So I guess growing up with a late model in my dad's shop, it wasn't too hard to get into racing. I remember when we were little kids, we'd race year round with our hot wheels and matchbox cars. We had drivers names for every single car that we had, and we had plenty. Our race track was in the dining room. Nice swade carpet that looked like grooves. We race on our knees while the commentary was done like it was on Friday nights and Farmer City and Saturday nights in Fairbury. As we got older, we took our racing to the outdoors and into the dirt...where it was meant. We created our own Eldora, Pensboro, Clarksville and just to make sure it was like the real thing, we hung a flashlight out at night to get the actual feel.
Funny how things come full circle. My nephew and son are not the sons of actual drivers. However what rubbed off on us back in those days seems to have done the same on them. My son has a every growing population of matchbox and hotwheels cars now. Sometimes on occasions, while at grandmas, he'll run across a car and ask if we played with it. Some I still recognize, others not so much. Yet that one car he asked about, was Ray Godsey...and I didn't have to thing back real hard.
The love of the track starts at that point. Getting to see your first race and then getting those little cars that make your imagination run wild. From that point on, you never forget where it was you started and what you did to pass the time before the real thing woud begin. My father always said we actually put rubber into the carpet from all those cars we ran. Now it is just putting rubber on the road to get there.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Tire Rules
So many divisions, so many rules. What is the most common amongst them? Good ol tires.
UMP racing is the one league that set the standard for you race what you bring. Only thing that had to be made sure of is that you didn't come in light at the scales and you weren't running with what was known as a bottle. For those wondering what I mean, that means a turbo booster that would allow a driver that extra shot to make up some time, or leave the pack. But in regards to tires, you ran what could win on.
Along came other divisions who felt that the tire rule in UMP was too loose. Some series felt that if we can limit the amount of tires a team can use, or they can regulate the type of tire they have to run, the field would be more equal. Well a divisioin called the Northern All Stars decided to run that type of series. They mandated that drivers that wanted to compete had to run by their rules. You had to run a 30 compound and it had to pass northern all stars officials. If a driver came on the the track with the compound grinded off or covered, you were sent back to pits to change the rubber. The N.A.S series is still in effect. I do not know if the they still run the all 30 rule or not
I've heard it said the best series that has yet to come of age would be one that would say, ok, you run only 2 compounds and the driver makes the choice. A 20 compound tire or a 40 compound. Most of which are designed to last 30-40 laps. However, the harder the compound, the longer it takes to come in and if you play the cards right, you may have enough tire left for that late run. The opposite can be said for 20's. Very little cautions and the driver builds up a lead, it is his/hers to win.
UMP racing is the one league that set the standard for you race what you bring. Only thing that had to be made sure of is that you didn't come in light at the scales and you weren't running with what was known as a bottle. For those wondering what I mean, that means a turbo booster that would allow a driver that extra shot to make up some time, or leave the pack. But in regards to tires, you ran what could win on.
Along came other divisions who felt that the tire rule in UMP was too loose. Some series felt that if we can limit the amount of tires a team can use, or they can regulate the type of tire they have to run, the field would be more equal. Well a divisioin called the Northern All Stars decided to run that type of series. They mandated that drivers that wanted to compete had to run by their rules. You had to run a 30 compound and it had to pass northern all stars officials. If a driver came on the the track with the compound grinded off or covered, you were sent back to pits to change the rubber. The N.A.S series is still in effect. I do not know if the they still run the all 30 rule or not
I've heard it said the best series that has yet to come of age would be one that would say, ok, you run only 2 compounds and the driver makes the choice. A 20 compound tire or a 40 compound. Most of which are designed to last 30-40 laps. However, the harder the compound, the longer it takes to come in and if you play the cards right, you may have enough tire left for that late run. The opposite can be said for 20's. Very little cautions and the driver builds up a lead, it is his/hers to win.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Hall Of Famers
As to date, no IL drivers are in the dirt late model hall of fame that reside here in IL. IL does have a few drivers though that at some time will make nominations. While we don't know who they are, I thought it would be fun to throw out a few drivers and why they'll likely be nominated.
Known as "the tall cool one", Bob Pierce of Danville is no strager to racing fans. While driver since the 70s and retiring in the 00's, Bob amassed many feature wins. Upon those wins, most of them were here in IL. Bob took home numerous summernational races, Prairie Dirt Classic and Harold and Review 100 wins as well. He raced with the PRO dirt circuit some in the 80's and he a mulitiple world 100 qualifier The best feat of these races was not that fact he won them, but he won them in consecutive years.
Roger Long is know as the Racing Farmer. Roger began racing in the 70's and certainly was a stron competitor from Kanakee to Springfield. Roger amassed many local feature victories and was usually found riding the rail in fashion. He retired in the 00's and its been noted that he would of likely retired in the 90's had it not been several drivers asked him to drive as a part of a team. He drove for Gary May and long time veteran IL racer, Kevin Weaver.
Flatland Flash driver from Gibson City will likey make nomination as well. Kevin came to fame in the late 80s' and 90's. He is a UMP points series and summernational series champion. He has won numerous features throughout IL and in the midwest. He like Bob and Roger is a Hearld Review and Prairie Dirt Classic champion. He is a multiple world 100 qualifier and his 1999 runner up finish still stands best among any driver who has participated in the World 100.
Those 3 in my opinion will be sure nominated drivers and are due to earn the award in my opinion.
Known as "the tall cool one", Bob Pierce of Danville is no strager to racing fans. While driver since the 70s and retiring in the 00's, Bob amassed many feature wins. Upon those wins, most of them were here in IL. Bob took home numerous summernational races, Prairie Dirt Classic and Harold and Review 100 wins as well. He raced with the PRO dirt circuit some in the 80's and he a mulitiple world 100 qualifier The best feat of these races was not that fact he won them, but he won them in consecutive years.
Roger Long is know as the Racing Farmer. Roger began racing in the 70's and certainly was a stron competitor from Kanakee to Springfield. Roger amassed many local feature victories and was usually found riding the rail in fashion. He retired in the 00's and its been noted that he would of likely retired in the 90's had it not been several drivers asked him to drive as a part of a team. He drove for Gary May and long time veteran IL racer, Kevin Weaver.
Flatland Flash driver from Gibson City will likey make nomination as well. Kevin came to fame in the late 80s' and 90's. He is a UMP points series and summernational series champion. He has won numerous features throughout IL and in the midwest. He like Bob and Roger is a Hearld Review and Prairie Dirt Classic champion. He is a multiple world 100 qualifier and his 1999 runner up finish still stands best among any driver who has participated in the World 100.
Those 3 in my opinion will be sure nominated drivers and are due to earn the award in my opinion.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Smoke's Win Good For Dirt
There are lot that like him and a lot that hate him. But make no mistake about it, he's the best thing that every happened to any sort of racing on dirt. Tony Steweart 2011 NASCAR champion.
He is the spokesman of the a sport that not until the last 5-6 years received any mentioning, or very little of. It isn't Dirt Late models either. He loves to race and he, like Kenny Shrader, will take race anything that has 4 wheels. So why is his championship good for dirt...it gives dirt more exposure with the new king of NASCAR.
There were talks of more TV for the sport of DLM racing and thanks to the cable channels like SPEED...there has been. But when the king of NASCAR, ok, the newest champion wants to make it happen now, they are sure to come running. Ecspecially if Tony plans to strap in and participate. If they need any any more reason than that, well they are obviously wanting the ghost or race car drivers past to come in as well.
Bottom line is as long as Tony is racing and winning on asphalt, it means well for his program as well as the sport of dirt late model, sprint car, and any other series that Tony has participated in. People will continue to listen to Tony and take his advice of what is needed to be done to improve various types of dirt racing. It is only a matter of time that you may see a few more Eldora type tracks in the future. Eh....well there really is only 1 Eldora.
He is the spokesman of the a sport that not until the last 5-6 years received any mentioning, or very little of. It isn't Dirt Late models either. He loves to race and he, like Kenny Shrader, will take race anything that has 4 wheels. So why is his championship good for dirt...it gives dirt more exposure with the new king of NASCAR.
There were talks of more TV for the sport of DLM racing and thanks to the cable channels like SPEED...there has been. But when the king of NASCAR, ok, the newest champion wants to make it happen now, they are sure to come running. Ecspecially if Tony plans to strap in and participate. If they need any any more reason than that, well they are obviously wanting the ghost or race car drivers past to come in as well.
Bottom line is as long as Tony is racing and winning on asphalt, it means well for his program as well as the sport of dirt late model, sprint car, and any other series that Tony has participated in. People will continue to listen to Tony and take his advice of what is needed to be done to improve various types of dirt racing. It is only a matter of time that you may see a few more Eldora type tracks in the future. Eh....well there really is only 1 Eldora.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Summernational Talk
Decided to talk some on the Summernatinal that are held from the middle of June throug the middle of July. It is nicknamed the "hell tour" and for good reason. It is a grueling 30 nights of racing that can either make or break a drivers seaon. They call it the money season cause most of these races feature at the minimum a 5000 dollar pay out to the winner. Winning the series points series is also a big plus as it comes with a very nice pay out as well.
But has the summernationals lost it luster. Do fans really get their money's worth when the tour shows up at a participating track? I'd have to say more now that ever.
The tour to me is way to long and it open for drivers to jump on and off the tour. Some nights, you get 5 drivers of national exposure and at other times, you get 10 drivers. Fans pay 20 bucks at the gate to hopefully get a glimpse of a Billy Moyer or a Brian Birkhoffer. However, some of these tracks that are having shows do not have the money to ensure these drivers will come. So fans are forced to pay double the price to watch a lot of the same drivers they can see at a regualr weekly show.
My solution...stagger the event ... a few back to back nights, a few consecutive nights off and I think drivers will stick to running the entire schedule. I really also think that a minimum of 10,000 be the paying feature event. Drop the 5,000 shows and it free up some dates...and create more rain dates...something that has been a problem in the past. It makes for a better chance for top drivers to continually follow the series.
But has the summernationals lost it luster. Do fans really get their money's worth when the tour shows up at a participating track? I'd have to say more now that ever.
The tour to me is way to long and it open for drivers to jump on and off the tour. Some nights, you get 5 drivers of national exposure and at other times, you get 10 drivers. Fans pay 20 bucks at the gate to hopefully get a glimpse of a Billy Moyer or a Brian Birkhoffer. However, some of these tracks that are having shows do not have the money to ensure these drivers will come. So fans are forced to pay double the price to watch a lot of the same drivers they can see at a regualr weekly show.
My solution...stagger the event ... a few back to back nights, a few consecutive nights off and I think drivers will stick to running the entire schedule. I really also think that a minimum of 10,000 be the paying feature event. Drop the 5,000 shows and it free up some dates...and create more rain dates...something that has been a problem in the past. It makes for a better chance for top drivers to continually follow the series.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Racing T-Shirts
Growing up around the spot of dirt late model racing here in east central IL, there was one I accumulated a lot of throughout my younger days. Driver's racing t-shirts. I may not have the same shirts I had, but I do have the logo of a Joe Williams shirt that now is sown onto a quilt my grandmother made. I've sot several on that quilt...and I have a lot still stuffed in a sack that I just couldn't bring myself to throw out.
What is it about a racing shirt that that just makes us have to have it? Is it our real fandom of the driver we follow? Is it the color of the shirt? What makes us shell out $25 for a piece of cotton that technically goes right out of style the very next year? I don't have the answer to it cause as I stated, when I was younger I bought the newest Billy Moyer shirt, Roger Long, Bob Pierce, Daryl Lanigon...well you get the idea
Over the summer I took a look a some of the shirts that are being sold with the intentions of getting one for my son. As I browsed, I had to say I wasn't all that impressed with what I see for designs. Most of the shirts are just cluttered with too much. The logo's of the car that look like and action shot are to to bright or to wild to get a understanding who is on the shirt. Throw in all the extra graphics, and you really have to get up close and personal to see who it is. I have the logo of the first Jeff Purvis shirt my mom got me and you had no problem understanding who was on that shirt.
Perhaps the designers need a check of how things were done in the past and just moderize it a bit. Then I might actually might by another or a few to add to my now old collection.
What is it about a racing shirt that that just makes us have to have it? Is it our real fandom of the driver we follow? Is it the color of the shirt? What makes us shell out $25 for a piece of cotton that technically goes right out of style the very next year? I don't have the answer to it cause as I stated, when I was younger I bought the newest Billy Moyer shirt, Roger Long, Bob Pierce, Daryl Lanigon...well you get the idea
Over the summer I took a look a some of the shirts that are being sold with the intentions of getting one for my son. As I browsed, I had to say I wasn't all that impressed with what I see for designs. Most of the shirts are just cluttered with too much. The logo's of the car that look like and action shot are to to bright or to wild to get a understanding who is on the shirt. Throw in all the extra graphics, and you really have to get up close and personal to see who it is. I have the logo of the first Jeff Purvis shirt my mom got me and you had no problem understanding who was on that shirt.
Perhaps the designers need a check of how things were done in the past and just moderize it a bit. Then I might actually might by another or a few to add to my now old collection.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Heat Race Formats
After watching the world of outlaw heat races in Charloette Saturday night, it sparked me a topic to discuss in regards to the racing format of the program. That of the heat races specifically.
Heat races in central IL dirt late model racing are normally 10 laps long in lenght. They usually consist of 4 fows of cars for a field of 8. Normally on a night in which there is a special feature event that drivers are there to compete for, they take the 3 finishers out of each heat and then the rest have to come throug the B-main. Seems like a pretty fair way to determine the field for the feature...or is it.
Notice how I didn't of the way the heat line ups are determined? It used to be the top 8 qualifiers inverted and those 8 drivers made up what is known as the "fast heat". It wasn't always fair to the guy who had fast time, as he was forced to start from the rear, but in those days, they didn't take the top 3 in a regular night and they still don't. The quick time draws a number between 1 and 8 to deterimine the invert.
The thing I don't like about heat races here in IL is the length. 10 laps really isn't enought time to get the car working and give the driver the ability to come from the back if needed. 15 may seem a bit too long, but at the same time, for bigger purse shows, it should be the norm here in IL. I guess you could settle on 12, but i'd rather give time for the tires to come into play and see the chargers come from the back. Watching a pole sitter leave the field in 2 laps is boring to watch.
Heat races in central IL dirt late model racing are normally 10 laps long in lenght. They usually consist of 4 fows of cars for a field of 8. Normally on a night in which there is a special feature event that drivers are there to compete for, they take the 3 finishers out of each heat and then the rest have to come throug the B-main. Seems like a pretty fair way to determine the field for the feature...or is it.
Notice how I didn't of the way the heat line ups are determined? It used to be the top 8 qualifiers inverted and those 8 drivers made up what is known as the "fast heat". It wasn't always fair to the guy who had fast time, as he was forced to start from the rear, but in those days, they didn't take the top 3 in a regular night and they still don't. The quick time draws a number between 1 and 8 to deterimine the invert.
The thing I don't like about heat races here in IL is the length. 10 laps really isn't enought time to get the car working and give the driver the ability to come from the back if needed. 15 may seem a bit too long, but at the same time, for bigger purse shows, it should be the norm here in IL. I guess you could settle on 12, but i'd rather give time for the tires to come into play and see the chargers come from the back. Watching a pole sitter leave the field in 2 laps is boring to watch.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Chassis Builders
So I took in the dirt late model world of outlaws race at Charlotte last nigth as I was away Saturday night. While I listened to the comentary, they began to talk about the chassis a lot of these driver drive now a days. It was mentioned that there once was multiple manufactures that you could choose from. Now a days some some of these builders are still in existance, while some I have not heard anything about in years.
Back in the 90's, the dirt scene was really on fire. The sport was begining to grow at a rate that hadn't been seen. Part of the reason I think was more fans began to learn about racing from the explosion of the internet. Some drivers began to advertise their talents on the internet. The next thing you know, there were a ton of drivers driving all sorts of different chassis. GRT, Mastersbuilt, Shaw, Rayburn, Rocket...all have seen their days of dominance. However these chassis are still being made, but some drivers began to see the potential of building their own house cars and these chassis began to fade in popularity.
Locally, the Bob Pierce chassis appears to be the chassis of choice for most competitors. Not really sure on exactly why, but they certainly are popular here. Nationally though they don't appear to be as good as some of the pro's house cars. Moyer certainly has seen his share of success in his victory circle chassis. Bloomquist had a few drivers working his chassis with Owens and Erb. Josk Richards..aka, "Kid Rocket" brings the good with the Rocket house car. Interestingly, colaboration between some NASCAR drivers and late modelt drivers are working on their own house cares. Earl Pearson Jr and Bobby Labonte. Bill Elliott and Ray Cook. The biggest contributor though the the house cars is Tony Stewart and his drivers in late models as well as in sprint cars.
It is a way to use top of the line money to advance and maybe get in edge. It certainly has though led the exi of may chassis that came before them.
Back in the 90's, the dirt scene was really on fire. The sport was begining to grow at a rate that hadn't been seen. Part of the reason I think was more fans began to learn about racing from the explosion of the internet. Some drivers began to advertise their talents on the internet. The next thing you know, there were a ton of drivers driving all sorts of different chassis. GRT, Mastersbuilt, Shaw, Rayburn, Rocket...all have seen their days of dominance. However these chassis are still being made, but some drivers began to see the potential of building their own house cars and these chassis began to fade in popularity.
Locally, the Bob Pierce chassis appears to be the chassis of choice for most competitors. Not really sure on exactly why, but they certainly are popular here. Nationally though they don't appear to be as good as some of the pro's house cars. Moyer certainly has seen his share of success in his victory circle chassis. Bloomquist had a few drivers working his chassis with Owens and Erb. Josk Richards..aka, "Kid Rocket" brings the good with the Rocket house car. Interestingly, colaboration between some NASCAR drivers and late modelt drivers are working on their own house cares. Earl Pearson Jr and Bobby Labonte. Bill Elliott and Ray Cook. The biggest contributor though the the house cars is Tony Stewart and his drivers in late models as well as in sprint cars.
It is a way to use top of the line money to advance and maybe get in edge. It certainly has though led the exi of may chassis that came before them.
Friday, November 4, 2011
The Youth
So I caught some late post comments from Kyle Busch tonight. He was talking about the way he and the wreck happened on tonights race. Specifically him and Ron Horniday Jr. Busch went on to say to, "I'm out here to win a race just like everyone else."
Typical I say...but blame those who put the drivers in the seats.
This whole youth movement has been nothing but a silverspoon entitlment that simply can't stand anymore. Those who feel they are faster f up and simply go braindead and just run over contenders. That is not racing and i've seen it here locally over the last few years on the dirt tracks. Little patience and no willingness to see the lap through takes me through a night this summer.
Got the B12 of Kevin Weaver leading the prelude to the Praried Dirt Classic. Track is for certain rubbered up and not a lot passing is going to take place. With 12 to go, Kevin slipped a littel out of his groove and opened a door of opportunity for Jason Feger. They both go into 3-4 and Jason decided to slide job Kevin in and attempt to pass. Kudos to him. The problem I have is the timing...the mentality. Was it needed then, was better judgement needed. Well yes to a lot of fans...but no to a youth driver.
Look, I like hard racing. It isn't easy to drive hard night in and out and have to settle for less the the best. But this youth entitlement is a f'n joke. Kyle Busch derserves an ass whipping tonight for his shit in TX. Feger got a ton of crap for his handleing of racing a driver clean. I can't say who is wrong and who is right, but the bottom line is, youth needs a littel respect to those who have been there and done that.
Typical I say...but blame those who put the drivers in the seats.
This whole youth movement has been nothing but a silverspoon entitlment that simply can't stand anymore. Those who feel they are faster f up and simply go braindead and just run over contenders. That is not racing and i've seen it here locally over the last few years on the dirt tracks. Little patience and no willingness to see the lap through takes me through a night this summer.
Got the B12 of Kevin Weaver leading the prelude to the Praried Dirt Classic. Track is for certain rubbered up and not a lot passing is going to take place. With 12 to go, Kevin slipped a littel out of his groove and opened a door of opportunity for Jason Feger. They both go into 3-4 and Jason decided to slide job Kevin in and attempt to pass. Kudos to him. The problem I have is the timing...the mentality. Was it needed then, was better judgement needed. Well yes to a lot of fans...but no to a youth driver.
Look, I like hard racing. It isn't easy to drive hard night in and out and have to settle for less the the best. But this youth entitlement is a f'n joke. Kyle Busch derserves an ass whipping tonight for his shit in TX. Feger got a ton of crap for his handleing of racing a driver clean. I can't say who is wrong and who is right, but the bottom line is, youth needs a littel respect to those who have been there and done that.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Hendricks Close Call
Word is that Rick Hendrick survived another close call tonight.
Worst thing about today was it was the worst day for an IL veteran race driver back in the early 2000's
This guy wasn't a late model driver and if his love of open wheel racing didn't consume him...it is hard telling what this guy might have done. Blake Feese is no stranger though to what it takes to be in the big time. There was a time this young hot shot from Saybrook, IL was the sought after young gun and he had the tope NASCAR boys saying the same thing. Kurt Busch being one of them.
But tragedy struck hard for Blake and for many of the fans.
Blake had been running hard with his dad. Racing in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa and Michigan on the sprint car fron. Yet Blake was someone that wanted more. The Indy millions to race at that level wasn't what he was looking for...he wanted the young guns status in stock car racing. Thus he left the central IL flatlands, with little to know recognition for stock car racing and made his way to Charloette.
He built his foundation nad he had many of many meetings early on his his career. Most felt he should of stuck with ARCA racind as he saw a whole lot successs. Yet Blake turned the eye of Hendrick's motor builders. It was in the works to have Blake drive before that fateful airplane ride home ended the person who thought the most of him. Sadly, Blake had to redine who he is and search for more and more time behind the wheel.
Fortunatley he's held on to what he wants to do. Right now, he does doe what he loves in racing...by the means of running truck series. Yet this latest event with Rick makes a man wonder...what could have been with Blake Feese.
Worst thing about today was it was the worst day for an IL veteran race driver back in the early 2000's
This guy wasn't a late model driver and if his love of open wheel racing didn't consume him...it is hard telling what this guy might have done. Blake Feese is no stranger though to what it takes to be in the big time. There was a time this young hot shot from Saybrook, IL was the sought after young gun and he had the tope NASCAR boys saying the same thing. Kurt Busch being one of them.
But tragedy struck hard for Blake and for many of the fans.
Blake had been running hard with his dad. Racing in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa and Michigan on the sprint car fron. Yet Blake was someone that wanted more. The Indy millions to race at that level wasn't what he was looking for...he wanted the young guns status in stock car racing. Thus he left the central IL flatlands, with little to know recognition for stock car racing and made his way to Charloette.
He built his foundation nad he had many of many meetings early on his his career. Most felt he should of stuck with ARCA racind as he saw a whole lot successs. Yet Blake turned the eye of Hendrick's motor builders. It was in the works to have Blake drive before that fateful airplane ride home ended the person who thought the most of him. Sadly, Blake had to redine who he is and search for more and more time behind the wheel.
Fortunatley he's held on to what he wants to do. Right now, he does doe what he loves in racing...by the means of running truck series. Yet this latest event with Rick makes a man wonder...what could have been with Blake Feese.
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