Disclaimer: Some language may not be suitable for children. The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the The Dirt Racing Connection.Got some #&%@! to tell us? Tweet us: http://www.twitter.com/thedrc

What track do you think deserves to win "dirt track of the year?" Why? Twitter that $&?! to @TheDRC and we will post the best responses.

January 10, 2012 12:01 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite

@TheDRC

DirtRacingConnection

@thedrc: not the atomic "bomb" speedway in alma,ohio

January 10, 2012 12:03 pm via txtReplyRetweetFavorite

@KevinShankster

Kevin Shanks

@thedrc : florence speedway...they can run high and low there...usually crisscross coming out of turns

January 10, 2012 12:07 pm via txtReplyRetweetFavorite

@KevinShankster

Kevin Shanks

@TheDRC Tyler county speedway in my opinion gaining my respect with the black diamond 125 in September then adding the jackpot #great idea

January 10, 2012 12:07 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite

@DTR_Updates

Jacob Gibson

@TheDRC Portsmouth Raceway Park is my vote

January 10, 2012 12:17 pm via Twitter for BlackBerry®ReplyRetweetFavorite

@tphill67

Tim Phillips

@TheDRC Easy guess would be FALS, but other than that. Kokomo is a good choice.

January 11, 2012 6:06 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@RealChrisRische

Christopher Rische

@TheDRC @Lernerville ...best weekly show anywhere, and the specials are awesome. #FabFour #NowhereelseinUSA #nothingclose

January 11, 2012 6:07 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@21stCenturySkiz

g heeman

@TheDRC Well I'm partial to Eldora.. but my 2nd pick is good ol Union Co Speedway :)

January 11, 2012 6:22 pm via Twitter for AndroidReplyRetweetFavorite

@EdJohnson2

Ed Johnson™

@TheDRC Fairbury deserves this. A beyond great atmosphere, treat drivers with great respect, the fans are driven. Racing is at its best.

January 11, 2012 11:06 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@WadeLogan_DRC

Wade Logan

@TheDRC Fairbury, reason- its fucking better than everywhere else period.

January 13, 2012 3:16 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@tobywhallett

Toby W Hallett

Florence of course, Two great Lucas races and 3 entertaining 5g races. @TheDRC

January 13, 2012 8:04 pm via TweetCaster for AndroidReplyRetweetFavorite

@PRESTOMATIC

Preston Biddle

@TheDRC Lincoln Speedway in PA cause they have great track prep & great racing every week

January 13, 2012 8:09 pm via Twitter for BlackBerry®ReplyRetweetFavorite

@BarbJ94

Barb Johnson

@TheDRC jackson county speedway reopening and having a good year under first time ownership look for 2012 to be an awesome year

January 13, 2012 8:32 pm via Twitter for BlackBerry®ReplyRetweetFavorite

@T_Carr_16T

Tyler Carr

@TheDRC Fairbury because you can get your mind right with Turp and then take in some of Sandy Harlan's killer cookies.

January 13, 2012 9:07 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite

@AftershockDecal

Charlie Hoselton

@TheDRC #uticaromespeedway with its new banking and ties with #richieevans being inducted to # NASCARHOF

January 13, 2012 10:32 pm via Twitter for AndroidReplyRetweetFavorite

@c_wentrick

Charles Wentrick

@TheDRC I personally went to 8 different tracks last year. Florence Speedway was the best hands down. Lots of big races and lots of passing.

January 14, 2012 1:06 am via Twitter for BlackBerry®ReplyRetweetFavorite

@GarySkinner

Gary Skinner

@TheDRC Plus they had the Jerry Rice and Jason Jameson drama over doctoring tires. I loved watching people pick sides on whose fault it was.

January 14, 2012 1:10 am via Twitter for BlackBerry®ReplyRetweetFavorite

@GarySkinner

Gary Skinner

@TheDRCBest track conditions go to #Brushcreekmotorsports. Hands down.Best track management goes to moler, atomic, and Portsmouth.

January 15, 2012 6:43 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite

@coledemintC12

J. Cole DeMint

@TheDRC Fairbury. Racy track, big crowds, several campers for a weekly show, driver and fan interaction during open pits after the racing

January 15, 2012 7:24 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite

@Mike_ohio26

Mike Ross

Disclaimer: Some language may not be suitable for children. The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the The Dirt Racing Connection.

Another season is gone, and I had a blast doing this website for all ya’ll. We hit some new tracks, some old ones, slept in my Buick, and added $206.53 along with a $3 gas card to the Late Model feature winner at Moler on fan night. It was another successful year here at The Dirt Racing Connection and now it’s time to celebrate some of MY favorite videos from the 2011 season. Did I miss something? Post it in the comments section. Feedback is always encouraged here.

Holy @#$& these are kids:

I wasn’t planning on shooting the Mini Wedge feature on this night, however, after seeing the heat races I decided I had to. These cars are basically Late Model shaped Go-Karts with kids, mostly under the age of 13, going wide open around a tacky Tyler County Speedway. These kids went four and five wide, split lapped traffic without lifting, and was dumping each other for position. This must be a regular thing  because the locals didn’t act too impressed. Me? I was frightened and expecting one to come flying through the fence Talladega style.

My fat ass is wore out:

This is the interview that introduced the world to Chad Stapelton’s unpredictable interview style. Stapleton first told the crowd that his “fat ass was wore out” and then told of his last trip to Brushcreek (when he hit a trashcan that was laying on the track). The only other post race interview I personally saw this season, that’s comparable, came from Stapelton as well. After winning a feature at Moler Raceway Park, Chad dedicated his victory to “the goon dick on 4m talking shit,” he then proceeded to challenge Scott Bloomquist to come race with him at the Williamsburg, Ohio bullring.  ”Total Chaos” ended both interviews by apologizing for his language to all the children in attendance.

This race sucked:

I wasn’t at the DTWC so I can’t comment on it from a first hand perspective. Unfortunately, I was present for the ADRA Series Opener at Moler Raceway Park. Some confusion with the format and scoring, along with early week rains, left everything wet except for the track. These factors made this the worst race we taped all season long.

Honorable mention(s):

The honorable mention of the year goes to this series of two videos from Moler Raceway Park. The first one is a great feature with lots of dicing and position changing up front. “Lil” John Whitney inherited the lead from Rick Combs near the end of the race and had a healthy lead on Wayne Chinn and Chad Stapleton. Whitney seemed to have a  comfortable lead with Stapleton back just a few car links. Stapleton threw a wide slider on Chinn and then nailed his marks three laps in a row to cut the lead and pull along side Whitney on the white flag lap. Heading into turn four Stapleton caught a case of SOD and pushed up into the marbles allowing Whitney to safely cross the line in first place.

One month later the same two drivers were racing for the win again, this time with the roles reversed with Stapleton leading Whitney. Whitney pulled along side Stapleton several times over but could not complete the pass. On the last lap Chad went into three and four hard but this time it stuck and Stapleton avenged his earlier defeat. Good clean racing between two of the best drivers in the Cincinnati area. The video also shows Stapleton’s progression from mid-pack driver to front runner at Moler Raceway Park.

My races of the year list: 

Down Goes Frazier:

After a rain out at Brushcreek we headed straight to Fairbury. We missed hot laps, qualifying, and heat races. We pulled in right before the features began after a frantic four hour sprint. When I heard Jason Feger had been fast all night and won the dash, I examined the track conditions and seen the highside appeared to be the dominate groove. This favored Feger and I wondered to myself, had we drove four hours to watch a twenty-five lap Feger beat down. When the green flag waved, Feger immediately attacked the cushion and looked to be crusing to an early season victory. Behind him young Jimmy Dehm was the lone car using the bottom groove with success, moving to second from the eigth starting position. As the kush moved higher and higher up the track, Feger slapped the wall a couple times, opening up the door for Dehm. As the checkered flag waved someone in the crowd yelled “Down goes Frazier!” Some excited race fans sitting in the front row started doing a little jig we later named “The Southtown Shuffle.” Great race, unexpected winner, great post race atmosphere.

Hawkins WFO UFO:

The Dirt Racing Connection went to the UFO season opener in 2010 and seen the race of the year, so there was no way we were missing this years opener. We pulled into a soggy Tyler County Speedway and prayed we would get to see a race. After about two hours of grader races and pack trucks to delay the start we were treated to an exciting night of racing. The heats were kinda blah compared to some of the UFO shows I have seen in the past. With Dohm starting up front and minimal passing in the heat races I didn’t expect much. Harold Redman gave Dohm fits in the early going but the story of the race was the Hawkins brothers. Jared made his way to the front within the first half of the race after starting thirteenth on the grid. Behind him his brother Jacob was battling through the field from his seventeenth starting position. Dohm slowed on the track, Jared took the lead,  Jacob followed him, the two raced for the lead till the checker flag waved. Behind them Mike Benedum worked his way into the fifth position from twenty-first. You can go ahead and pencil me in for the UFO opener in 2012.

Kokomo Klash:

Wade talked about this race at length already and I don’t have much to add that he didn’t say. This was an awesome race. Weaver from the back of the consi to make the race and then passing cars like they are standing still. This race was Bobby Pierce’s bar mitzvah of sorts as he now enters into manhood in the Dirt Late Model ranks. The Stapleton and Ruhlman post race actives will be talked about for years. It was a hecklers dream. Two of the most polarizing characters on the regional level face to face in the infield. I still laugh every time I think about the guy who bellowed out “take him to the Hilton!” when Ruhlman was discussing the incident with the police.

Turkey Gobbler:

If you would have told me this race was going to be on the list two months ago I would have laughed. Cold ass November in Ohio presents you with few options. You can pack the track hard and hope it slicks over before rubber gets laid. It could be rough like moto-cross track. Or you can cancel. Surprisingly, Moler picked door number four and had a hammer down racy track for their Turkey Gobbler. Jason Jameson looked like hell in his heat race. Jameson, Darrell Lanigan, and crew thrashed on the track all the way till feature time and it paid off. From the sixteenth starting spot Jameson was able to use the whole track to his advantage and passed Barry Doss in the closing laps to win another feature at MRP. Brandon Thirlby might of had something for him but trouble with lapped cars kept the Michigan driver stuck back in the third position. Despite the fact he turned some of the fastest laps ever seen in Brown County.

The Unanimous Decision:

One of the best races I have ever seen. From start to finish this was a masterpiece. There was a buzz leading into the event. It was going to be record hot and the humidity would make it feel like the inside of a erupting volcano. The Fairbury faithful assured people on the various forums and social media sites that the track would be in great shape and would be soaked with water all the way till race time. Needless to say in 100 degree weather the staff at Fairbury presented us with one of the best prepared tracks I have ever seen. Racing was close and fast all night long. I can go on and on about the race for days but nothing said can do it justice. One hour after this race was over I was in the pit shack with officials from Fairbury and UMP showing them the video and I still didn’t know who had one. Neither did they. Hats off to the staff at Fairbury American Legion Speedway, the attention to track conditions set up that wonderful finish that will go down as one of the most talked about races in the history of the sport.

Disclaimer: Some language may not be suitable for children. The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the The Dirt Racing Connection.Got some #&%@! to tell us? Tweet us: http://www.twitter.com/thedrc

Looking for everyone's most memorable dirt racing moment from 2011. We will post the best submissions on thedrc.net. Send them to @TheDRC.

December 22, 2011 6:28 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite

@TheDRC

DirtRacingConnection

@TheDRC Mars wins the firecracker then bloomer protests his tars and it takes forever to see if he was legit.

December 22, 2011 6:32 pm via Twitter for AndroidReplyRetweetFavorite

@comptonb_99

dobie

@TheDRC The final ten Laps of the Dream.

December 22, 2011 6:44 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite

@Gasface25

The Gas

@TheDRC how about a 1st career win video? http://t.co/EvNK4jug

December 22, 2011 7:05 pm via DigsbyReplyRetweetFavorite

@budzoracing

Chris Budzban

@TheDRC Jerry Gibson3 winning the king of the compacts.

December 22, 2011 7:36 pm via Twitter for AndroidReplyRetweetFavorite

@G1bsonracing

Jerry rooster gibson

@TheDRC Eldora World 100 fall 2011 feature race was unbelievable #eddiecarrierjr

December 22, 2011 9:05 pm via Twitter for BlackBerry®ReplyRetweetFavorite

@jkhdancer07

Jerica Howard

@TheDRC 2011 moment - Watching Nate Zimmer blow up while battling for the lead in the Earl J Hubert Memorial race #likeaboss

December 22, 2011 7:02 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite

@toekneehubert

Tony Hubert

Seeing my first Lucas Oil race at Florence at the North South 100. It's an incredible first time experience. @TheDRC

December 26, 2011 5:24 pm via TweetCaster for iOSReplyRetweetFavorite

@PhantomMtrsprts

Rob Crowley

My favorite moment @TheDRC of the '11 season was watching/announcing @austindillon3 win his first Ray Cook @SoNationals win at Wythe, VA!

December 26, 2011 7:01 pm via txtReplyRetweetFavorite

@tilleyracing

Chris Tilley

@TheDRC the best race I witnessed all year was the reopening of southern Ohio speedway as Tim dohm had the lead, came from the tail to retak

December 27, 2011 9:12 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite

@newsom1868

chad newsom

@TheDRC retake the lead just to loose on a bonzi last lap pass by Eddie carrier jr to win the $$$

December 27, 2011 9:14 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite

@newsom1868

chad newsom

@TheDRC best memory from 2011 is when Greg Wilson go punched in the face at Fremont Speedway

December 28, 2011 12:24 am via Mobile WebReplyRetweetFavorite

@Sray2309

Sierra Ray

@TheDRC The Firecracker 100 #ThemTars battle between Jimmy Mars and Scott Bloomquist #noquestion.

December 29, 2011 10:37 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@TrevKSteele

Trever.Steele

@TheDRC World Finals Saturday night portion. Eckert vs Richards for the WoO title on live/semi-live TV, couldn't ask for more.

December 29, 2011 10:38 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@21stCenturySkiz

g heeman

@thedrc 2011? Gotta be my 21st bday ass kickin' by Rusty Hawes. #ImNowAMan

December 29, 2011 10:39 pm via txtReplyRetweetFavorite

@WadeLogan_DRC

Wade Logan

@TheDRC Championship night at Fairbury a great late model race, Funk VS Flessner round 2 and a checkers or wreckers powderpuff #funberry

December 29, 2011 10:39 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite

@Mike_ohio26

Mike Ross

@TheDRC the insanity of the last late model feature at jackson county speedway

December 29, 2011 10:40 pm via Twitter for BlackBerry®ReplyRetweetFavorite

@T_Carr_16T

Tyler Carr

@thedrc my first trip to tazewell and volunteer speedways....awesome

December 29, 2011 10:47 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@InTheDirtRadio

In The Dirt Radio

@TheDRC epic campfire - 4wheeler, pukin boy, and the epic log #pootnanny

December 29, 2011 10:48 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite

@Mike_ohio26

Mike Ross

@TheDRC not one goddamn thing.

December 29, 2011 10:49 pm via Twitter for AndroidReplyRetweetFavorite

@tobywhallett

Toby W Hallett

@TheDRC Scott James vs. Darrell Lanigan at the N/S Tune Up, watching James hand his trophy to a very young fan afterwards

December 29, 2011 11:09 pm via Twitter for BlackBerry®ReplyRetweetFavorite

@Bucket5G

Garrett Browning

@TheDRC when Kevin Weaver came from dead last in the consi to finish second in the feature at the kokomo klash

December 30, 2011 2:01 am via Twitter for AndroidReplyRetweetFavorite

@MM47_DRC

Matt Murrell

@TheDRC The best have I seen in person was N/S Tuneup. With ScottJames beating Darrell Langian on a last lap pass. Plus James wrecks at line

December 30, 2011 4:47 am via Twitter for BlackBerry®ReplyRetweetFavorite

@GarySkinner

Gary Skinner

@TheDRC Plus the worst race if you ask was the choo-choo 100 at Atomic Speedway. ZZZzzzzz. Boring

December 30, 2011 4:49 am via Twitter for BlackBerry®ReplyRetweetFavorite

@GarySkinner

Gary Skinner

@TheDRC when don o'neal retaliated on jeep vanwormer at brownstown after jeep ran over him for the lead

December 30, 2011 10:29 am via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite

@DTR_Updates

Jacob Gibson

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the The Dirt Racing Connection.

This year was a most memorable one for me, personally. Thousands and thousands of miles across these United States to see great door-to-door, blood, sweat and gut racing. 2011 certainly did not let us down either, from my own backyard to clear across the midwest. I had the privelage to check out races and tracks I had always been told about but never got the opportunity to see; and it was these very tracks that grabbed me and stuck with me above all the others.

Of the 30 or so races I attended this season, these here are the top five that had me on my feet…

#5 ADRA $2000, Final Points Race, 10.7.11, Moler Raceway Park, Williamsburg, Ohio

The heated season-wide rivalry between Indiana driver, Chad Stapleton and local champion and contender Barry Doss met its simmering end at this race. All season we had seen the fueled disputes between these two and the entire crowd was split in two. Pro-Chad, Pro-Barry. With more than the local batch at the track that night it made it all more interesting. Two battles were occuring. The race for the $2000 that included names like Tim Prince, Rod Conely and the to-be winner, Eddie Carrier, Jr. And of course, the all too infamous fireworks between Chad and Barry. Eddie, Rod and Tim had no idea what pool they just dived into when they pulled their cars onto the track…

#4 The Hidden Gem, Brushcreek Motorsports, Peebles, Ohio.

It was Adams County in mid-July and I just hit town and my throat was dry… And it was humid and sticky and hotter than Hell. However this mid-summer, mid-week $10,000 to win show obviously made it to this list for a reason. The cause was great, all profits go towards college scholarships, something we don’t see much but should see more of in the sport. At first I was let down to see the DRC was the only campers for this race. We sat all night by our lonesome selves just waiting… but to no avail. The next morning we hiked up to Hillsboro, Ohio for a brew and some wings (which did not go over well), we ran down in time to see halfway through the day the hillside was filling with cars and the pits were halfway packed. Very soon the pits filled up with some great local drivers and of course many bigger-named drivers. College flags flew around the track and the seats were quickly filling to capacity. For a Wednesday show in the middle of no where Ohio, it was fantastic. The racing was just as fantastic. Darrell Lanigan took home the money but not after an epic battle with Tim Dohm. Lanigan had to do his best to hold of Eddie Carrier Jr, definitely a major player at Brushcreek, and Duane Chamberlain.

#3 Turkey Gobbler 40, Moler Raceway Park, Williamsburg, Ohio.

I remember sweating to death in Fairbury, thinking “Wow the end of the season is drawing near”, and I didn’t really imagine myself later seeing such a great late model race while freezing to death… wearing overalls and a toboggan. The Turkey Gobbler set in mid November was one of the last races around here, and for that reason the pits were packed. We were very skeptical to how the track would hold up, because freezing my ass off to see a crappy race, even if it was my last one, wouldn’t have went well with me. But much to my surprise it was beautiful. Easily one of Moler’s best, Jason Jameson clearing nearly the entire field to win the race was awesome. Brandon Thirlby nearly had the race in his back pocket, he drove that bullring like I hadn’t seen in many moons. It was very exciting to see “Fast” Freddie Carpenter there, had he not had to pull off so soon he would have been a major player in the race. The Molers certainly left a good mark on the fans and racers alike for their upcoming season.

#2 Sportsman race, Fairbury American Legion Speedway, Fairbury, Illinois.

After sleeping in our cars all night at Moler’s, we got up too early. Hungover and tired as Hell to drive across Ohio, Indiana and halfway up into Illinois to see this regular show at Fairbury. It was my first trip there and all the rumors I’d been told about this place had me on my toes. “Oh dude you’ll love it, best racing there is.” is all I heard for 6 hours. When we arrived, the rest was history. I was in love. I had never even heard of most of the drivers, especially in this particular race, but it definitely left a mark on my year. The racing overall was awesome, but the meltdown between Joel Funk and Daniel Flessner had the entire crowd speechless. While the call was being made you could have heard a tick fart across the street. The crowd, racers and staff were losing it like it was the Bill Frye vs. Scott Bloomquist debacle at the 1997 Dream at Eldora.

#1 Kokomo Klash, Kokomo Speedway, Kokomo Indiana

If anyone was at the DTWC this year, they went home pissed. Little did they know that nearly 230 miles away in the next state over was one of the best races of the season. Kokomo, yet another track that was a virgin to me and that I’d also been told about didn’t ease up on me. Again, the end of the night at the track included fireworks with Chad Stapleton, this time with Brian Ruhlman. However, even with a packed racing program the night before with sprints and other classes, the track was mint. We got there in time to save seats and get a hotel. The wind was unbarable. I remember thinking, “the sun is shining, the wind is fierce, I pray this track can hold up to its amazing history”, and lord have mercy it did. Compared to the 50,000 up for grabs at KC Raceway that weekend, the purse weighed in at just a couple thousand to win. However late models were piled into every nook and cranny, including the parking lot. By feature time nearly 600 tires had hammered down hundreds of times on this bullring and she was still ready for more. The late model race never let me down, the fireworks with Chad and Brian at the end added to it all. Kevin Weaver stole the show during the race, much like Jameson at the Turkey Gobbler 40. Weaver piloted the track moving from nearly dead last quickly to the top. Young Bobby Pierce proved he’s a reckoning force and I went home happy and at peace.

Wade Logan
wadeloganart@gmail.com

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the The Dirt Racing Connection.

After spending most Saturdays and a lot of Fridays at a race track from early spring to late fall, like most I get my winter racing fix by watching videos and re-living the memories of the season that we just witnessed.

This season was one of the most memorable for me. For the first time in a few years I was not working at a track, I was just a fan in the stands. I got to see wide gamete of racing ranging from poor to good to great. Everything from from powder puffs to mechanic’s races to high horsepower late models. While I got to many of the same tracks I’ve been going to for years, I also got to one I had never been to before, the Fairbury American Legion Speedway in Fairbury, Illinois

With the final days of the year clicking away I sit here thinking about the best race(s) I witnessed live in 2011 season. With that thought one hot August night comes to mind, Fairbury American Legion Speedway Championship Night on 8/27/11. A regular racing program plus a powder puff was on tap. Little did I know my first Fairbury experience would not only provide me with my race of the year memory but it would be my entire top 3 races of the year.

#3 POWDER PUFF RACE 8/27/11 Fairbury American Legion Speedway

While some fans filed out of the speedway, some gathered in other locations around the fairgrounds to talk about the great racing they had just witnessed in the regular classes, a large group stayed in the stands for the powder puff race. A small cheer came from the crowd as women hit the speedway, some in borrowed rides some in their husbands rides. We had no idea what we were about to witness. It started out like an ordinary powder puff, but as the women gained more confidence lap after lap they began to mix it up. The 38DD (Farrah Foster) moved to second early and chased the 99 (Andrea Crick) for much of the race. When the white flag waved the 38DD looked to the out side of the 99 down the back stretch to no avail. The 99 maintained the lead coming out of turn four toward the checkered the 388DD crossed over and now began looking under the 99. It was a drag race to the checkered flag. The 388DD inched ahead as the checkered waved. Coming across the line the two made contact and the 38DD rolled on the front stretch coming to rest at the entrance to turn one. When Farrah Foster emerged from the upside down car with her hands raised in the air a loud cheer erupted from the fans. Everyone was relieved she was able to walk away after that wild ride. A checkers or wreckers powder puff are you kidding me?! Without a doubt it had to be included in the top 3 memorable moments I witnessed this year.

#2 SPORTSMEN FEATURE 8/27/11 Fairbury American Legion Speedway

This race was dubbed on theDRC.net as Funk Vs. Flessner Round 2. It started out innocent enough. Funk started up front while Flessner started a few rows back. Funk lead early in the 23F while Flessner worked the 9D through the field. Flessner worked the top on a restart while Funk was glued to the bottom. Before you know it Flessner was in second with Funk out front. The two were running completely different lines. Then as if Funk could feel Flessner coming he came up off the bottom and began running Flessners high line but Flessner imeadiatley counter and went to the bottom in Funks old line. Flessner worked the bottom as Funk ran the extreme high side. With three to go a lapped car slowed in front of Flessner just before it turned into the infield. Flessner moved up a lane to aviod the slowing car while Funk who had nearly took it out the pit entrance the lap before almost got into the wall in three and four on this lap allowing Flessner to momentarly take the point. It was short lived when Funk and Flessner got together on the front stretch. Flessner was unable to finsh. A large group of fans showed their displeasure with Funk. Funk stopped to give a gesture back to the displeased fans. Once Flessners’s car was removed from the speedway and Funk was sent to the tail for rough driving the race resumed. Funk got back to 3rd in the final run down.

#1 LATE MODEL FEATURE 8/27/11 Fairbury American Legion Speedway

On this night the Bull pen was rocking with Scott Bull starting on the pole after setting a NTR in qualifying, but it was Eric Smith taking the early lead from the high side. The two battled for the lead for the first third of the race while the Flat Land Flash Kevin Weaver followed. Weaver followed Smith on the high side while Bull ran the bottom. Weaver finally made it by Bull then went to the bottom to try to get by front running Smith who was running so high he was scrapping the wall on occasions. The two battled lap after lap meanwhile Bull now moved up off the bottom and was right behind Smith. After several laps Bull got back around Weaver and worked his way back to the bottom to make another run at front running Smith. It was now Smith on the high side with Bull under him on the low side and right behind that lead duo it was Ryan Unzicker on the high side and Kevin Weaver on the bottom battling for third and fourth. Bull battled back to the front late in the race but in the final laps Smith used the high side to regain the lead again. Once Smith made the pass, Bull slide up the race track and fell in behind Smith, Kevin Weaver followed closely behind. Then seemingly out of nowhere here comes Jimmy Dehm on the bottom trying to get into the fray. Smith held on for the win followed closely by Bull. Dehm used his late charge to take 3rd Weaver finished 4th.

After my first racing excursion(s) to Illinois I now understand why Illinois scored so high in that Dirt on Dirt best state for racing piece they did a few years back. The future is bright for racing in Illinois.

Mike Ross
mike_ohio26@yahoo.com

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the The Dirt Racing Connection.

Where do i begin?  2011 was definitely a stand out year for me. Its kinda weird because for once I followed my own schedule and stayed true to my roots. Although. I didn’t branch out to far from home, I felt that 90% of the shows I attended had more substance in the true heart and soul of our sport. As far as moments that really stood out for me, were scattered through out their own categories. So if I have to narrow it down in that fashion, than here we go…

2011 Turkey Gobbler at Moler Raceway Park. (SRA Racing Photo)

Best Race:

Moler Raceway Park – The Turkey Gobbler - Hands down the best all out up on the wheel feature I saw all year. This race was a melting pot for drivers from all over our region. And you can’t beat the hospitality they serve up at that joint.

Best party:

Atomic Speedway – DTWC -  The atmosphere never lets you down when this annual circus comes to town, no matter where the venue. I drank beverages I wasn’t sure of and stood over campfires and campsites I wasn’t sure of as well. I saw old friends and made new ones. Talked to folks about times past and bitched about topics that seem to never die around our sport.

Worst Race:

Atomic Speedway – DTWC - Bar none the worst representation a dirt racing event ever. Rain for two days straight. And we were left with a black abrasive racing surface. Horribly slow locked down substance they called a race track. 100 laps of pure hell with an overpriced admission!

Proudest moment:

Brushcreek Motorsports Complex - I remember making the drive down Route 32 fondly. The whole 2 hour drive down to Bruchcreek. I felt honored to know I was apart of of something. Putting a face to friends I only had talked to briefly. Showering fans with gifts for just being fans. For once I sat and watched a race in the company of folks that shared the common belief as I. Joining the the congress was defiantly the high point for years to come. Thank you so much guys!

So as 2012 comes to be in the stands somewhere, with a full cooler by my feet and a cheap beer in hand. You’ll find me cheering for that low budget driver, I’ll be laughing with friends, and cussing about something that’s sure to go wrong I’m sure. God bless this sport and let the Congress be known!!!

Well folks, I clocked in about 834 miles this weekend. Nearly 18-20 hours on the road (give or take those pesky time changes and stopping for the tasty beer at Legends in Champaign, Illinois) to see two regular program races at mere local tracks. Now, I’ve made these treks for large races…World 100, The Dream, Winternationals, and so on. However, I’ve done been called crazy by a ton of people for road tripping across four states for two local shows.

Keep in mind, I didn’t know most of the racers I was going to go see. That too adds to the “Damn, you’re crazy” response I got from family and friends.

But was I all that crazy? Hell. No. First off, I stopped Friday for the Fan Appreciation Night at Molers Raceway Park outside Mt. Orab, Ohio. Despite it’s renown background for being black slick, the track was fast, tacky, and held a lot of bite, for the second weekend in a row. Moler’s is quickly becoming a track that promoters need to learn from. The Molers are still learning what best fits their track, but the track prep was beautiful, and led to some “standing-on-your-feet, nearly-spilling-all-your-beer” racing.

Fans meeting their favorite drivers on Friday night. (Steve Alcorn Photo)

But even with that, Friday came and went. And nothing was to prepare me for what occured Saturday. After a trecherous drive through hundreds of miles of corn fields, we arrived to a true diamond in the rough. Nestled into a small town, I felt as if I was pulling into my first North/South 100. Campers everywhere, full pits, drivers signing hero cards(keep in mind this was just a regular night!) I had no idea who anyone was, I hadn’t seen a single car even hot lap, and this instantly became my favorite track… Fairbury American Legion Speedway.

It wasn’t long before I found myself in a wrecker sitting in the infield for the heats. I saw every inch of that track. It was beautiful. A tacky track that before heats were over with developed two cushions and never let up speed. A bullring with a ton of bite not for the faint of heart; experienced drivers who know where and when they can push their car to the limits. There was a beautiful mesh of enough banking to be fast, and slip off in the turns to pass several cars in one go. It was the most raciest track I’ve ever seen, and the features hadn’t even started.

Track Prep is one of the keys to FALS success. (The DRC Photo)

I got back to my seat in the bleachers in time to see the top 5 points leaders in each class being trucked around and shown to the crowd… finally a local track that gave a damn about their drivers. If you folks ain’t falling in love with this shit, maybe dirt racing isn’t your sport, because this is freaking beautiful.

That night I saw the most-in-your-face racing in every class. From the street stocks to the late models. I never sat down, I don’t think anyone in those stands did either. A packed house, packed field, as I mentioned, a diamond in the rough.

I thought the night would end after the powderpuff race, (which led to the most insane street stock wreck I’d ever seen, and proving even the women up there in the cornfields can drive a car too) but the night started all over. The pits opened up, and at any other track your drivers would have done left and been halfway home. Not at Fairbury. The pits were packed, kids getting autographs and pictures. Hell, Joe Harlan’s late model was an open buffet of beer, pizza and brownies.

The pits were bigger than Moler’s Fan Appreciation that night. There wasn’t a soul that didn’t have a beer, or wasn’t telling stories, or wasn’t taking pictures with a kid.

Some say dirt racing is a dying sport. And sometimes I agree. But I witnessed a healthy heartbeat keeping the sport alive nestled in cornfields in the middle of no where. I’m going back in a few days. Everyone should too. Because you haven’t experienced racing until you’ve trekked to Fairbury American Legion Speedway. You’d almost be crazy not to.

Wade Logan
wadeloganart@gmail.com

Disclaimer: Some language may not be suitable for children. The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the The Dirt Racing Connection.

I was down in our garage at home the other day with my dad and we were digging through some old shit. Photos, little antique trinkets, things of that sort. In the back covered in dust was a sportsman dash trophy from 1988, Brown County Speedway. Our family friend Rusty Martin won it in a car my papaw built.

My dad worked at Fleming County Raceway at the time. My papaw and his brother-in-law ran a little track out in Bluestone, outside Morehead, Kentucky. There’s an old Camaro and sprint car tucked away in my great-uncles garage I hear. Saturday nights 20-25 years ago meant something to everyone.. Growing up, I was in the dirt, breathing the fumes, and getting into it, so was my dad. When I was a kid he lived for it. Three generations of Logan’s dedicated to the sport. Now there’s just me. My grandpa never speaks of it, you might hear him utter the word “Eldora” from time to time. My dad only brings it up when he runs into a racer I might know at his work.

All this ran into my head as I looked at this trophy. Damn. This trophy defined my childhood. Watching my family race from the top of some dudes truck in the pits on my grandpa’s lap. What in the hell happened to that? I’m the only one left it seems.

So I handed dad the trophy, and he laughed. It was obvious some memories struck him right away. Racing does not leave you. You don’t grow out of it, you don’t move on to better things.

I asked him, “why’d you get out?”
“No money in it. Even then, $1,000 to win couldn’t pay to maintain the car.”
He said as he handed me back the trophy. 1,000 to win in the early 90’s? Tracks are paying less than that, and at minimum the same as that to win now.

Without risk there is no reward. (Wade Logan Photo)

He kept going, “People stopped going. Racers couldn’t afford to climb inside their cars. Empty pits, empty seats. You either go all in or you don’t go at all, we couldn’t afford to even think about it. I would say, sometimes if you love something you do it no matter the costs, but when the costs invade your life, your bills, your responsibilities outside racing, what’s the point?”

He had a point. A great point. Then he said a word that struck me cold. “It’s not worth the risk”.

Risk. Ain’t that a damn fancy word? Fucking filled with false hopes and dreams you’ll never accomplish, only chaos and destruction and little bitty annoying ticks that follow you the rest of your life. But really, those aren’t risks. No, those are “shots-in-the-foot”. There is a major difference between shooting yourself in the foot, and taking a risk.

I’ve worked in racing for several seasons now. I know racers of all classes, and wallet sizes. I know the people running the water truck, I know the people flipping your fucking burgers. I know the people taking your money and giving you a ticket, I know the people covered in oil, the people in the stands and the people in the racing suits. You want to hear what the racing “world” defines as a risk? Take a track dying. A local track. No Lucas Oil or WoO runs. Maybe a few larger races a year, but an average car count of 25 total, and about 50-150 people in the stands. You ain’t baking biscuits with that. So a promoter “takes a risk”, he blows down a 10,000+ to win race one time. Sure he gets an increase in cars, maybe fans… for one damn night.

That’s not a risk. That’s shooting yourself in the foot. How many of these late models or other classes are coming back for a regular show? One or two if you’re lucky.

Racers can’t afford that. Not your local guys. And if you’re letting your local guys fall by the wayside, you’re not doing this for the right reasons. And then the promoter runs around like a chicken with his head cut off. “Where’s my racers, where’s my fans!?”

When your regular program payout and purse is the same as it was 20 years ago, you aren’t helping the sport, only hurting it. And then when your track is dying, your risk is to inject your season with a shot of speed? One good night, then back to reality.

Want to save the sport, your track and support your local drivers? Late models should have a minimum payout of $3,000 to win, and not, as Mike Ross puts it, “Dolly Parton top heavy.” spread the purse, thick, throughout the field. But as a bonus to the people that keep the sport alive, the fans, don’t go jacking their ticket price. If you’re charging more than 10-12 bucks for general admission, you’re shooting yourself in the foot.

There’s no reason to let the sport kill itself. People, like my dad and my granddad got smart and pulled out before they lost themselves in it.. Racers across the country are doing the same everywhere. We’re killing the sport ourselves. It’s time to take a few risks.

Wade Logan
Contact Wade Logan on Facebook

Usually you can find three types of race fans. Some fans just want to see some race cars on a track and it doesn’t matter what the surface is like, some fans have favorite(s) that excel on black slick and are usually the ones love “black ice” and then you got the fans that love a racy fast tacky track with some passing.

I know what your already thinking. The tacky track fans like tacky tracks because their favorite driver excels at the tacky tracks. For me it’s not about my favorite driver. I really don’t care who wins, I just want to see what I paid to see and that’s not someone following a line of cars around a race track waiting on someone to slip and slide out of the way so they can make a pass.

When I attend a race at a track and before hot laps are over and the black has already started to appear, I know right then the likely hood of seeing some outstanding racing has been ruined 99.9% of the time. In all my years going to dirt track races the worse race(s) I ever seen were on a hard black slick “black ice” type of track. Case in point, one sunny Saturday afternoon in 2007 my dad and I decide to drive to a track (I will not mention the name) that was having a “big race”. When we got there the place was packed hot laps was just underway. We found a seat and as I sat down I took one look at the track and then looked over to dad and said this was a mistake. He said what do you mean? I said look at that track it’s already getting black. I can already tell you who is going to win and hot laps aren’t even over yet! He said who? My reply was whoever starts on the pole!

So we settle in and of coarse they had to qualify the 33 late models on hand. After qualifying was the dash, 3 heats and a B-main. If I recall correctly the dash was scheduled to be a six car six lap shoot out between the top six from qualifying and they were inverted. One car didn’t make the call for the dash so it ended up being a 5 car six lap race with out one pass.

On to the feature since the heats or B-main didn’t matter.(nobody outside the dash had a chance of winning this thing) The guy on the outside got the jump and lead early after a few laps the pole sitter got by and set sail to the back markers. However, reaching them and passing them were two different things. He finally disposed of the one and only lapped car on the 21st lap of the 50 lap feature. The press release from the race mentioned the lapped car was just as fast as the leader but he had the misfortune of starting in the back. Not real exciting not to mention the fact I called who would win the thing before hot laps were over.

"All Aboard" (Steve Alcorn Photo)

Fast forward a few years to 2011. Earlier this year Dad and I set out on one of our many racing excursions. We decided to go to a different track on this Sunny spring afternoon. When we get to this track it’s packed and hot laps are already underway. The first thing we noticed was the track was already getting black, we look at each other and say this is going to suck. Well sure enough the guy that won the race started from the pole of his heat then the pole of the feature. Other then the one and only lapped car he didn’t pass a single car all night. Then in victory lane he had the audacity to say “anybody can win on a tacky track, but who wants to see that. This track here tonight was perfect” I’m pretty sure the large crowd on hand would have rather seen “anybody win” then him win with out passing a single car all night.

That being said, It’s been said on more then one occasion usually by racers or crew members and occasionally fans “anyone is fast on a tacky track” “It takes a driver and not just a big motor to excel on the black slick”. I say what is wrong with a little competition? Maybe if we really look at it we would find out it’s not that ”everyone is fast on the tacky stuff” but maybe they are just more even when the expensive trick shocks, shock dynos etc come out of play. I mean essentially by saying everyone is fast on the tacky aren’t you really just saying the reason why certain guys and/or girls are faster on the black slick then the others is because they can get their horsepower to the ground while others are spinning their wheels?

And don’t give me the line about stuff getting tore up because everyone is fast on a tacky track either. These same guys that you say you can’t race with on a tacky track are on the slick tracks with you. You still have to race around them it doesn’t matter if it’s black slick or tacky. What’s wrong with a little competition?

"Water is your Friend" (Steve Alcorn Photo)

A race track is in the entertainment business, watching a couple high dollar teams chase each other while others struggle to follow around in a straight line isn’t entertaining to your average fan that is there to be be entertained. Maybe this is why many long time “race fans” have become disenchanted with the new age racers and have stopped going to watch these spectacles they call races at most tracks today. The declining fan count isn’t just about the economy.

You always hear the cry we need to get more kids interested in racing if we want it the sport continue. At one time or another, I’m sure we have all heard kids is the answer to keep the sport alive an well for years to come. That’s fine, but have you ever really stopped and thought about it. Most of the long time “race fans” that have become disenchanted with the sport have kids that could be attending race with them had they not be turned off by the lack of competition in racing today. Even if you do get kids involved in the mix you need to keep their attention or they aren’t comming back. A kid in today’s society will not be entertained by a train
making circles around a dirt track.

Competition breeds success, water is your friend.

Mike Ross
mike_ohio26@yahoo.com

Anyone that has been around the sport for awhile has heard the catch phrase “the next level”, it was the buzz around the dirt track scene a few years ago. Nascar was filling stands every week and certain tracks on that level had a waiting list for tickets. Some people in dirt seen the money in nascar and wanted something similar for themselves. With that the next level hype was born.

The next level propaganda promised affordable, entertaining and competitive racing for competitors by establishing & enforcing fair and unified rules that would strengthen the dirt track racing industry. It would be a platform to race for higher purses & more exposure, while creating more competition and giving fans an exciting shows through fan friendly formats.

However, the next level has become what many purist despise. An explosion of new sanctions and/or series with new sanction fees, membership or license fees, entry fees, tire deals, a plethora of “specials” with higher admission prices, show up money, nascar influence, politics, and the ever growing neglected weekly shows.

With the explosion of new sanctions and series track owners have became lazy. They pimp out “specials” to a plethora of sanctions & series allowing them to promote and market them while they open the gate and collect the money. These sanctions collect license fees, entry fees & tire money from the racers. These new professional racers demand special treatment in the form of dictating track conditions, race formats and collecting show up money.

Welcome to the next level of affordable, entertaining and competitive racing (eye roll)

The next level has arrived and promoting weekly racing has became a lost art. It seems these greedy scum-bags owners (as Bubba the Love Sponge calls them) don’t want to give back to the week end warrior anymore. They would rather take away from the weekly racer to make a quick buck on the over priced “specials”. The growing trend for these new age owners is to get out of as many weekly shows as possible using what ever excuse they can find. We’ve heard them all, everything from weather forecast to county fairs to Friday night football and anything in between. Some have cut back on the weekly purses because they say they don’t have the money to pay any more, but somehow they always seem to find enough to run that high price special with sanction fees and/or special show up money for the select few.

The next level has put money in the pocket of a select few while slowly killing off the weekly show. Fortunately there are still a few track owners like Bubba the Love Sponge Clem that care about racing and aren’t looking to get rich at the racers expense. Bubba Raceway Park is the place “where they treat you fair and pay you square.” Unfortunately they are getting harder and harder to find. If we had more people like Bubba I’d be at a race track right now instead of finishing this blog on a Saturday night.

Mike Ross
mike_ohio26@yahoo.com

Its very hard to put things into perspective for some people in the United States of America, but its time we all stood up again the same way we stood in Unity after 9/11 and the horrible series of events that shaped the very Country we live in today. The nation still faces threats daily from foreign sources, but its the attack from within that scares the hell out of me.

The racing community is made up of people from every walk of life, and undoubtedly we have folks from within this community hurting, searching, and hoping that they will somehow be able to rebuild their lives. The terrible Tornado outbreak last week in the Southern United States and the Major Flooding in the Midwest have left Major Cities, Towns, and Rural communities completely devastated and not enough attention has been paid by the Major Media outlets in this country. Sure there has been coverage but this is a disaster on the scale of Hurricane Katrina which had Twenty Four hour a day coverage for 2 months.

I know that there are other World events going on at the same time but to have 24 hours worth of Royal Wedding coverage while our brothers and sisters suffer in the way that they have is just disgusting. I would certainly understand if they broke into the coverage to tell us about the death of a man that is responsible for the deaths of Tens of thousands of Americans including the very BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN that are fighting for our freedoms everyday. Maybe since this is not a man made disaster (global warming folks disagree) there is not as much desire for them to cover the destruction of life and property that took place last week.

There are stories in the racing world everyday about racers helping racers mostly that go unnoticed but most prefer to keep it that way. I don’t know of one race fan that would turn his or her back if there was an immediate emergency that required help, I don’t know of one racer that doesn’t hurt when another racer loses his or her life doing something they love.

The Americans that live in the South and Midwest need our help, I know this is a tough time for many of us but we need to put that aside for a few moments and reach out with what we can spare. There are needs for any item you can possibly imagine, just look around and if you can see it they need it. The best way we can help is to donate to the Red Cross at this time. I will be exploring options for collecting goods in the next few days and if there is a need I will post that information.

Jody Shannon has set up a secure site at http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/thedrc/americannationalredcross all you have to do is click on the link and donate, its that easy. We have selected the National Chapter of the American Red Cross due to the large scale of these disasters. All money donated will go directly to the America Red Cross, its safe, secure and the least we can do at this point.

Goodbye

Toby W. Hallett

When you think about racing in Illinois, there are two tracks that are always mentioned towards the top of the list, Farmer City Raceway and Fairbury American Legion Speedway. In recent years both tracks have been on the brink of closing. Luckily they have new life and both will have full racing schedules in 2011, when it stops raining every weekend. Farmer City Raceway has been given new existence thanks to Jeff Hammer and Kyle Logue. The partnership will hopefully lead to much success for the Raceway and for the town of Farmer City.

Jeff Hammer a Clinton, Illinois native has been race fan his entire life. When his cousin Donnie ended his racing career and took over promoting Farmer City, Jeff often helped. Today Jeff runs a contracting company. He was looking for a challenge when his good friend Kyle Logue suggested the Farmer City promoting idea. The men together decided with an improving economy and families looking for fun events to take on the promotion of Farmer City Raceway.

Kyle Logue has been a name heard in racing for over a decade around Central Illinois. A fixture at Macon, the Decatur area local has won track championships at Danville in a modified as well as three at Mighty Macon Speedway. He has finished Top 50 in UMP points in 2001, 2002 where he finished 9th with 17 wins, and 2003. In 2004 Logue moved into the Late Model class. He has finished Top 50 UMP points in that class in 2004, 2008, and 2009. He won his most recent championship at Macon in the year 2009.

Front stretch at Farmer City under the lights. (Torri Godsey Photo)

Some people may wonder how a racer and a race fan can promote one of the most loved and best tracks in the Midwest. Simple answer, they listen to others. The twosome has asked other promoters for advice. Fans of course have given them excellent suggestions and the two men are listening. Everyone wants to see the track returned to the ‘glory days’ and then continue to succeed into the future.

With the new promoters some improvements have been made. One important upgrade, especially to us women, clean bathrooms. The track itself has been restored to original condition. Money has been spent on a much-needed new sound system, more lighting, fixed bleachers, and FM radio. With the radio, you can sit in your car and listen to the racing action. Still at Farmer City, great food and a jammed packed night of racing.

The challenge of all promoters; getting fans in the stands, is already being addressed by Logue and Hammer. They are giving away tickets to the local schools for students doing well. Also, you can win tickets from local radio stations during some of their contests. The track will be having special events for Veterans and Union Members throughout the season. Their website, www.farmercityracing.com will be up to date, as will their facebook page, check back often for event information.

Three wide racing is the norm at Farmer City. (Double J Photo)

Each night of racing either Friday or Sunday (rain date) will be action packed. A regular show will consist of late models, modifieds, sportsmen, street stocks, and hornets. There will be give-a-ways many nights. Prizes could be t-shirts, gift cards, free food, gas cards, and even a few surprises later this season. Special events for fans will be meet and greets with drivers, face painting, and sometimes a bounce house. Mountain Dew night will have free shirts and much more. The entry fee to most regular nights of racing will only be $10 for stands with 12 and under free and $25 for pit passes. Gates will open at 3pm with hot laps at 6:30pm.

The improvements are not just for the fans but also for the racers. The track conditions will be faster and smoother then it has been in the past. If it rains on Friday night, many rain dates will be that Sunday. The payouts for each class have been increased thanks to some great sponsors. Check back each week to see what your class will be paying.

Track promoters can only do so much to make a track succeed. It falls in to the hands of dirt track fans like you to make it work. It is so easy now to sit at home and save your money by getting updates via sites like Facebook or the DRC. Unless you take your butt to the track, there may not be a race to get updates from in the future. Show your appreciation and support for your local tracks, get out there, and cheer on your drivers! Farmer City Raceway, Jeff Hammer, and Kyle Logue want to see you in 2011!! Check back to their website and facebook page often for updates and race day weather conditions.