This seaons had its fair share of suprises and dissapointments. Thought I'd take some time to talk about a few of them. Afterall, we can start refelcting since the season locally closed with the rainout at Lasalle Speedway last night. So lets beging
Top race of year without a doubt was the summernational race at Fairbury this summer. The race was appeared to be in control by 14 year Bobbie Pierce Jr. However Pierce made the wrong move and moved up the track to get around a lap car. Rodney Melvin and Jason Feger moved on by. Both of them would battle on the last laps where the photo finish gave Rodne the win. Feger protested and he had the right, but at the end, it was Melvin awarded the win.
Worst race of year...Summernationals at Lincoln. Car count was very low and the race surface was iffy at best. I honestly couldn't wait to get out of there that night. Babb dominated and it was just an awful day and race. Spending 20 dollard elsewhere should of been what I had done
Tough luck driver of the summer. Dennis Erb. Erb ran his Bloomquist chassis this year but without any signifigant wins that I can recall. To me, he seemed almost just average this year. Not once this year did I see any races where he was made a move. He pretty much finished where he started and to me that is a driver who simply is struggling and in need of some better luck
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Farmer City Thoughts
Been going to that track since I was darn near 5. I've seen it when the likes of the red #7 won...and he went by the name of Jim Leka. Of course...there was no sponsor on that car. Dude was tough...
That was 30 some years ago.
This year saw good racing on a surface that i've seen very tough to conquer. The track crew...they give it their best. However this is a track that for whatever reason, has it's tendency to become one lane...or really good. This Farmer City ... and by fast the fastest in east central IL.
This was a year in which the Dewitt Country fairgrounds came back to life after some long stuggles with local city board officials. But lets face it...this is really the grounds of the Farmer City raceway. They make the town on summer nights. However...the lust of a Friday night in Farmer City's best asset to their community...is gone
I was there when the Dewitt County Fair was supposed to be there...but there was no fair. To hear the annoucner say this is the fair weekend....shows how much the community ... and state...has completely blown small town amusement apart.
Bottom line is the track is in the small town of Farmer City. So sad that things in this town have gotten so bad to where there are wars about what to do with the track. Farmer City is where I grew up on late model racin before the likes of Unzicker, Smith and Feger were born. I want to see more racing for weeks to come.
Rage on to the crew of Farmer City.
That was 30 some years ago.
This year saw good racing on a surface that i've seen very tough to conquer. The track crew...they give it their best. However this is a track that for whatever reason, has it's tendency to become one lane...or really good. This Farmer City ... and by fast the fastest in east central IL.
This was a year in which the Dewitt Country fairgrounds came back to life after some long stuggles with local city board officials. But lets face it...this is really the grounds of the Farmer City raceway. They make the town on summer nights. However...the lust of a Friday night in Farmer City's best asset to their community...is gone
I was there when the Dewitt County Fair was supposed to be there...but there was no fair. To hear the annoucner say this is the fair weekend....shows how much the community ... and state...has completely blown small town amusement apart.
Bottom line is the track is in the small town of Farmer City. So sad that things in this town have gotten so bad to where there are wars about what to do with the track. Farmer City is where I grew up on late model racin before the likes of Unzicker, Smith and Feger were born. I want to see more racing for weeks to come.
Rage on to the crew of Farmer City.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Eric Smith win @ the Prarie Dirt Classic
I wanted to blog about the racing last night at the Fairbury American Legion speedway.
It was the 3rd attempt to get the race in and finally mother nature cooperated. The early afternoon was at times overcast, cloudy and even sunny. The cool air allowed the moisture to really settle and was a factor for qualifying as the later lap times turned out to be the best. Had it not been for Jay Morris being lite at the scales after his lap, it would of been the first time i've ever seen the last qualifier out set fast time. Very rare.
On to the feature. The race started out just as I figured as the outside front row starter Shannon Babb jumped into the lead. I felt early the highside would be where most of top 8 would venture to in order to sort things out. Turns out that is what happened and some drivers decided to make a night of it and would ultimately cost them their night. Several younger drivers were absolutely flying on top, but also out of control. Most wound up broke or had flat tires. But not Eric Smith
Smith used brains in his quest . He moved up using the bottom of the track and followed Jason Unzicker. They both were committed to running the bottom and due to the 10 cautions, the tires were in good shape. Smith was quoted as committing to the bottom to stay out of trouble because those who had rode the cushion were all no longer in the race. However with 6 to go and a fresh restart, Eric gambled and decided to change lines and went to the top. Unlike many who attempted to run the top, Eric drove his car in with some degree of caution. He wasn't running it so hard that jumping the cushion and bouncing off the wall would hamper his ability to pass Unizicker on the bottom. He drove 6 beautiful laps on top and from this viewers eyes, never bobbled once. He race program now is $10,000 greener.
Smith is a well respected driver here in central IL. He is a track champion locally at Farmer City and Fairbury. He is a tough competitor night in and out. No matter who the competition is locally, you can bet the #9 will be up there. He reminds me a lot of Roger Long in a way. Roger was always tough no matter who showed up. Only difference is Roger ran the top a lot more while i've seen Eric be able to use multiple grooves to pass the competition. In a race that is one of the tops in the state, it is deserved to see a local make the list of champions...one who is loyal to running locally.
It was the 3rd attempt to get the race in and finally mother nature cooperated. The early afternoon was at times overcast, cloudy and even sunny. The cool air allowed the moisture to really settle and was a factor for qualifying as the later lap times turned out to be the best. Had it not been for Jay Morris being lite at the scales after his lap, it would of been the first time i've ever seen the last qualifier out set fast time. Very rare.
On to the feature. The race started out just as I figured as the outside front row starter Shannon Babb jumped into the lead. I felt early the highside would be where most of top 8 would venture to in order to sort things out. Turns out that is what happened and some drivers decided to make a night of it and would ultimately cost them their night. Several younger drivers were absolutely flying on top, but also out of control. Most wound up broke or had flat tires. But not Eric Smith
Smith used brains in his quest . He moved up using the bottom of the track and followed Jason Unzicker. They both were committed to running the bottom and due to the 10 cautions, the tires were in good shape. Smith was quoted as committing to the bottom to stay out of trouble because those who had rode the cushion were all no longer in the race. However with 6 to go and a fresh restart, Eric gambled and decided to change lines and went to the top. Unlike many who attempted to run the top, Eric drove his car in with some degree of caution. He wasn't running it so hard that jumping the cushion and bouncing off the wall would hamper his ability to pass Unizicker on the bottom. He drove 6 beautiful laps on top and from this viewers eyes, never bobbled once. He race program now is $10,000 greener.
Smith is a well respected driver here in central IL. He is a track champion locally at Farmer City and Fairbury. He is a tough competitor night in and out. No matter who the competition is locally, you can bet the #9 will be up there. He reminds me a lot of Roger Long in a way. Roger was always tough no matter who showed up. Only difference is Roger ran the top a lot more while i've seen Eric be able to use multiple grooves to pass the competition. In a race that is one of the tops in the state, it is deserved to see a local make the list of champions...one who is loyal to running locally.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Cold Weather Alert!
Wow fans...middle of September and I've turned on the heat in my house!
Still makes me wonder about this upcoming weekend. Many dirt late model Illinois drivers will make their way down south to compete at Pontoon Speedway....or better known to me as Granite City Speedway for a chance to cash in against the best in the World Of Outlaws special tomorrow night Sept 16. Then they will be onward to Peavley Speedway just south St. Louis.
While I'm not too concerned for the drivers...I have to say...man, the weather may kill some crowd expectancy. Back in April or even early May...we all yearned to get out of the house and at least get some outside time. A buddy of mine and I took in some early Farmer City raceway nights...only to sit in the truck most of the night. Yet though, we needed/wanted that because we knew the season was just getting started. You braved it knowing warmer days were ahead.
Now here it is ... middle September and already we are wondering if these late season races will even get in. Last check of the 3-4 day outlook showed in Illinois clear, but colder temperatures for the evenings. Will that kill some turnout in Granite City and Missouri? I sure hope not because at this late juncture of the season...remakes at this point could be very tough...if not impossible. I was thinking of Kankakee, IL tomorrow night...but too much uncertainty has this race fan likely listening to the local hometown football team.
Tis the season for uncertainty...but hey...uncertainty is life. I'll still be in Fairbury come snow Sunday.
SideBite27
Still makes me wonder about this upcoming weekend. Many dirt late model Illinois drivers will make their way down south to compete at Pontoon Speedway....or better known to me as Granite City Speedway for a chance to cash in against the best in the World Of Outlaws special tomorrow night Sept 16. Then they will be onward to Peavley Speedway just south St. Louis.
While I'm not too concerned for the drivers...I have to say...man, the weather may kill some crowd expectancy. Back in April or even early May...we all yearned to get out of the house and at least get some outside time. A buddy of mine and I took in some early Farmer City raceway nights...only to sit in the truck most of the night. Yet though, we needed/wanted that because we knew the season was just getting started. You braved it knowing warmer days were ahead.
Now here it is ... middle September and already we are wondering if these late season races will even get in. Last check of the 3-4 day outlook showed in Illinois clear, but colder temperatures for the evenings. Will that kill some turnout in Granite City and Missouri? I sure hope not because at this late juncture of the season...remakes at this point could be very tough...if not impossible. I was thinking of Kankakee, IL tomorrow night...but too much uncertainty has this race fan likely listening to the local hometown football team.
Tis the season for uncertainty...but hey...uncertainty is life. I'll still be in Fairbury come snow Sunday.
SideBite27
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Prairie Dirt Classic 2011 - Fairbury Speedway
I thought I'd take sometime today and discuss my thoughts on one of Illinois's best races to attend. It is the annual Prairie Dirt Classic held at the American Legion speedway in Fairbury, IL. This is one of state's premier races sanctioned by the United Midwestern Promoters. It pays $10,000 to win winner of the 50 lap feature.
This is the 22nd running of the event. The first event was held in 1990 and was won by local favorite and still active driver Snooky Dehm of Chatsworth, IL. I remember him holding on for that win after he gave up the race late. He wound up leading the last 7 laps for the $3500 payday. It was by far the biggest win in his career. The most disappointed that night had to of been Tom Pauly...as he took the lead from Snooky late only to see his engine grenade the next lap after passing Dehm.
This race has had it fair share of repeat winners. When I say repeat though, I should say repeating...in streaks. A now retired dirt late model racer from IL who has shared 5 wins...through 2 streaks is Bob Pierce of Danville, IL. Bob won back to back titles in 1994 and 1995 and then went on for the three peat from 1999-2001. He is tied for most wins with current active driver from Arkansas...Billy Moyer
So on to this year. What to expect. Well for starters the local talent here in IL will be in full force Sunday night. Expect to see the likes of Smith, Erb, Babb, Bull, Feger, Friedman, Lance, Weaver, Spitola, Unizicker...and list goes on. With the cool weather the way it has been this week across central IL, I expect the track to be pretty heavy and to hold moisture through the night. In my opinion, this holds well for drivers like Feger, Spitola, Bull who all love to ride the dangerous side on the top and hold it to the floor. However Fairbury's bottom groove always seems to come into play, so I look for it to be the choice of lane come feature time for those picking their way through the pack. Expect to see the top 4 use the first 10 laps to ride the momentum on top. By lap 15, I'm thinking lap traffic will pull them off the top...and then the real racing will begin.
My prediction: I expect IL driver such as Feger, Smith and Spitola to contend. Bull has been awfully tough. However, the rumors are some of the nations best will be making up the trip up Sunday from a big race held in Peavley, MO. I'll take Wisconsin's Jimmy Mars, Jason Feger, Billy Moyer, Shannon Babb, Scottie Bull for my top 5.
SideBite27
This is the 22nd running of the event. The first event was held in 1990 and was won by local favorite and still active driver Snooky Dehm of Chatsworth, IL. I remember him holding on for that win after he gave up the race late. He wound up leading the last 7 laps for the $3500 payday. It was by far the biggest win in his career. The most disappointed that night had to of been Tom Pauly...as he took the lead from Snooky late only to see his engine grenade the next lap after passing Dehm.
This race has had it fair share of repeat winners. When I say repeat though, I should say repeating...in streaks. A now retired dirt late model racer from IL who has shared 5 wins...through 2 streaks is Bob Pierce of Danville, IL. Bob won back to back titles in 1994 and 1995 and then went on for the three peat from 1999-2001. He is tied for most wins with current active driver from Arkansas...Billy Moyer
So on to this year. What to expect. Well for starters the local talent here in IL will be in full force Sunday night. Expect to see the likes of Smith, Erb, Babb, Bull, Feger, Friedman, Lance, Weaver, Spitola, Unizicker...and list goes on. With the cool weather the way it has been this week across central IL, I expect the track to be pretty heavy and to hold moisture through the night. In my opinion, this holds well for drivers like Feger, Spitola, Bull who all love to ride the dangerous side on the top and hold it to the floor. However Fairbury's bottom groove always seems to come into play, so I look for it to be the choice of lane come feature time for those picking their way through the pack. Expect to see the top 4 use the first 10 laps to ride the momentum on top. By lap 15, I'm thinking lap traffic will pull them off the top...and then the real racing will begin.
My prediction: I expect IL driver such as Feger, Smith and Spitola to contend. Bull has been awfully tough. However, the rumors are some of the nations best will be making up the trip up Sunday from a big race held in Peavley, MO. I'll take Wisconsin's Jimmy Mars, Jason Feger, Billy Moyer, Shannon Babb, Scottie Bull for my top 5.
SideBite27
Monday, September 12, 2011
Greetings IL Dirt Late Model Fans
Welcome to my first post related to my website based on the sport of late model dirt track racing in the state of Illinois. It is a sport that I've grown up around and love it still to this day.
I'm 36 years old, been married 6 years and have 2 kids. Life at the house can be hectic...so sometimes you got to go to where you still feel like a kid again. For me, I head to the nearby race tracks here in IL...or even venture 2-3 hrs away to some I've not been to in quite some time. I've been going to races since I was probably 4-5 years old. So since about 1980 or so, I've had the opportunity to see some great drivers come and go.
I 'm passionate about the sport and how much it has grown in 30 plus years. Sure there are those who have been around longer than me and can speak of sport from the mid 70's on back. To that I say, welcome! Share you commnets and educate me. Can't fault a guy who just wasn't born back then. I'm a history buff and I love to hear about past drivers and their tales.
However I'll also be blogging on some the races I took in over summer. I'll also be noting about some races that are late season races out of state where competitors from Illinois are competeing. One of my goals with this blog I have is I want to try and update some of you on the whereabouts of some of the drivers who have retired and what they are doing now that their sun has set.
Again, welcome!
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