  Incredible.  Lots of other torn up cars in that final 100 miles.  The finish was one that had a LOT of people talking.  Should Biffle have protected his teammate and let him win, or should he try and pull out with Junior.  Biffle said he couldn't get a good enough run.  I don't buy it.  I'd have at LEAST liked to have seen Biffle work with Junior and make that VERY LAST effort.  I don't think he didn't try to win.  I just don't think he tried his hardest.  In the end, Matt Kenseth won his 2nd Daytona 500.  It wasn't a fluke as he had a great car the entire time in Daytona.  We will be talking about this 500 for many years to come...that is for sure.  I look forward to seeing this new package go to the other tracks this year.  I really think it will work well.  Congratulations to Matt and team on the win.  Let's just say it's good to have racing (NHRA, NASCAR) back in action again.  This season should be fun in all forms or racing.  Until next time friends...enjoy the action on the track/strip!!

SOPA and PIPA...acronyms of destruction

This is a RARE non-racing post on my part, but this topic is one that has wide ranging and serious consequences not only myself but EVERYONE who uses the internet.  The 2 acts currently threatening the internet as we know it are the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Protect Intellectual Property Act (PIPA).  These 2 acts are threats to freedom of speech and expression for sites a s large as Facebook, Twitter, etc.  It would also affect small groups/individuals including bloggers like myself.  The simple act of posting a link to this blog could very well be a CRIME if this passes.  A simple link to information, that in no way steals anything from anyone, could result in fines, jail time, and possible ban from the internet.  Is THAT what we need?  I say, emphatically, HECK NO!!  There are already laws in place that work to protect copyrighted materials.  If you have been on YouTube any at all, you can see this by seeing that certain videos have been removed because of copyright violations.  This bill will open the door to censorship, and I DO NOT SUPPORT THAT.  Everyone deserves to have their own voice and opinion, even if it isn't one that I agree with.  I encourage you all to contact your lawmakers, sign petitions available at places like Google, and do your part to protect our freedom.  To quote the wise Benjamin Franklin, T"hose who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."

2011: A year to remember and forget

This year has been one that has had the highest of highs.  This includes Trevor Bayne's incredible Daytona 500 win that no one seen coming, Dan Wheldon's improbable 1 off ride to win the Indianapolis 500 in the most unimaginable, dramatic way possible, Tony Stewart's incredible run in the Chase to win the Sprint Cup title by winning the final race and beating out Edwards, Sebastian Vettel's utter domination of F1 that rivals that of his idol Michael Schumacher.  On the local level, several drivers around me either scored their first wins at tracks, won their first ever races, or won their first championships.  However, the sport experienced the lowest of lows this year as well.  I think it's safe to say the death of the Indy 500 champion Dan Wheldon tops this list just for the absolute irony of it all.  Other huge lows include the death of MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli, freestyle motocross rider Jim McNeil, the loss of THE voice of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Tom Carnige are just a few of the lows the sport have seen this year.  This sport is very bi-polar in nature, and event's can change one's thoughts and moods on an instant.  It truly offers a roller coaster experience rivaled by nothing else I can think of on this planet.  The highs are what we love to see and experience, but the lows, however grim and dismal they may be, bring us all together and make us truly appreciate the highs that much more.  This year was one I hope we don't have to experience for a LONG time, as the lows were especially painful.  What happened afterwards was inspirational and moving, but the pain is still ever present and ever real.  Only time will heal those wounds, and 2012 is the best thing to help that.  Congratulations to those who experience success during this last season.  To everyone in the community, PLEASE stay safe this offseason.  Hope the trade shows are successful.  The same sentiment to those hosting race parties.  Until 2012, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all!!

Tragedy shows true reason to love racing...unity. R.I.P. Dan Wheldon

At only age 33, 2 time Indy 500 Champion (2005, 2011) and 2005 Indy Car Series Champion Dan Wheldon, passed away in a violent, fiery crash on lap 12 of the IZOD Indy Car World Championship at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.  Dan was much more than that though.  He was a loving father, husband, and son.  It only seems like yesterday that Dan was streaking by the wounded car of JR Hildebrand to win this year's Indianapolis 500, and celebrating with his trademark smile in victory lane.  Today is a bitter, somber reminder to all of us that enjoy motorsports that it is a dangerous, and it can become dangerous, even fatal, in the blink of an eye.  Moments like this show how fragile human life truly is, and goes to show you just never know when you will meet your maker, and how. However, after the wreck, other things emerged as well.  It showed one thing that I have known about this sport, and is the reason I love it so much.  During this trying time, EVERYONE CAME TOGETHER.  This tragic event brought the drivers and fans alike into unity for a singular cause, celebrating the life and memories of Dan Wheldon.  The sport doesn't always bring us together under such tragic circumstances, but this example proves yet again that, despite who you root for, how you may feel about someone at a point in time, you are ALL part of one big family. We all enjoy close, fast racing that excites us all, but we also enjoy the company and friendship of each other as well. The outpouring from the motorsports world has truly illustrated this point. Drivers and fans from all forms of motorsports have offered their condolences to Dan, his family, and friends.  I also extend my deepest thoughts and prayers to the Wheldon family as well to his friends, fans, and fellow competitors.  I would also like to say THANK YOU to EACH and EVERY driver who straps into a race car, risks their life, and races for the entertainment of us, the fans.  We all meet our maker at some point in time, and in various ways.  Dan met his doing something he absolutely loved doing, driving an Indy Car.  It is somewhat fitting, even though all of us didn't want to see him go.  Thanks for the memories Dan!!  Until next time...have fun up there at all of the different tracks up above!!

The Knoxville Late Model Nationals 66 Car Cap Controversy: My Thoughts

Well, we have quite a situation.  Multiple drivers with good resumes (4 UMP Summernationals Championships, 3 UMP National Championships, 3 Northern Allstars Late Model Series Championships, and 2 East Bay Winternationals Points Championships just to name a few ). being denied admittance to this event because of a preexisting cap on entries.  However, earlier this year at IMIS, it was told that there was NO CAP.  It is understandable why these drivers might not send in blanks then figuring there isn't one.  There are also drivers pre-entered that will not show.  One driver even tried to give his spot to one of the drivers being left out, but was told they can't do that.  The explanation I received from Knoxville Raceway was this:
" Hi Patrick, There has been a 66 car cap on this event since it started in 2002. This number allows all the drivers to compete every night in a full show and for a chance to win more money. If we allowed more entries in, then we would have to split up the qualifying into two nights with each driver only competing one of those nights. Ultimately this is better for the drivers who get their entries in on time. I hope this helps answer your question."

I do understand their explanation, but I also feel with this set of circumstances, it is time to evaluate where the event stands now, and look at growing the event and possibly going to more nights like the Sprint Car Nationals does.  For those who have been turned away, LET THEM RACE.  It's pretty shitty that when a driver who can't come offers his spot to someone who can and they won't let that happen.  That just makes absolutely no sense to me.  It doesn't make sense from a PR and economic point of view.  There have been other issues, like sight lines for fans and officials.  This is where a promoter has to stand tall and be firm, and put the haulers OUTSIDE the infield and put all the necessary parts and so forth, in the infield.  This was attempted but the drivers drug their feet on it.  With a new person taking the reigns next year, they can possibly do this and kind of start anew in some senses.  It is a shame that a controversy like this has came about at an event that has quickly become one of the most prestigious in all of Dirt Late Model Racing.   I truly hope this is a one time event and that Knoxville Raceway can remedy this issue in the future and the event becomes even bigger in the years to come.

2011 UMP Summernationals in review/Thank you to everyone for their concern with Grandpa

This tour, when looked back upon, will be remembered for 3 things.  One is weather.  This had to be one of the rainiest Summernationals in recent memory.  Also, early on, the temps were cooler than usual.  This was a pleasant surprise.  The second thing that will be Shannon Babb's absolute dominance to close out.  I have, in all my years of seeing series racing, NEVER seen a driver close out with 6 in a row to win a points championship.    He had been consistent to that point and not had as much bad luck as his competition, and when he hit his stride, the tour became his personal playground.  The tour overall had a lot of average to poor racing, which was disappointing to see.  The field looked to be as competitive as ever, even with naysayers saying it was just a glorified local show.  The talent around here has shown it can compete past the local level.  The third thing will be the Belle-Clair tire cheating incident involving apparent race winner Michael Kloos.  He was eventually stripped of this and the win was awarded to 2nd place Ryan Unzicker.  The best race I seen that was a part of the tour I would say was at Fayette County Speedway in Brownstown, Illinois, a track I had never been to until this year.  This weekend there were 2 make up dates, and they were 2 great shows.  One was the 31st Herald and Review 100, where Babb proceeded to win his 7th in a row, but it didn't count towards the points since they ended at Oakshade.  The 2nd was the Lynn Chevy Summernationals event at Fairbury.  This was one of the best races I have EVER seen in my 17 years of attending races.  The finish was so close, but looking back, I'd say they actually got it wrong.  I did that night as well, and it has cost Feger $5,000 as a result.  Not knocking the track or Rodney Melvin.  I didn't have an interest in who won in terms of which driver.  I just wanted the person who actually crossed the finish line FIRST to be crowned the winner.  It looks, after reviewing ALL of the evidence currently available, that didn't happen.  I am still completely puzzled as to why the transponders that the series utilized during the entire tour, weren't used for the make up dates.  This was a time where they really could have been a useful tool.  I understand hindsight is 20/20, but this is a case that this SHOULD have been in use, PERIOD.  This also makes me think that tracks should have a super slo-mo camera or a start finish line camera in the case there is ever a question to a result.  In the end, it's awesome to have a problem like that after 50 laps of hard racing on a well prepared track that withstood the hot, muggy, brutal conditions mother nature threw at us.  It is a testament to those who prepared the track.  Also, a big shout out of thanks to the Fairbury group for moving the Late Model feature to 2nd in the running order.  Great decision, and I know I'm not alone in this sentiment.  It sucks that you know some of the people involved on a personal level, but sometimes it happens.  I try to never let emotion get in the way of calling something as I see it.  That night, I called Melvin the winner and didn't have much doubt.  Now, there is a lot more after seeing all of the proof.  Other than that, it was all ANY race fan could possibly ever ask for in a feature event.  They just don't get much better.  My overall grade for this Summernationals has to be a C.  The tour early seemed to have the potential to be a free for all that could produce multiple winners, which it did. It also had the potential to have a 6 car or more race for the points.  However, this just never happened.  Luck had a big role in this, but this sport is notorious for that sometimes.  I would say the Summernationals needs to seriously look at format and series changes to revamp things.  Travel is definitely one of those things.  I'd say a shake up could really strengthen the series.  I will leave this with a link of photos of the races I went to over the course of the Summernationals tour.  In total, I hit 8 shows including the 2 make up events.  Here is a link to the photos from those events, http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150252641534248.344519.503429247&l=095f2f77d6&type=1     A bit of the sights of the Summernationals you could say.    Before I end this, I also have to send out a huge thank you to fans, drivers, crew members, and others for their concern, thoughts, and prayers for my grandfather.  It really means a lot coming from you all.  You all have reminded me yet again why I love this sport so much.  In a way, we all become one big family at the track.  He ended up missing this weekend of racing, but with the heat, it may very well be for the best. He is feeling a lot better right now.  Again, to all of those in the racing community who have sent many kind well wishes, THANK YOU!!  Hope you all enjoyed this recap of the Hell Tour.

A New Deal at Dream XVII/Catchup

I know this is a LOT later than I would like, but here is a summary of my Dream XVII weekend, and a general catch-up post all in one. It all started when I rolled out Wednesday with my mom, who had never been to Eldora Speedway before, to go see the 7th Annual Prelude to the Dream. I ended up going to this event thanks to the fine folks at Eldora Speedway having a trivia contest about previous NASCAR champions who have competed in the event.  Without that, I most certainly would have just stayed home and purchased the Pay-Per-View broadcast.

The racing itself was not too bad, but I had still seen better racing at the track.  However, it was a fun time, even though, sadly, some fans had to be a bit ignorant.  You could really pick out the dirt track and overall race fans from the straight NASCAR fans who had no clue what a Late Model even was.  
The race would end up being dominated by Clint Bowyer

After this, it was back home thanks to the fact I had to interview for internships for school.  I had packed everything I possibly could have in the motorhome before then so come Friday I could just get changed and then Grandpa and I could hit the road and get to our campsite at the track.  We hit a few snags, including overheating over the Indiana border, and we arrived just as it began raining harder and round 2 qualifying ended up being restarted.  I had missed Jimmy Owens breaking the track record with the first ever 14 second lap for a dirt late model around the high banks.  Fortunately, I got to see Jared Landers go out and set the mark that is now the new track record at 14.922, which is an average speed of 120.630 MPH.  Landers was flat out around Eldora, which was incredible.  With only 91 cars there, that meant no non-qualifier races.  I had predicted 93 cars for the event, while some had thought that there could be 130 or 140, but most fans and insiders believed it would be down, and we all were right.
Saturday early in the morning there was more weather coming.  It hit hard, with heavy rain and strong winds.  I had seen lightning out of the window up top where I was sleeping, and we were able to shut the windows in time.  For some of my friends and fellow fans, it put a large damper on their weekend.  Saturday was the first time I go to grill out at the track.  The wind sucked horribly, but I was able to grill out some delicious brats, but they didn't quite cook fully.
The heats were event filled, but not terribly racy, and the feature was the same way.  Moyer lead most of it with Steve Francis in pursuit most of the way.  Don O'Neal, who to this point had NEVER won a "crown jewel" event.  However, late in the race, O'Neal, who made contact with Moyer, was able to get by Moyer for what was a popular win.  Overall, I'd say the race SUCKED.  The track was one groove around the top and fast.  O'Neal was able to move to the middle and make it work, but he was alone in that.  I had a good time as always, but the racing was by far the worst I had seen in all of my trips to Eldora so far, but considering that was the worst, I won't be too harsh.  Every track can have a show that sucks every once in a while. I will admit, I was happy to see O'Neal FINALLY get a long overdue big race win, as he has been so close before.  No longer will he be dogged by that.  Below are victory lane shots I got of the 2011 Dirt Late Model Dream champion, and the trophy that his name will go on now as well as the field from the race.  There are a lot of victory ceremony photos below.  Congratulations to "The Real Deal" on the big win.  It really was a "New Deal" for someone who has been bitten with bad luck late in big races.

Memorial Day Marathon of Racing 2011

It has come and gone again.  Memorial Day is in the books again. First and foremost, Memorial Day weekend is a time for us to pay homage and give thanks to those fighting men and women who protect our freedom and give us as citizens of the United States of America the chance to go and do what we want to do.  This Memorial Day Marathon of Racing 2011 wouldn't have ever been possible without what you all do.

Friday got the weekend started for me with the Northern Allstars Late Model Series at Lincoln Speedway.

The track was in great shape.  It was plenty wet and smooth considering the amount of rain the track had received all week long.  The track was fast all night long.  During the heats, the racing was fast and fierce.  In Late Model Heat race 3, Dillan White attempted to pull a slidejob on Eric Smith, and the results were catastrophic.  The images here show the damage suffered by White in the wreck.


Heats were won by Roger Brickler (who dive bombed Michael Kloos in Turn 1 on the last lap to win), Brandon Sheppard (in dominant fashion), Steve Sheppard Jr. (also in dominant fashion) and Ryan Unzicker.

The feature was paced by polesitter Steve Sheppard Jr. and Brandon Sheppard.  When the feature went green, son Brandon checked out on father Steve Jr, who was quickly passed by Ryan Unzicker.  While those 2 dueled and the field kept racing one another, Brandon paced the field and went on to score a convincing victory.  With his feature win, night 1 of 4 of my Memorial Day Marathon of Racing was in the books.


Saturday I ventured off to Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis for the Night Before the 500 featuring the USAC Midgets.

 I ended up going here thanks to a great offer made by Lucas Oil Raceway.  When we reordered our tickets for the Thursday night portion of Kroger Speedfest featuring the USAC Silver Crown and Midgets, and now this year the ARCA Re/Max Series, we recieved passes good for free admission to either the Night Before the 500 or one of their Thursday Night Thunder USAC Sprint Car Series. 

The weather at home was nasty, with lots of severe weather, and all of my local tracks were rained out, so it in the long run worked out.  It seemed like watching the weather we'd dodge the rains.  It was a wonderful day at the track with some cloud cover.  It started getting cloudy right after qualifying, and the map showed rain moving in.  We got qualifying in for the USAC Midgets, the Star Mazda Series, and the USF2000 series.  After that, the Midget heats rolled out, and were completed successfully with some fast and furious racing.  By the 3rd heat, rain could be felt hitting us, but it was nothing more than drops at that point.  The track continued keeping the show ahead of schedule as much as possible. The heats were completed successfully, and the Midget last chance race was rolled out almost immediately.  This would be the last race ran before the rains hit. At that point, the tracked had hustled and the show was an hour ahead of the schedule they handed out as we came in the gates.  The rain started falling, but that wasn't my biggest concern.  When I seen the first flash of lightning, I let people around me know it and I headed down under the stands, and many others heeded my warning.  When the next flash lit the sky up, and the large boom of thunder that followed, the stands proceeded to clear out rather quickly. 

The downpour lasted about 15 minutes, but it rained long and hard enough to require a 2.5 hour period to dry the track.  They even had their jet dryer out for about an hour to get it dry.  When it was all ready to go, the show was about 2 hours behind, but considering it was 9 PM eastern when we got things going, it wasn't too bad.  The first race was a 75 lap (with a 30 minute time limit) USF2000 event.  There was one wreck that took a good 5 minutes to clean up.  In the end, the race ran 69 laps and was won by Petri Suvanto of Nurvo, Finland won the race.  The next race was a 100 lap (with a 45 minute time limit) Star Mazda Series event.  This race went green almost throughout with one caution when the leader at the time hit a lapped car and wrecked in turn 3.  The Star Mazda race went 85 laps and was won by Connor De Phillippi of San Clemente, California.  After this was the 50 lap USAC Midget event.  Brian Clauson made an early move in turn 1 to lead the race early, but it was apparent that he would have company from Darren Hagen.  At 10 laps in, the race between the top 4 was so close you could literally throw a blanket over them.  They were slicing and dicing and moving all over the 6/10 mile pavement track.  On lap 15, Hagen tried to look inside of Clauson in turn 1 but then he got a great run into turn 3 on the low side and passed leader Clauson.  Hagen took the lead, but for a while he was far from comfortable as he couldn't build much of a lead as the top 4 remained all right together.  The first yellow of the feature would fly on lap 30 for a slowing Brian Clauson.  Hagen then proceeded to get a huge jump on the restart, but it was too large as the start was waved off.  "The Hawk" as Hagen is known, got another great start and then proceeded to pull out to a small lead.  Tanner Swanson and Tracy Hines were running together, and picking a lot of cars off. Swanson was in the top 10 from 22nd, Hines from 12th.  The second yellow flew when Mario Clauser stopped on the track on lap 35.  The next restart would be waved off for debris.  The final 15 laps went green, and Hagen would eventually cruise to The Night Before the 500 feature win. 

Sunday I headed to Tri-City Speedway in Pontoon Beach, Illinois for the Budweiser 50 UMP Late Model Special.

With this event falling right after the Show-Me 100 at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri, there was good reason to expect some good cars and a good car count, and it didn't disappoint.  46 UMP Late Models were in attendance as well as 57 UMP Modifieds.  This was the hottest race I have been to this year weather wise, with temperatures during the daytime being up as high as 94.  There was a stiff wind blowing towards the frontstretch, which I knew was a bad sign knowing how things are there usually.  The track started off brutally rough.  The crew at the track worked to cut it up and smooth it out, but didn't really water it down like I had hoped.  The track did smooth out, but the heats were far from exciting, which was very disappointing to see.  The program had originally called for a Late Model Dash, but the drivers approached promoters Kevin and Tammy Gundaker to fix the track and start straight up in lieu of running the dash.  This decision would be great when the features rolled around.  The Late Model Feature was supposed to be 2nd behind the Crate Late Model Feature, but the order of events was changed and the Budweiser 50 would be the first feature ran.  This was a decision that I was glad to see as the track was coming around.  The feature went green with Brian Shirley getting the early jump, leaning on 6 time World 100 winner Billy Moyer in the process.  The car that was on the move early, however, was the 25 car of Jason Feger.  Feger, who started 9th in the feature, and was up to 4th in 3 laps on the high side, living up to his nickname of "The Highside Hustler".  The first yellow fell on lap 4 for Chad Zobrist.  Feger was doing something that he has been criticized for not doing so far, running more than just the top side of the race track.  Scott James a few laps after the restart would make a move on the 3s of Squirrel, as Shirley is also known.  He took the lead and Feger was side by side with Moyer for 3rd at the same time.  One of the big moves was in turn 2, when Feger made a ballsy move through the middle between Shirley and Moyer to take the lead, which got the capacity crowd going.  The track was really racy and was making up for being so terrible earlier in the evening.  Feger proceeded to open a large lead, but as he got into traffic, "The Silver Shark" Scott James was reeling the tumbling dice 25 of Feger in as well.  Moyer also proceeded to reel in James, and took multiple looks at him, but he wasn't able to get around the 81 of James.  At halfway, Feger had his hands full with James, and James gave him multiple challenges.  Feger fended him off, then proceeded to open a bit of a lead on the field.  With 5 to go, James was all in, and was spinning the tires, even lighting them up off of the corners.  With 2 to go, James bounced off of the lapped car of Brian Divley.  At the white, the leader Feger and James were about nose to tail, and in turn 1 James went for a banzai move in turn 1, making contact with Feger, but both soldiered on, and Feger would end up winning the thrilling Late Model Feature.    It was a fun car ride home as I had gotten a ride from Jason's mom Tracy.  The UMP Pro Late Model (Crate) feature was won by Dustin Griffin.  The UMP Modified Feature was fun watching Ken Schrader battle some of the toughest modified competition in the country.  Michael Long slipped past Schrader but then stuck it in the wall, and Schrader went on uncontested for the win.  After it was over, I went out to the pits and celebrated a bit with Feger and Schrader proceeds to roll up.  In typical Schrader fashion, Schrader yells"Hey Feger!!  When I grow up I want to be just like you!!"  That was pretty funny yet an awesome compliment from a veteran racer.  Also in the pits was Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame driver Roger Long, who was smiling ear to ear with the success Feger was having.  Definitely a cool night, but it was definitely dirty.  Below are some victory lane photos and what I looked like when we stopped for something to drink (and I wiped my face off once during the night. 

 Here is the link to the Late Model Feature video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NH1exb0h7kg

 I got home, showered, and to bed from Tri-City at 5:15 that morning, and was up at 10 to do it again.  Monday night I was off to Macon Speedway for NASCAR Night I featuring Ken Schrader, Kenny Wallace, and Justin Allgaier.  Racing were the Northern Allstars Late Models, UMP Modifieds, and Street Stocks.

Here are some of my thoughts regarding NASCAR nights.  Honestly, I'm not the world's biggest fan of them as they are now.  Jacking up ticket prices even more just to see people come in isn't my thing. As for them racing, that's fine, as it can be interesting.  A show that should have been $15 and usually would be was $20 because of the NASCAR people.  The crowd was thinner too, which showed that the novelty of the NASCAR nights have worn off. 

Moving on to the show itself, the track started out okay but started getting unusually terrible track conditions.  The track, usually wet most of the night then slicking off for the features, was hard by the time heats were to run.  Overall, the heat races were a huge disappointment.  For those who might have been there for the first time and are reading this, that isn't what Macon typically looks like. 

For the features, the Street Stocks and Modifieds were both stuck around the bottom, and I had a bad feeling that the late model feature would be as well.  Schrader won his 2nd Modified feature in as many nights.  I was wrong fortunately, and the track was racy for considering the shape the track was in.  It was EXTREMELY dryslick, especially for Macon standards.  Brandon Sheppard was the first to go up top, and it looked like it could cost him, but he was able to run it.  Sheppard was able to slice and dice through traffic and keep Mark Voigt at bay the entire feature.  However, coming off of 4 on the final lap, Voigt made a move, and almost stole one.  Sheppard won his 2nd Northern Allstars Late Model Feature in a row by a nose.  In the end, it wasn't a bad race.

 The final checkered flag of my Memorial Day Marathon of Racing fell at a little after 9:30.  There was some good racing and not so good racing.  However, I most enjoyed spending my weekend doing what I love to to with people who are great friends and family who I love.  Thanks Grandpa and Tracy for being a part of it!!  I was worn out after it all, but if I had the chance to do it over again, I wouldn't change a thing. 

Graduation...Checkered flag to an undergraduate career.

Well, it is finally in the books.  With the completion of my last final exam, it was the proverbial white flag.  Graduation this last Saturday from the University of Illinois Springfield was the checkered flag to my years of studying.  Racing, among other things, are partly responsible for my success.  I have met many wonderful people who I have formed great friendships with that I still have to this day.  I want to take this moment and thank everyone who has had a positive influence and helped guide me and help me become the person I am today.  I am eternally thankful.  I shared some parallels in my journey to a degree that racers do to win.  I faced adversity, overcame at times situations that were far from favorable, put in long hours and sleepless nights to get to where I wanted to be.  Now, the preparation for the next stage in my life and/or education begins.  What track my life ends up at next is one I don't know yet, but hopefully it's one that is racy and one I can thrive at.

Early Cancellations

As you all well know, the weather the last 2 weeks all across the Midwest, Ohio Valley, and all points in between, has flat out sucked unless you are a duck or fish.  Many places have seen well over 4 inches of rain in a single week, and it still falls.  Some promoters are coming under fire for their cancellation processes, and quite frankly it puzzles me.  A promoter, at the end of the day, has the job of trying to make money.  This means not only getting cars in the pits, but fans in the stands as well.  Every time they open the gates, a lot goes into even a weekly show.  They foot the power bill for EVERYTHING for the night, pay the concession and track workers, pay to have an ambulance on the grounds, and so on.  Needless to say, without a healthy car count or crowd count, a promoter is bound to take a bath.  The economy right now is tough for EVERYONE.  I for one appreciate a promoter cancelling early enough because it gives me the chance, as a fan, to find somewhere else to possibly go or to make alternate arrangements for the day/evening.  It saves a lot of money for fans and drivers alike who could drive a long ways to a track only to cancel right before starting.  Situations like that are a no win as fans and drivers alike end up pissed off and have a negative thought about the track in the back of their mind, something that could keep that driver down the road from coming back.  So promoters, please, keep up the good work.  If you know you can't get things ready or it looks highly unlikely, cancel early enough so drivers and fans can make alternate arrangements.  However, if you believe you can get the show in and think the people and drivers will be willing to make the gamble, I say look at whether you can afford to do so or not.  If you can, go for it.  I'm much more forgiving as a fan if the genuine effort is put in to get a show in even when it looks questionable at best.  Sometimes luck is on your side and the show gets ran to completion, while others it comes up short.  It's not an easy job being a promoter, and few will ever see what goes into getting things ready for a show.  It's almost a thankless job.  Keyword there is ALMOST. I say, to those who work hard to have a well prepped track, efficient show that is fair to fans and driver alike, THANK YOU!! 

Welcome back friend: Farmer City Raceway is alive and well to start 2011

As most of the Midwest and some fans, drivers, and others in the dirt track racing community knew, Farmer City Raceway was in serious jeopardy of closing the doors, possibly for good.  In under a month, JK Promotions, made up of Central Illinois Late Model Driver Kyle Logue, as well as local businessman Jeff Hammer, along with many volunteers and others, whipped the quarter mile oval quickly into shape.  As a fan, I was eagerly excited to see the changes in person, even though thanks to social media, I had seen some pictures and videos of the track and the facilities. 

Opening night was slated for Friday, April 8, 2011, and the forecast coming in was supposed to be fantastic.  The entire week leading up to the event, I went about promoting the event on various pages on Facebook, including those of local television stations, radio stations, and newspapers.  Thursday night I seen rain was coming through, and I was quite nervous, although nowhere as nervous as those involved with the track were.  When Friday rolled around, it was nice out, but not as nice as it was supposed to be.  I, along with my grandpa, left for Farmer City around 12.  After having a good meal at Imo's Cafe, we headed to the track to see how things looked.  Needless to say, it was an absolutely amazing sight.  There were many new boards on seats, the wall was painted and looked quite good, the ratty billboards were down, the concession stands had been revamped, the restrooms were as clean as I could EVER remember them being, and lots of things were painted.  The improvements were much needed, and it was definitely something that put a smile to my face.  Seeing the pits, it was a bit concerning.  It was evident they had a hefty overnight rainfall.  I knew they would bust their asses to get the pits worked in so there could be racing.  They had the track looking good already.  The banking in 1 and 2 had been built up some, but there's still more to go to get it to where it was pre Don Hammer.  

After toiling endlessly, they got the pits worked down, and cars started arriving around 3.  When it was all said and done, the 2 big classes, UMP Late Models and UMP Modifieds, had 33 and 25 cars respectively.  The other classes, all but one of which will be running weekly, had turnouts of less than 15 each, which was disappointing to see.  When late model hot laps rolled out, I had a chill run up my spine.  It was a feeling of joy and relief.  Racing was back at Farmer City Raceway.  The track was very smooth, tacky, and fast.  Early, it was nerve racking looking around and not seeing many people in the stands.  The weather there at the track was cloudy and cooler than forecasted, and outside of there, it was sunny and warmer.  I knew fans like myself and other "diehards" would be there, even if it were in the 30's.  I was hoping others who aren't as crazy as us diehards would come out.  As the night went along, the crowd kept growing.  Eventually, the stands all around had few seats open, which was absolutely awesome.  The show was ran in a timely manner, even with timing light issues.  They kept the show rolling along and were well organized, which was quite impressive.

The racing itself, was old school Farmer City.  The cars were fast in their heats, and the track widened out as the night went along.  One race that was absolutely amazing, and in my eyes the race of the night, was the 2nd Late Model semi.  Jason Feger and Brandon Thirlby ran well over half the race side by side with almost no room whatsoever between them and never touched.  The crowd was cheering loudly, some for or against the drivers.  I was just cheering because the track was delivering the kind of racing that has made it a popular track among fans, and why it's one of the best in Illinois.  The Street Stocks set the bar early with a great feature featuring side by side racing between Lance Johnson and Brian Cassell, with Johnson prevailing.  The UMP Modifieds were next, and they were married to the top side.  There was some passing deeper in the field, but overall not as much as I would have hoped for.  Justin McCoy took a horrible ride as he hit a disabled McKay Wenger who wasn't able to get off the track.  Thankfully, both drivers were okay.  In the end, Jay Ledford scored the UMP Modified feature win.

The Late Model feature was a good one, and it was somewhat a blast from the past.  The names and faces may have changed some, but the racing was similar.  Every groove was being utilized on the track, and drivers in the field kept moving around to see what worked for them.  After a near disaster, Brian Shirley held on over a fast charging Frank Heckenast Jr. to win the $1,500 feature.

The Sportsman were next, and it was a 3 car race between Dave Crawley Jr., Nick Macklin, and Allen Crowder.  After 15 laps of intense racing, Crawley Jr. prevailed.  The minisprint feature was a runaway, with Ryan Guyett scoring the dominating win.  The final feature, the Hornet feature, featured the finish of the night.  Fast Joe Reed led all of the feature, but the K-2 of Casey Gernantz reeled Joe in and passed him off of Turn 4 on the final lap, and won by little over a nose.  It was a thrilling finish to a great evening of racing.  After going around and talking with many friends (drivers, fans, etc.), it was time to head home. It was a much more successful opening night than I could have ever envisioned for the track.  It is great to say that Farmer City Raceway is BACK in 2011!! 

Macon Speedway Opening Night #66

Well, the first Saturday has come and gone.  The first Saturday means one thing to me, Macon Speedway opening night.  However, 2 of the last 3 years it has been the same night as opening night of the Illini 100 at Farmer City.  When LaSalle ended up getting called off, many fans were still stir crazy and looking for a place to take in some racing action.  It hit me right away that Macon's opening night was the same weekend.  I knew of a group of at least 8 who were looking for a place to go.  They call themselves the United Midwest Drinkers, or UMD for short.  I also ran into some others who came long in far that I knew all to see some racing action at the 1/5 mile high banks of Macon, 1 of which brought his simulator (as he was heading to LaSalle for the Illini as well).  It also was his first trip, and I had a nice long discussion with him about the track and his dad and racing in general. 

 I realized how powerful a tool Facebook was, and created an event and spread the word around to ALL of my fellow racing friends and other places where fans could find out.  I knew that there weren't many tracks racing that weekend, so I would give people the information about one of the venues that would be running.

For the large group of a dozen or so UMD members, many were there for the very first time, which was exciting to me as Macon was the place where it all got started for me.  I knew if the racing was like I know it could be, they would instantly fall in love with the track. 

There was a good field of cars, including 20 Late Models, and a total of 140 cars. The track was a bit slimy to start, but was wet and heavy, and gave us some great heats in all classes.  I made it over to see what they thought of the place after the heats.  They were absolutely hooked, and were in love with the place.  You couldn't have given a much better first impression about a track than that.

The feature of the night for me was the Late Model feature, not taking away from the others.  They just were able to get into lapped traffic longer and slice and dice.  Ryan Unzicker put on a show working through lapped traffic, keeping Cory Daugherty at bay to win his 2nd straight feature at Macon, winning the Lite Beer Twin 50 makeup feature at the end of last year to close out the season.  Other winners were Jeremy Nichols in the Modifieds, holding off stiff competition from Dave Crawley Jr. and former NASCAR Winston Racing Series and UMP Modified National Champion Jeff Leka.  Nick Macklin won in the Sportsman class, while Larry Russell Jr. took home the Street Stock feature, Adam Webb the Pro Hornet feature, and Kyle Maxwell won the Amateur Hornet feature.

After the show I seen a couple of them walking back out to their campers.  I asked them if they enjoyed it and if they would be back.  They said they loved it and would definitely be back this year, which was great to hear.   It wasn't how we all planned to start our season, but we all had a great time watching some great racing, and in the end that's all that matters.