Hear a lot of people say they hate Tony Stewart. Why? I know the guy has had a fair share of growing up problems over the years. He was hated because he always felt there was a level of racing that he was at that no every driver felt he was at. Tony had it easy coming up. Had the best cars, best crews, best that money could by. By the mid 80's he was a dirt track name that everyone knew of. However when he'd come to visiting tracks...Tony was not someone that you'd really want to be around
Tony's nickname is, "Smoke" and for good reason. He's got the worst temper of any racer that i've ever read about or seen. He had only one thing on his mind when he came to a track...win and win big. It was nothing for him to have to get even more controversial. Tony would not tolerate any racer coming close to him when he was leading. Racing hard was one thing. Racing hard agaisnt Tony when he was up front was another. It was his belief he was above competition...yet sometimes the competition didn't buckle to him.
Racing on the dirt track fell old to Tony and even though he'd ran the Indy 500 many times and will always be an open wheel lover, his heart lied on the big time. NASCAR came calling in the late 90's as the sport really blew up. Joe Gibbs snapped him up and he immediately found a calling on asphalt even though it was something he was never comfortable doing. Had it not been for Big E helping him out to get some guidance in his head...he'd of quit, or been dead.
Tony is good for racing thoug in so many ways. He loves the sport and doesn't care the cookie cutter images you see in pro sports. Dude is a racer and is a racer no matter his money or fame. He's mellowed out more over the years and with him owning Eldora now, he gets his chance to come back and show his roots. But the bottom line is he races hard every night and that is what you have to like in the guy.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Shickle...A IL Racing Family
Bloomington, IL is home to a racing family that has continued to crank out dirt late model drivers through the years. The numbers should stand out when you see them enter the track. S95, 5 and probably most populard, the S10. These are the numbers 3 drivers who share the same last name and a love for speed on the 1/4 mile raceways across IL. The Shickles.
Frank Shickle Sr, Frank Shickle Jr, Eddie Shickle, Flip Shickle and Lisa Shickle all have made their way to may pit areas through the years. It started back with the familiar orange 95S and continues to the 3 generation driver of Lisa. Though they are all cousincs and family, they all have had their fair share of success, some more than others.
Frank Sr had his heyday back in the 70's and laid a foundation for son Frank Jr. Frank Sr raced against the likes Sammy Lee, Joe Williams and Jack Tyne and earned a few wins over his years. He still runs when he can. Eddie Shickle was in teh familiar #5 and had one of the sweetest looking cars when I was a kid. Had camero stub pretty pink #5 that'll i'll never forget. Eddie no longer drives but still can be found at the track from time to time. Probably the most successful out of the bunch was Frank Schikle Jr in the S10. Jr likes to run the Nascar sanctioned tracks but still is very compeititive when he arrives at the track.
Through the years Frank Jr has had a few kids that have made their ways behind the wheel. Flip Shickle started back in the late 90's and has had enough experience to where he can be compeitive. Add on top of that the like of his sister Lisa and you have a few more Shickles for many of us in the area to watch and see develop much like the peers they call uncle, grandpa and dad.
Frank Shickle Sr, Frank Shickle Jr, Eddie Shickle, Flip Shickle and Lisa Shickle all have made their way to may pit areas through the years. It started back with the familiar orange 95S and continues to the 3 generation driver of Lisa. Though they are all cousincs and family, they all have had their fair share of success, some more than others.
Frank Sr had his heyday back in the 70's and laid a foundation for son Frank Jr. Frank Sr raced against the likes Sammy Lee, Joe Williams and Jack Tyne and earned a few wins over his years. He still runs when he can. Eddie Shickle was in teh familiar #5 and had one of the sweetest looking cars when I was a kid. Had camero stub pretty pink #5 that'll i'll never forget. Eddie no longer drives but still can be found at the track from time to time. Probably the most successful out of the bunch was Frank Schikle Jr in the S10. Jr likes to run the Nascar sanctioned tracks but still is very compeititive when he arrives at the track.
Through the years Frank Jr has had a few kids that have made their ways behind the wheel. Flip Shickle started back in the late 90's and has had enough experience to where he can be compeitive. Add on top of that the like of his sister Lisa and you have a few more Shickles for many of us in the area to watch and see develop much like the peers they call uncle, grandpa and dad.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Best Track in IL
So I've not brought up the subject of best track in the state. Yet i've posted quite often on the tracks I've attended, some more than others. Remember, I'm only giving an opinion. I've seen a lot of these tracks change since the early 80's so my opinion will vary. We'll start with track number 4.
I posted in a article that Kankakee was Chicago's home to late model racing. They opened up in the early 40's and even though there is no actual documentation on to races held before then, there is spectator witness to the events before hand. But Kankakee lives on. It has been shutdown and reopend many times. My love of the track is that it is flat and really makes a driver earn his pay when he shows. You don't qualify good there...no way you have a chance.
3rd goes to Farmer City. The track is by far the fastest in the state. However i'm going to step out of the racing for a second and talk facilities. Much much overdue for some changes. This track did lose a lot of support the last few years cause of a town rivalry on who should own the track and who should have rights to it. Best thing that happened is that too good guys who enjoy the sport took hold of it and made it into what it is today. Next thing up...some upgrades.
2nd is Fairbury. Love that track. Has the best racing in the last 2 years and for it not to be named track of the year this year would be a travesty. I attended many regular nights and saw many last lap passes and many terrific finishes. Reason I say it isn't number one to me is not cause it is terrible...but it does rubber up on that deep black surface and can make for a very boring race time to time.
Number 1, Canton. Baby Eldora is what I call it. Very nice track, high banked and the cars really have the room to run. No wall a the facility, just downright horsepower to guide you the way. If you fault, you are either too slow or you have no control. The most unfortunate part of this track is there are no regular late model races. The track doesn't draw all that well and they are stuck with boring open whell racing. However it is still the best track in this viewers eye.
I posted in a article that Kankakee was Chicago's home to late model racing. They opened up in the early 40's and even though there is no actual documentation on to races held before then, there is spectator witness to the events before hand. But Kankakee lives on. It has been shutdown and reopend many times. My love of the track is that it is flat and really makes a driver earn his pay when he shows. You don't qualify good there...no way you have a chance.
3rd goes to Farmer City. The track is by far the fastest in the state. However i'm going to step out of the racing for a second and talk facilities. Much much overdue for some changes. This track did lose a lot of support the last few years cause of a town rivalry on who should own the track and who should have rights to it. Best thing that happened is that too good guys who enjoy the sport took hold of it and made it into what it is today. Next thing up...some upgrades.
2nd is Fairbury. Love that track. Has the best racing in the last 2 years and for it not to be named track of the year this year would be a travesty. I attended many regular nights and saw many last lap passes and many terrific finishes. Reason I say it isn't number one to me is not cause it is terrible...but it does rubber up on that deep black surface and can make for a very boring race time to time.
Number 1, Canton. Baby Eldora is what I call it. Very nice track, high banked and the cars really have the room to run. No wall a the facility, just downright horsepower to guide you the way. If you fault, you are either too slow or you have no control. The most unfortunate part of this track is there are no regular late model races. The track doesn't draw all that well and they are stuck with boring open whell racing. However it is still the best track in this viewers eye.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Dick Taylor Memories
Watching the St. Louis Cardinals tonight made me think of a driver who still isn't afraid to get behind the wheel. You look at him and think, hell...he isn't that old. Yet he has had successful son do a lot of what his father made a name for himself doing here in central IL. Where you been Dick Taylor?
When I was a kid watching the best of central IL run at Farmer City, one of the slickest looking cars on a speedway each night was that of none other than Springfield's Dick Taylor. He was sort of a kid to the track as well. He looked like a kid to. Dick isn't and never was very tall but he always had nice smile on the face and to say it frank...raced everyone clean.
I said he had the slickest looking car to race against. I still remeber how a man could put yellow, white and and some red trim on a car. It was slick. Whitey Herzog was the Cardinals manager in St. Louis at that time and he would of vouched for a little yellow trim afer how Dick decked out his car. Wondering why I referenced the St. Louis Cardinals in all this? Well it had to do with Dick's sponsors.
When Dick rolled out on to a track, he was easily identified in his #24. Yet what stood out to me was his sponsorship. He was sponsored by the Springfield Cardinals at that time...a minor leage, AAA team to the boys in St. Louis. He had his logo on the car decked out like the real deal with the twin birds sitting on both ends of the bats. At that time in teh 80's, that logo was easily identifyable to kids of my age and I easily had a connection with what the #24 was doing on the track.
Dick won his fair share of races and to name his top prizes, probably comes with his accomplishments at Macon Speedway, Springfield and Farmer City. He is a winner of the Hearld and Review 100 along with numerous races across many speedways in central IL. Dick still runs Dick Taylor Auto Body in Springfield and in looking at pictures, he hasn't changed a bit. Glad I had to see him run through the years and enjoyed seeing his son run just as good. Thanks for the memories Dick!
When I was a kid watching the best of central IL run at Farmer City, one of the slickest looking cars on a speedway each night was that of none other than Springfield's Dick Taylor. He was sort of a kid to the track as well. He looked like a kid to. Dick isn't and never was very tall but he always had nice smile on the face and to say it frank...raced everyone clean.
I said he had the slickest looking car to race against. I still remeber how a man could put yellow, white and and some red trim on a car. It was slick. Whitey Herzog was the Cardinals manager in St. Louis at that time and he would of vouched for a little yellow trim afer how Dick decked out his car. Wondering why I referenced the St. Louis Cardinals in all this? Well it had to do with Dick's sponsors.
When Dick rolled out on to a track, he was easily identified in his #24. Yet what stood out to me was his sponsorship. He was sponsored by the Springfield Cardinals at that time...a minor leage, AAA team to the boys in St. Louis. He had his logo on the car decked out like the real deal with the twin birds sitting on both ends of the bats. At that time in teh 80's, that logo was easily identifyable to kids of my age and I easily had a connection with what the #24 was doing on the track.
Dick won his fair share of races and to name his top prizes, probably comes with his accomplishments at Macon Speedway, Springfield and Farmer City. He is a winner of the Hearld and Review 100 along with numerous races across many speedways in central IL. Dick still runs Dick Taylor Auto Body in Springfield and in looking at pictures, he hasn't changed a bit. Glad I had to see him run through the years and enjoyed seeing his son run just as good. Thanks for the memories Dick!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Catching up with Joe Williams
I'm fourtunate to have known Joe a long time. Joe started racing back before I was born, but I was able to see his final days behind the 112 before he retired. Joe is always just a real nice guy to be around and never was too shy to sit down for a beer and some good conversation. Suprisingly though, you don't always hear him talk to much abou this race days. Joe always says that if he gets to talking about it, he'll go home and dream about it again. Totally understand.
Joe still resides in Arrowsmith and still makes his way around the area. He used to be a Jeep enthusist and always had a great eye on them. He still has one that I know of that to my knowledge has not sold even though being offered several time. He still has a love of automobiles as he is always quick to jump into any conversation about vehicles. Sometimes a gear head never can walk away from what he knows.
My recolection of Joe racing in the early 80's was mostly at Farmer City. I still remember some nights up in Kankakee. Joe's cars were always very recognizable in the baby and royal blue pait scheme. Of course his 112 was a unique number beings it wasn't very often to see a triple digit number. I recall a few Joe's sponsors. He was sponsored by his employer, Glass Specialty for a number of years. I remember antoher sponsor in Strickland Cheverlotte. He also was loyal to his long time buddy and at one time racing competition Butch Hixon. In all the years I can recall, Joe drove Hixon motors until he retired.
As stated before, Joe lives in Arrowsmith where he is retired now. He has had some health issues the last few years. He recently had a stint put in and a few years back had some work done on his shoulder. He takes time out during the farming season to help a long time friend get his crops in and out. He enjoys being with his long time friends and occasionally you'll see him behind the wheel of a RV as he likes to take in some camping and boating. As far as being at a race track, he's been there a few times and being able to watch is easier on the memory that it used to be.
Joe still resides in Arrowsmith and still makes his way around the area. He used to be a Jeep enthusist and always had a great eye on them. He still has one that I know of that to my knowledge has not sold even though being offered several time. He still has a love of automobiles as he is always quick to jump into any conversation about vehicles. Sometimes a gear head never can walk away from what he knows.
My recolection of Joe racing in the early 80's was mostly at Farmer City. I still remember some nights up in Kankakee. Joe's cars were always very recognizable in the baby and royal blue pait scheme. Of course his 112 was a unique number beings it wasn't very often to see a triple digit number. I recall a few Joe's sponsors. He was sponsored by his employer, Glass Specialty for a number of years. I remember antoher sponsor in Strickland Cheverlotte. He also was loyal to his long time buddy and at one time racing competition Butch Hixon. In all the years I can recall, Joe drove Hixon motors until he retired.
As stated before, Joe lives in Arrowsmith where he is retired now. He has had some health issues the last few years. He recently had a stint put in and a few years back had some work done on his shoulder. He takes time out during the farming season to help a long time friend get his crops in and out. He enjoys being with his long time friends and occasionally you'll see him behind the wheel of a RV as he likes to take in some camping and boating. As far as being at a race track, he's been there a few times and being able to watch is easier on the memory that it used to be.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Passion For Dirt Tracking
Where does it begin? Does it start by watching Nascar on TV? Does it start by hearing about it from a friend. I've alwasy wondered what is that makes fans of dirt racing so much more passionate about their style verse say, sprint cars. For me, it was easy, I grew up around it and was the fortuneate son to a father who had a super stock in the early 80's shacked up in the shed and was witness to the crew taking care of it nightly
So I asked around to some of my friends what it was that drew them to wanting to go stock car dirt track racing on weekends. Interesting I found out it was different for everyone. One guy said he went with his parents because his mom or dad enjoyed going. Another said he got into it cause he went to highschool with a now driver. Another said it was something for him and his girlfriend to do on a summer night cause there parents where there as well.
No matter the source of the desire, it seems to me that the reason people are into this sport is because of family. About everyone that is friends with me stated that even before they had a favorite driver or had a friend who may of been driving, they all say it was about going to the track with their parents. They state that that without the ability to go with their parents as a kid, they may never know the enjoyment of racing at the local level. Once again, just goes to show you that parents do know what sticks to a kid that will run with them for the rest of their lives.
So I asked around to some of my friends what it was that drew them to wanting to go stock car dirt track racing on weekends. Interesting I found out it was different for everyone. One guy said he went with his parents because his mom or dad enjoyed going. Another said he got into it cause he went to highschool with a now driver. Another said it was something for him and his girlfriend to do on a summer night cause there parents where there as well.
No matter the source of the desire, it seems to me that the reason people are into this sport is because of family. About everyone that is friends with me stated that even before they had a favorite driver or had a friend who may of been driving, they all say it was about going to the track with their parents. They state that that without the ability to go with their parents as a kid, they may never know the enjoyment of racing at the local level. Once again, just goes to show you that parents do know what sticks to a kid that will run with them for the rest of their lives.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Wehldon Wreck Raises Concerns
Going to dive off dirt track racing this time and discuss my thoughts on the now continued talk of safety after the tragedy at Las Vegas speedway Sunday. Like the death of Dale Earnhardt back in 2001, every one was ready to jump the gun and question the safety of driving. It has led to some improvements on race tracks with addition of foam walls and the "hanz" device as required driving gear. But what more is needed this time?
Look, this is open wheel racing and it is at times the funnest and fast racing, while at time it can be as boring as watching a tree grow. These cars are designed for bigger faster tracks that have less bank. They are areodynamically sound with different wings and and wedge to cut through the air. So when you put these cars on the track that is 1.5 miles and banked, you are going to see some very fast, very quick manuvering of the cars to where you have the recipe for a crowd delight and a drivers nightmare.
What happened on Sunday was a tragedy, but this is racing. Every driver knows the risk they take when they strap in and fire that motor up. But why do we have to question the safety again? This was an accident that happened and it Dans death wasn't becuase he wasn't safe. Dan died because open wheel racing does expose the human body more that stock car racing. Always has. The head of the driver is only protected by a helmet and if the car does happen to flip or in Dan's case, goes head long into the catch fence...the head and spin can't take that force. As unfortunate as it is, this is what got Dan...and that is the open wheel racing risks these drivers take.
Look, this is open wheel racing and it is at times the funnest and fast racing, while at time it can be as boring as watching a tree grow. These cars are designed for bigger faster tracks that have less bank. They are areodynamically sound with different wings and and wedge to cut through the air. So when you put these cars on the track that is 1.5 miles and banked, you are going to see some very fast, very quick manuvering of the cars to where you have the recipe for a crowd delight and a drivers nightmare.
What happened on Sunday was a tragedy, but this is racing. Every driver knows the risk they take when they strap in and fire that motor up. But why do we have to question the safety again? This was an accident that happened and it Dans death wasn't becuase he wasn't safe. Dan died because open wheel racing does expose the human body more that stock car racing. Always has. The head of the driver is only protected by a helmet and if the car does happen to flip or in Dan's case, goes head long into the catch fence...the head and spin can't take that force. As unfortunate as it is, this is what got Dan...and that is the open wheel racing risks these drivers take.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Another Show This Weekend
Took some time to do some race surfing tonight and found a pleasant surprise. Looks like Tri City Speedway is throwing one last race before the gouls come forth next weekend. Looks like the super models and pro crate series will be the only 2 classes running on Saturday night. Nothing wrong with that. With little to any tracks still running this time of year, there may be a few more cars that show up in both series. Good for car count, but bad for the track. This time of year, with cool conditions and little moisture in the air, the track stands to get real tough and could rubber up real easy.
One of the popular and succesful drivers that has made a name for himself in southern IL as well as dirt late model racing is Randy Korte. Randy has been driving his usual #00 since the 90's. Randy is well known at souther IL tracks as well as Indiana and northern Kentucky. He won several races at Paducha, Highland and Kentucy Lake Speedway. In checking the results, I see Randy also won at Tri City last Saturday night and to me is the easy odds on favorite. I choose Randy to have a good change not only cause he is a good driver, but the tracks even in southern IL have a different feel than most other tracks north of I70. Tracks in the south have a different feel and you have to really be smart in tire strategy. Going too soft to early can lead to a nice early run and wind up skating the rest of the night. Randy has that experience and racing this late in the season on a home type track could server well for him.
One of the popular and succesful drivers that has made a name for himself in southern IL as well as dirt late model racing is Randy Korte. Randy has been driving his usual #00 since the 90's. Randy is well known at souther IL tracks as well as Indiana and northern Kentucky. He won several races at Paducha, Highland and Kentucy Lake Speedway. In checking the results, I see Randy also won at Tri City last Saturday night and to me is the easy odds on favorite. I choose Randy to have a good change not only cause he is a good driver, but the tracks even in southern IL have a different feel than most other tracks north of I70. Tracks in the south have a different feel and you have to really be smart in tire strategy. Going too soft to early can lead to a nice early run and wind up skating the rest of the night. Randy has that experience and racing this late in the season on a home type track could server well for him.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Smooth Opearting at Kokomo
Looks like the area's kid took home the special event at the Kokomo Speedway in Inidana last night in Indiana. Bobby Pierce Jr took the 2011 payday to earn yet another victory in what has in this writers eye been a succesfull rookie season competing in the late model division. Matter of fact, Bobby was named the rookie of the year in UMP. While he was certainly had to enjoy the win last night, I'm sure the sting of the summertnationals at Fairbury has yet to wear off. That race was his.
Not of interest at Kokomo speedway came from another well known IL driver that hails from Gibson City. Seems Kevin Weaver might of had something for the smooth operator as Kevin accomplished quit a feat last night. He was unable to take part in his qualifying heat last night due to mechanical issues. Kevin started last in the semi-feature and his machine was hooked up as he passed all the way up to 2nd to make the show and start 18th. During the feature, Kevin was the man to watch. Again, hooked up and hauling, he moved all the through the field and wound up finishing 2nd to Pierce. Certainly a noteworty effort from the driver who really seemed to turn his season around since mid August.
Kokomo is not a track i've been to, but I went to their website at i was able to watch a race that featured non wing mini sprints. The track is good size and appeared to be in good shape. They put on weekly 2 day shows through the summer and feature a lot of different classes. I've heard of the track and an interesting fact about the speedway is that it was featured on a former race show called Thursday night thunder. Of course they only showed open wheel racing...as this track is after all in Indiana. Certainly worth a trip to see come next year.
For more information on Kokomo, visit; www.kokomospeedway.net/
RIP Dan Wheldon. We'll miss you.
Not of interest at Kokomo speedway came from another well known IL driver that hails from Gibson City. Seems Kevin Weaver might of had something for the smooth operator as Kevin accomplished quit a feat last night. He was unable to take part in his qualifying heat last night due to mechanical issues. Kevin started last in the semi-feature and his machine was hooked up as he passed all the way up to 2nd to make the show and start 18th. During the feature, Kevin was the man to watch. Again, hooked up and hauling, he moved all the through the field and wound up finishing 2nd to Pierce. Certainly a noteworty effort from the driver who really seemed to turn his season around since mid August.
Kokomo is not a track i've been to, but I went to their website at i was able to watch a race that featured non wing mini sprints. The track is good size and appeared to be in good shape. They put on weekly 2 day shows through the summer and feature a lot of different classes. I've heard of the track and an interesting fact about the speedway is that it was featured on a former race show called Thursday night thunder. Of course they only showed open wheel racing...as this track is after all in Indiana. Certainly worth a trip to see come next year.
For more information on Kokomo, visit; www.kokomospeedway.net/
RIP Dan Wheldon. We'll miss you.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Locals Represent Well At UMP Fall Nationals
The famed dirt half mile known as Eldora speedway was the scene of last weekend's UMP Fall nationals featuring dirt late models and open wheeled modifieds. The weather couldn't of been any better as the day grew unseasonally warm and made for an enjoyable stay for those who took in the event. It made it real hard to come to a realization that we are almost halfway through the month of October and the temperatures are surely going to drop for us here in the midwest.
The state of IL was very represented at this years event. The winner went to Michigan's Jeep Van Wormer. After that, the top 5 has IL all over it. Frank Heckenast Jr took runner up. Bloomington's wild man Jason Feger won his head and took home 3rd. This years UMP points champion Ryan Unzicker took home the 4th spot. Other notables that made the trip to Ohio and did compete were Fairbury speedway regular Derick Chandler and from Highland, IL Brandon sheppart. Both did make the show but finished outside the top 10.
It is not uncommon for IL drivers to do well at Eldora when big money is not on line the lind. But when it is, some IL drivers have made the big money shows, but throug them all, none have ever won. There has been some close ones and a runner up, but never anyone to get the picture with the trophy girls. Shannon Babb took the checkered flag a few years ago only to be DQ'd for weighing less than 2300 pounds at the end of the night. Beyond that, you have to go back to Kevin Weaver of Gibson City as he took 2nd in the World 100 in the late 90's. However I have a feeling with the gruop of drivers that are just getting good at their hobby, this may change in the future.
For more infomration on Eldora, visit: www.eldoraspeedway.com/
For Frank Heckenast Jr info: www.frankjr99.com
Jason Feger: www.jasonfeger.com
Ryan Unzicker: http://www.ryanunzicker.com/
The state of IL was very represented at this years event. The winner went to Michigan's Jeep Van Wormer. After that, the top 5 has IL all over it. Frank Heckenast Jr took runner up. Bloomington's wild man Jason Feger won his head and took home 3rd. This years UMP points champion Ryan Unzicker took home the 4th spot. Other notables that made the trip to Ohio and did compete were Fairbury speedway regular Derick Chandler and from Highland, IL Brandon sheppart. Both did make the show but finished outside the top 10.
It is not uncommon for IL drivers to do well at Eldora when big money is not on line the lind. But when it is, some IL drivers have made the big money shows, but throug them all, none have ever won. There has been some close ones and a runner up, but never anyone to get the picture with the trophy girls. Shannon Babb took the checkered flag a few years ago only to be DQ'd for weighing less than 2300 pounds at the end of the night. Beyond that, you have to go back to Kevin Weaver of Gibson City as he took 2nd in the World 100 in the late 90's. However I have a feeling with the gruop of drivers that are just getting good at their hobby, this may change in the future.
For more infomration on Eldora, visit: www.eldoraspeedway.com/
For Frank Heckenast Jr info: www.frankjr99.com
Jason Feger: www.jasonfeger.com
Ryan Unzicker: http://www.ryanunzicker.com/
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
When Is It Too Early
Thought I'd bring up a topic today that has to do when most drivers first start their career...and is it too young?
Central IL boasts a nice array of drivers that will be tough for any out of starter contend against. These drivers have been now driving the local tracks for a solid 2 to 3 years and some more but in a lesser class. It used to be something to see mid 20 year old driver make his way on to the track and begin his career. Oh how time has changed.
2 names of Bobby Pierce Jr. and Brandon Sheppard are not even old enough to play on a varsity football team, yet they master the 800 horsepower beast every summer weekend. Both the these drivers are the sons of well known and hall of fame worthy fathers. So it comes as no surprise that after watching their hero take the track many of many nights, they'd want to be like dad.
But is it too early when they are not even in college. Some say no because it is the wave of how the next best gets discoverd. Some say yes because despite all thier dad's advice, they still don't respect the competition and tear not only their own stuff up, but the compeitors as well. Some veterans agree that it takes experience to get better, but you have to learn the respect of your fellow racers first and foremost before really getting to know the art of going fast.
Fortunately there is no rule that prevents a driver from driving. It is a matter of signing a waver. This has always been a rebel type of sporting event where going fast is first and foremost. Playing the rules game only applies to what goes on the track and not neccicarily who is on the track.
Central IL boasts a nice array of drivers that will be tough for any out of starter contend against. These drivers have been now driving the local tracks for a solid 2 to 3 years and some more but in a lesser class. It used to be something to see mid 20 year old driver make his way on to the track and begin his career. Oh how time has changed.
2 names of Bobby Pierce Jr. and Brandon Sheppard are not even old enough to play on a varsity football team, yet they master the 800 horsepower beast every summer weekend. Both the these drivers are the sons of well known and hall of fame worthy fathers. So it comes as no surprise that after watching their hero take the track many of many nights, they'd want to be like dad.
But is it too early when they are not even in college. Some say no because it is the wave of how the next best gets discoverd. Some say yes because despite all thier dad's advice, they still don't respect the competition and tear not only their own stuff up, but the compeitors as well. Some veterans agree that it takes experience to get better, but you have to learn the respect of your fellow racers first and foremost before really getting to know the art of going fast.
Fortunately there is no rule that prevents a driver from driving. It is a matter of signing a waver. This has always been a rebel type of sporting event where going fast is first and foremost. Playing the rules game only applies to what goes on the track and not neccicarily who is on the track.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Track Champions
Why is there such things as a track championship?
I ask that question because in dirt late model racing around Illinois, to me it means really nothing. Some people look at is a staple of driver in the fact that he's seen his time, learned the track and conquered. Other times, it comes down to the type of mediocre driver who runs 3rd to 5th each night and winds up winning the points despite never really earning the checkers.
To me, track championships are nothing more than a way for a track to lure the local driver back over and over again to earn a legend status really never deserved. Out of respect of the drivers, i'll not quote any such named. But those who have watched over the years know where I am coming from. It is nothing that means a whole lot when you look at the career of a driver.
Case in point, take a look at the pros who run today. How many of them starting off worried about the $800 to win show only to hold that 5 point margin for that all important trophy at the end of the year. None, nada, zero. Nope, chasing track championships at local tracks mean you have zero desire to try and raise the level of your race program. Ledgend local verses name national. Way I see it.
If anything, the track championship does show potential and if anything improvement. In some cases, it shows nothing more than age...the more they win it. So why try to be old? Isn't that a sign that your time has came, gone and went?
I ask that question because in dirt late model racing around Illinois, to me it means really nothing. Some people look at is a staple of driver in the fact that he's seen his time, learned the track and conquered. Other times, it comes down to the type of mediocre driver who runs 3rd to 5th each night and winds up winning the points despite never really earning the checkers.
To me, track championships are nothing more than a way for a track to lure the local driver back over and over again to earn a legend status really never deserved. Out of respect of the drivers, i'll not quote any such named. But those who have watched over the years know where I am coming from. It is nothing that means a whole lot when you look at the career of a driver.
Case in point, take a look at the pros who run today. How many of them starting off worried about the $800 to win show only to hold that 5 point margin for that all important trophy at the end of the year. None, nada, zero. Nope, chasing track championships at local tracks mean you have zero desire to try and raise the level of your race program. Ledgend local verses name national. Way I see it.
If anything, the track championship does show potential and if anything improvement. In some cases, it shows nothing more than age...the more they win it. So why try to be old? Isn't that a sign that your time has came, gone and went?
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Slidejobs
Watched the nascar race today and saw another boring Jimmy Johnson win on another cookie cutter mile and a half tracl. Just brutal to watch. Made me wish for the these guys to get on a mile oval and run 100 laps. Why? Well they are technically the best drivers in the world, but I love to see drivers throw it in their hardest and use every inch of the track to advnace a postion. In other words...set em's up for a slidejob.
A slidejob is one of the funnest moves on a track for a spectator to watch, but it can also be the killer for a driver. Many of late race passes are the result of a slidejob type of pass. It can produce a last lap winner, a loss of position, or one hell of a wreck. It is usally seen on track that have wide sweeping cornors and usually a bit of bank. But this type of passing has made its way to the quarter to three eights size track and hae produced some hair raising moments.
The art of the slide job looks pretty easy to the casual observer, but it does take a some time to set it up. Normally, the car attempting to slidejob the front running competitor begins the move about mid striaght away. The driverf takes the car a little high mid straight away and then dives into the cornor on the very bottom while the driver he is trying to pass is running the cushion. Once the driver on the bottoms sets the car and gradually slides the car up to the exiting cornor cushion in front of the driver completeing the pass.
Now not all slide jobs are a sure thing. Some drivers running the cushion can maintaine their momentum and just re-pass the car by simply going underneath the driver who completed the pass. Some that do get passed wind up rear ending the other driver. For an example, click on this link and watch the top 2 postion drivers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nr1-0McXazw
Slidejobs require a lot of horsepower in order to hold the position after the pass. The best thing about the art of a slidejob, is that it can resutl and an incredibly fun battle, but as I sated before, patience can where thin and they might wind up getting together and ending each of the drivers night.
Still makes for some fun racing.
A slidejob is one of the funnest moves on a track for a spectator to watch, but it can also be the killer for a driver. Many of late race passes are the result of a slidejob type of pass. It can produce a last lap winner, a loss of position, or one hell of a wreck. It is usally seen on track that have wide sweeping cornors and usually a bit of bank. But this type of passing has made its way to the quarter to three eights size track and hae produced some hair raising moments.
The art of the slide job looks pretty easy to the casual observer, but it does take a some time to set it up. Normally, the car attempting to slidejob the front running competitor begins the move about mid striaght away. The driverf takes the car a little high mid straight away and then dives into the cornor on the very bottom while the driver he is trying to pass is running the cushion. Once the driver on the bottoms sets the car and gradually slides the car up to the exiting cornor cushion in front of the driver completeing the pass.
Now not all slide jobs are a sure thing. Some drivers running the cushion can maintaine their momentum and just re-pass the car by simply going underneath the driver who completed the pass. Some that do get passed wind up rear ending the other driver. For an example, click on this link and watch the top 2 postion drivers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nr1-0McXazw
Slidejobs require a lot of horsepower in order to hold the position after the pass. The best thing about the art of a slidejob, is that it can resutl and an incredibly fun battle, but as I sated before, patience can where thin and they might wind up getting together and ending each of the drivers night.
Still makes for some fun racing.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Remembering Leka
One of the drivers I grew up watching was out of Illeapolis, IL and he went by the name of Jim Leka.
What I remember of Jim is that he rarely came to the track each year with same number. Back when I was following Joe Williams of Arrowsmith, I remember Leka dominating races at Farmer City in the basic white car with the red number 7. Sometimes he'd come on the track with just a number made of duct tape. It didn't matter though, Jim was very tough to beat and would be for years
As time went on, Jim settled on a bullet chassis and drove the number 40. In 1987 he ended up winning the UMP points series. He never was one though who came to track with the latest up to date hauler and equipment. No Jim showed up witn a basic open trailer and pick up truck. His equipment was all in the bed of the truck. He didn't even have a tire rack on the trailer that I can remember.
Jim's driving style was tough, but smooth. I remember when he was winning lots of features at Macon and Farmer City, he'd never go in the cornor so hard that he have to throw the car to come around. He drove the cushion and never bouned off of it. His style allowed for the car to never be really out of shape and sideways and he could pull more out of the cornors. Younger drivers at that time like Kevin Weaver of Gibson City and Jim Rarick of Mowequa drove into corners hard and had to throw the cars as that was their style to make the cars work. Later on, their driving styles changed up, but not after Leka became the cream of central IL in the mid to late 80's.
What I remember of Jim is that he rarely came to the track each year with same number. Back when I was following Joe Williams of Arrowsmith, I remember Leka dominating races at Farmer City in the basic white car with the red number 7. Sometimes he'd come on the track with just a number made of duct tape. It didn't matter though, Jim was very tough to beat and would be for years
As time went on, Jim settled on a bullet chassis and drove the number 40. In 1987 he ended up winning the UMP points series. He never was one though who came to track with the latest up to date hauler and equipment. No Jim showed up witn a basic open trailer and pick up truck. His equipment was all in the bed of the truck. He didn't even have a tire rack on the trailer that I can remember.
Jim's driving style was tough, but smooth. I remember when he was winning lots of features at Macon and Farmer City, he'd never go in the cornor so hard that he have to throw the car to come around. He drove the cushion and never bouned off of it. His style allowed for the car to never be really out of shape and sideways and he could pull more out of the cornors. Younger drivers at that time like Kevin Weaver of Gibson City and Jim Rarick of Mowequa drove into corners hard and had to throw the cars as that was their style to make the cars work. Later on, their driving styles changed up, but not after Leka became the cream of central IL in the mid to late 80's.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Time Trials
So for some inperation on a topic tonight...I asked what do you not like...to my 15 year old kid.
So she answered...quaulifying. I asked are you serious? She said it takes too much time and bores her.
Pardon my daughter for being an idiot of the sport...but you know what...it does deserve a thought.
When I was younger, I hated street stocks. They took forever to qualify and it seemed they multiplied every weekend. The show for the night took longer and my patience would wear thin. But through technology the class of cars got better. Thus improvement.
Tracks and sanctioning bodies have done sooo much better now in how they handle qualifying. As much as i think every track should have a 1 lap chance, it simply cant't be done. With city curfews in order and much demand to have the race in by a certain time...we've seen qualifying turned into a draw.
However, thoughts have went into those that mattered. I welcome GPS.
GPS is the wave...and why not give it a chance. Lets face it. All the classes...their costs to race have went up. What makes things worse is they show up at the track...and are forced to draw for their starting position. It is not right. GPS makes it easier to get more than one car on the the track. Let them run 2 laps with multiple cars on the race track and do their thing. Let the computer do its thing.
It cuts down time and it allows for those who have limited budgets, but a good car, to be able to compete. Let technology do what it is intended to do...make things right.
So she answered...quaulifying. I asked are you serious? She said it takes too much time and bores her.
Pardon my daughter for being an idiot of the sport...but you know what...it does deserve a thought.
When I was younger, I hated street stocks. They took forever to qualify and it seemed they multiplied every weekend. The show for the night took longer and my patience would wear thin. But through technology the class of cars got better. Thus improvement.
Tracks and sanctioning bodies have done sooo much better now in how they handle qualifying. As much as i think every track should have a 1 lap chance, it simply cant't be done. With city curfews in order and much demand to have the race in by a certain time...we've seen qualifying turned into a draw.
However, thoughts have went into those that mattered. I welcome GPS.
GPS is the wave...and why not give it a chance. Lets face it. All the classes...their costs to race have went up. What makes things worse is they show up at the track...and are forced to draw for their starting position. It is not right. GPS makes it easier to get more than one car on the the track. Let them run 2 laps with multiple cars on the race track and do their thing. Let the computer do its thing.
It cuts down time and it allows for those who have limited budgets, but a good car, to be able to compete. Let technology do what it is intended to do...make things right.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Highland Speedway
Make no mistake about it. Central Illinois houses some of, if not the best late model drivers in the state. Anytime the big shows spring up through the spring and the summer, most time more than not, the top drivers call home here in east central IL. That is not to say though that the southern part of the state does not have anyone who can't compete. In fact, they house a few drivers that have made a name or two when visiting central IL
To find some of these drivers, lets take a look at the best track in southern IL, Highland Speedway. Highland is a quarter mile trace with good size bank. This year's late model track championship left no doubt he'll be back based upon his performance the last night of the year. Chad Zobirst finished 2nd to Michael Kloos who made the most of the night as he took the dash and turned around to win the feature event later that night. Those 2 drivers continually battle and will be back
However, some of the best in southern IL make Highland their home from time to time. This year summernational winner at Fairbury knows his way around the track...Rodney Melvin. Randy Kortee is no stranger to wins at the speedway. From a veterans standpoint, the track gets visits from Springfields own Matt Taylor. The one thing about the competition at Highland, you usually get a handful of competitors romo Missouri, Kentucky and Indiana.
The competition is tough in the south and so it should be no surprise to see some fo these drivers have success when venturing north bound. Just ask Steve's boy Brandon.
To find some of these drivers, lets take a look at the best track in southern IL, Highland Speedway. Highland is a quarter mile trace with good size bank. This year's late model track championship left no doubt he'll be back based upon his performance the last night of the year. Chad Zobirst finished 2nd to Michael Kloos who made the most of the night as he took the dash and turned around to win the feature event later that night. Those 2 drivers continually battle and will be back
However, some of the best in southern IL make Highland their home from time to time. This year summernational winner at Fairbury knows his way around the track...Rodney Melvin. Randy Kortee is no stranger to wins at the speedway. From a veterans standpoint, the track gets visits from Springfields own Matt Taylor. The one thing about the competition at Highland, you usually get a handful of competitors romo Missouri, Kentucky and Indiana.
The competition is tough in the south and so it should be no surprise to see some fo these drivers have success when venturing north bound. Just ask Steve's boy Brandon.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Entry List Be Damned
Just read over the weekend that the Highside Hustler known as Jason Feger decided to venture up into sprint car country and tackle Knoxville Speedway in Iowa. However the rumor mill had it he was going to be denied entry to the speedway cause he didn't submit his entry in early enough and make the top 66 entries. He made it known he was coming and still the track said he was not going to be allowed.
Feger made the trip anyway and was allowed to race even after many who had made it known they were not going to make the trip into Iown. Many of those including Rick Eckhardt stated to Feger...take my my spot. He is closer than most and with the weather unpredictable this time of year....why not give it up to someone who has a better chance of being there. Nothing wrong with it in my book.
I guess my thing about early entry fee's is what good do they really do. It doesn't cost a driver anything to submit an entry fee. If anything, they can submit more than a few a weekend and still choose where they want to go. Bottom line, this is a way for a track to advertise. This being Knoxville, they wanted to keep it open to those local and allow more to make the show from a local venture in my opinion.
This is sprint car country where the names of Swindell, Kinser and Schatz rule this landscape. They do not want to see a field of tough out of state late model drivers including a man like Feger coming in and give a show that would kick the pants of the Knoxville nationals on that flat track. But that is no surprise...times are tough no matter the tracks and if they can get more locals to keep the place going...that is what they will do.
Thanks Feger for trying despite their effort to deny.
Feger made the trip anyway and was allowed to race even after many who had made it known they were not going to make the trip into Iown. Many of those including Rick Eckhardt stated to Feger...take my my spot. He is closer than most and with the weather unpredictable this time of year....why not give it up to someone who has a better chance of being there. Nothing wrong with it in my book.
I guess my thing about early entry fee's is what good do they really do. It doesn't cost a driver anything to submit an entry fee. If anything, they can submit more than a few a weekend and still choose where they want to go. Bottom line, this is a way for a track to advertise. This being Knoxville, they wanted to keep it open to those local and allow more to make the show from a local venture in my opinion.
This is sprint car country where the names of Swindell, Kinser and Schatz rule this landscape. They do not want to see a field of tough out of state late model drivers including a man like Feger coming in and give a show that would kick the pants of the Knoxville nationals on that flat track. But that is no surprise...times are tough no matter the tracks and if they can get more locals to keep the place going...that is what they will do.
Thanks Feger for trying despite their effort to deny.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Rivalry...are there any?
So what did we discover this year here in east central IL? Well the usual. Feger is fast when in control. Smith is always going to be a factor. Pierce Jr has all the potential to be the areas best. Sheppard prooved he can hold his own and Babb still gets got as a July afternoon.
Yet as a fan, I was thinking, do any of these guys ever have that love/hate within them when competing on the track? I mean every year you hope to see those great rivalry's grow. However, I feel that there are none. I think with good rivals that really get heated on the track, you bring an extra people in each week to the track.
I'd love to see it where you have the occasional rub of the fender on the cool down lap like Unzicker gave Shirley this summer at Fairbury. I love to see Feger and Weaver tangle on top like in the shootout this year. While I am not condoning hard out of control driving, I like the fact that it can develop into a love/hate rivalry on the track. I don't see that Leka/Weaver rivalry I saw in the late 80's. I don't see that Long/Rientz rivalry like you seen in Fairbury in the 80's.
As of right now, they all respect one another and the only thing that may develop into a heated rival to where you might see the occasional "talk to" in the pits is the battle of old verse new. I thought a few times some of todays young gung don't show the patience as needed. So I think we'll see it more often than not soon. You can only get ran over so many times before we get the needed attitude of I'm going to get him back.
Rivals...we need them.
Yet as a fan, I was thinking, do any of these guys ever have that love/hate within them when competing on the track? I mean every year you hope to see those great rivalry's grow. However, I feel that there are none. I think with good rivals that really get heated on the track, you bring an extra people in each week to the track.
I'd love to see it where you have the occasional rub of the fender on the cool down lap like Unzicker gave Shirley this summer at Fairbury. I love to see Feger and Weaver tangle on top like in the shootout this year. While I am not condoning hard out of control driving, I like the fact that it can develop into a love/hate rivalry on the track. I don't see that Leka/Weaver rivalry I saw in the late 80's. I don't see that Long/Rientz rivalry like you seen in Fairbury in the 80's.
As of right now, they all respect one another and the only thing that may develop into a heated rival to where you might see the occasional "talk to" in the pits is the battle of old verse new. I thought a few times some of todays young gung don't show the patience as needed. So I think we'll see it more often than not soon. You can only get ran over so many times before we get the needed attitude of I'm going to get him back.
Rivals...we need them.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Gremlin Reins In
Shout out to, "the gremlin" Ryan Unzicker this year. Truley this fan's racer of the year. Ryan is a pretty cool and calm driver and really happy to see the run he's made this year with the UMP points.
Just read where he finished 3rd last night in Kankakee, but what is more important is not having a DNF this late in the season. A week ago Sundy night, he was leading the ten-thousand to win race at Fairbury in the Prarie Dirt Classic only to see a late race restart surge by Eric Smith overcome his chances.
What I like about Ryan...he's just pretty simple. I've been with a few other drivers while they've been around the guy...and he is just smooth and calm. The youngster is alwasy willing to listen to questions and never is one to frey from maybe a word advice.
When "the squirel" Brian Shirly took Ryan's chance to have a solid opportunity to have a chance at the summernationals in Fairbury this summer, Ryan still took time to be civil. When I walked up to him that night and said hey...I think you were screwed and I appreciate your retaliation on the track...he simple reponded that he felt he was simply the end user of a driver out of control. He didn't give me a big oh always me kind of discussion...he just said his piece and moved on. Pretty much class to me.
So anyway, got to say again congrats Ryan on a successful 2011 year. We all look forward to what you bring to Central Il next year. Congrats champ.
Just read where he finished 3rd last night in Kankakee, but what is more important is not having a DNF this late in the season. A week ago Sundy night, he was leading the ten-thousand to win race at Fairbury in the Prarie Dirt Classic only to see a late race restart surge by Eric Smith overcome his chances.
What I like about Ryan...he's just pretty simple. I've been with a few other drivers while they've been around the guy...and he is just smooth and calm. The youngster is alwasy willing to listen to questions and never is one to frey from maybe a word advice.
When "the squirel" Brian Shirly took Ryan's chance to have a solid opportunity to have a chance at the summernationals in Fairbury this summer, Ryan still took time to be civil. When I walked up to him that night and said hey...I think you were screwed and I appreciate your retaliation on the track...he simple reponded that he felt he was simply the end user of a driver out of control. He didn't give me a big oh always me kind of discussion...he just said his piece and moved on. Pretty much class to me.
So anyway, got to say again congrats Ryan on a successful 2011 year. We all look forward to what you bring to Central Il next year. Congrats champ.
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