talk31-40


talk #31

Racing Loyalty

07-28-2005

  

          Like with most sports, racing takes a team effort to win. But unlike other supports, racers become a family.  Now I’m not saying every driver loves all the others, but they are friendly a majority of the time. Fans are loyal to other dirt fans and extremely loyal to the drivers and teams.

          Racing, not just dirt has been built on traditions. Family members done the line have raced. Children have grown up with other racer’s children. Almost everyone has seen NASCAR go from racing on the beach to racing in front of millions worldwide. As for dirt, it’s not just Friday and Saturday nites, its on ESPN, ESPN2, Speed Channel, and The Outdoor Channel. The long traditions have made the sport grow into loyalty and pride.

         

          It’s obvious that most fans are incredibly dedicated. No matter how long of a slump their driver is in, the fan will still wear his (or her) shirt. They may not cheer like they once did, but they will still cheer and hope for the best each race. Not only are fans loyal to 1 driver but also they may be loyal to an entire team or family. For example, when Kyle Petty came onto the scene in NASCAR, the King’s fans became Kyle’s fans too. Then when young Adam came in, every Petty fan became an Adam fan too. Sadly when Adam died, the world of racing became Adam’s fans. The entire racing world mourns when anyone involved passes on; it’s the racing loyalty.

 

          Drivers are competitors, but also BIG fans. They are often the 1st person under a car to help fix a fellow drivers car. Many drivers will wear a competitor’s t-shirt, which kinda seems like voting for a challenger in an election. That’s cool, at least they are supportive of others, not just themselves. The drivers normally take in younger drivers and give advice and wisdom. Even though sometimes, the younger driver doesn’t think they need it. When racing has a tragedy, it’s the other drivers who will step in and collect money for a driver’s family. Its tracks that start memorial races to help the family. Racing is a big family looking out for each other.  Its when a driver looses interest in racing, that’s when its time they retire. I know its possible to loose interest; it is just a rare occurrence.

 

          Track loyalty also happens. Sometimes its because its easy. A local track has a local fans, that’s simple enough. Then those local fans only go to that track. Along with that some fans only like the local drivers. When a big series comes in, they only cheer for those guys. The loyalty may turn to being stubborn. Its good to be loyal, unless you get a group of opposing loyal people, that is when the fighting starts. If you don’t believe me, take a look on 4m.net and observe the bickering and fighting.

         

          The family of racers and fans make racing the sport it is. No other sport allows you to meet and make conversation with your heroes on any given weekend. These guys compete in a sport that they love and not just for money. Which makes them cool. Why else would we spend hundreds of dollars on merchandise and entry fees to go racing? Because we are loyal, we support our drivers, and we support our tracks. Keep the tradition going…

         

Talk #32
 

Not Just Another Talk

 

            I have always felt that I am a decent writer. Not to brag but I did ace all my English classes in college. So when I began writing for RaceNut, I felt I had a modest idea of what was going on in the world of racing. For regular readers, you know that I don’t like to attack drivers, fans, promoters, or the tracks in which they attend. Just recently I have found something that really upsets me, The Pantagraph from Bloomington, Illinois.

 

            I have been very loyal to the newspaper. Since I was old enough to read, I have read the sports section. As I have aged I read it all. For the people who have seen 4m, they have seen my post on racing interest in Central Illinois. Granted just a few years ago, the local racing coverage was excellent, in due of Mike Rigsby. He was at the tracks and wrote about what he saw that nite. Not just the scoreboard results like now.  When he covered the races there were plenty of stories on the local drivers.

 

            After Rigsby left the paper and moved on to better things, I personally offered my assistance to help the paper.  I tried to get a hold of the sports editor. Without a simple response of yes or no, I decided against continuing to chase him down. I figured he must not want to cover racing.  So when I have a decent article, I offered it first to the Pantagraph. I was told there was not enough interest or room to have local dirt stories weekly. At Farmer City wasn’t there 4 or 5 thousand people? Does that not count as interest? But yet there are always golf stories front page of sports.

 

            As for the 4m post, I know I am not the only one frustrated with the lack of coverage. Yes we have NASCAR coverage but didn’t those guys start on dirt? I’m very lucky and happy that RaceNut continues to let my voice my thoughts. As for my article, it will hopefully soon be in print. Ill let everyone know. For future articles, The Pantagraph wont be offered. J

Talk #33
 

In All Respect

 

 

          Yet once again, I have to write about tragedy at the racetrack. This is something no writer enjoys doing and sadly its been done way too many times this season. In the season we have lost drivers and fans, each loss different and just as painful.

 

          Within the past week the world of racing has been seen a dark light in the news media. All this time we complain that we don’t get news coverage, until something bad happens. From CNN to local newspaper the tragic incident at Mt. Vernon has been seen all over the world. The races we all love have been shown in a bad light and not the good light we have seen in the past. Like all the love and charity work we have done for others. The accident has raised many questions. Are the tracks we sit at every weekend safe?

 

          We all know that racing is a dangerous sport. We have lost so many amazing people that have raced. Many in the pits, some on the track and some survived with injuries that ended careers. Granted some have wondered how safe the spectators are. In NASCAR and IRL there have been fans injured from debris. Changes have been made to keep the pieces on a wrecked car. After seeing the scary wreck Geoff Bodine had at Daytona in a truck, race fans were close to danger.

 

          Now its up to all tracks to improve or modify safety at their tracks. When most tracks were built, the cars weren’t nearly as fast as they are now.  With the age of the tracks increasing, fences and poles are deteriorating. Many tracks are so close to the crowds, if any car had a problem, they could end up very close to the fans or pits. It is up to the track owners and promoters to increase safety.

 

          I know all fans would do whatever they could to help tracks increase safety. From writing positive stories on the tracks to volunteering time and supplies to help fix fences and replace broken parts. I also know no one wants to see anyone get hurt or killed at a sport we love. To all track promoters and owners, let us know what we can do to help.

 

 

From the Midwestdirttrackfacts Family;

 

Our deepest Sympathy goes out to the Families of

Donald Roznowski and Jeff Conner.

Thoughts and Prayers to all the

Victims and Fans from Mt. Vernon Speedway.

 

Also we send our Thoughts and Prayers

To the Family, Friends, and Fans of

Kevin Doty,

 A driver in Sprint Cars and Midgets.

Race In Peace.

Talk #34
 

2005 Fairbury Review

 

            It seems like just yesterday when Fairbury American Legion opened the 2005 season. Now the 16th annual Prairie Dirt Classic has passed and the track has gone quiet. So many had thought the old track was on its last leg but this season became one of the best in recent years.  Except for the 2 biggest races, Summer Nationals and the Prairie Dirt, the track looked really good. There were times this season when Fairbury had the highest car counts in the area, for late models and almost always in modifieds.

            When the first checkered flag fell this season on May 14, Eric Smith got his 2nd victory of the season. After a lot of talk on 4m and other sites, the crowd began to grow. With a high car count in 3 classes, the drivers must still love the historic track. Eric Smith also won the second Saturday race on Curt Piercy memorial night. Smith would gain and hold the points lead for both Farmer City and Fairbury. May 28th would be a regular nite of racing with a regular winning, Wes Steidinger.

            For $5 to get in on Fan Appreciation, Richie Hedrick fans surely appreciated a Hitman win. June 11 saw hornets and the Racing Farmer Roger Long power to his only win at FALS. For the Pappy and Bob Allen Memorial, Mike Mullvain and his #4 took his only win at Fairbury. Closing the month was another win for the Urbana driver Richie Hedrick.

            To open July, Darin Friedman in his 89 late model beat the field for his 1st win. On the B104 nite, Richie Hedrick cruised to yet another musical win. July 16 saw the UMP Summernational champion crash going into turn 1. Babb ran 2nd until his wreck behind the winner Jimmy Mars. The next show was a regular show with another win for Hedrick; the point’s race was close between Smith and Hedrick. The Fairbury Flyer Wes Steidinger won the last race of July.

            The month of August would also known as the month of Erb. The One Man Band from Carpentersville won on the 5th at Farmer City and repeated the next nite at Fairbury. Dennis Erb Jr.  is now one of the hottest drivers. The 13th was the only rain out of the season, which is a plus during a drought. The Wat Up Dog #22 won on Fair nite, Chris Dick’s only win at Fairbury. By then Hedrick had already clinched the point’s championship. Waiting till the last regular nite, Jr Shickel finally picked up a feature win in his s10.

            The 16th annual Prairie Dirt Classic saw 42 late models and 36 modifieds. Six former Champions were in attendance including the 1st winner, Snooky Dehm, Kevin Weaver, Billy Drake, Dennis Erb Jr, John Gill, and Shannon Babb. 5time winner Bob Pierce, Billy Moyer, and Don O’Neal make up the remaining winners. The nite saw the walls disappear, covered by dirt sent cars into the fences in turns three and four. Fast time and heat 1 went to Jimmy Mars. The Dash for Cash and heat 4 went to Billy Drake. Mike Mullvain won heat 2 over Dan Schlieper. Shannon Babb beat Richie Hedrick to the line for heat 3 win. John Gill won over Jr Shickel for heat 5. Darin Friedman and Kevin Weaver won the 2 semi features. After a complete restart and 2 cautions, Jimmy Mars finished his sweep of the night and of both $10,000 to win races.

            Results: (Started)

(1)     Jimmy Mars

(3) Shannon Babb

 (5) Wes Steidinger

(6) Dan Schliepher

(8) Dennis Erb Jr

(16) Kevin Weaver

(18) Daren Miller

(4)  Billy Drake

(13) John Provenzano

(15) Darin Friedman –1 Lap

(12) Roger Long - DNF

(9)   Jr Shickel- DNF

(19) Don Hammer - DNF

(2)   Mike Mullvain- DNF

(7) Richie Hedrick - DNF

(10) Joe Harlan - DNF

(14) Eric Smith - DNF

(11) RJ Gall - DNF

(20) Chris Dick - DNF

(17) Mark Anderson - DNF

(21) John Gill – Took Parade Lap. Started at Rear

 

 

    In modified action Nick Neville took fast time and the first heat. Chad Kinder, Schmahorn, Mullins, won heats 2-4. Kevin Weaver and McKay Wegner won the semi features. (Sorry for Spelling). Chad Kinder walked to the victory over Schamhorn.

 Started:                              Finish:

 32-22                                 22 Kinder              41 Mullins

12-41                                  12 Schamhorn       83 Bull

64-83                                  32 Neville              3l Leka

3L-D1                                  D1 Dehm               69 Farris

7L- 69                                 95 Ricketts            43 Mellows

1-00                                    w95 Weaver             7L Ledford

95-43                                  00 Wilson              c12 Curl

x1-c12                                64 Cook Jr            1 Jordan

w95-42                                42 Wegner            27 Crosby

27-61                                  X1 Sandage- 1lap      61 Cook Sr.- DNF

 

There are a few things the track could do to help them:

  1. Fix the Track. What is going to stop the cars from going into the pits? The walls shouldn’t be covered by dirt. The fence poles are getting old and when Matt Bachman hit the fence, you could tell the pole is soft
  2. Fix the Stands. On the front stretch uncovered bleachers are OLD. They are unsafe; children could easily fall through them. When people walk down, its like you are sitting on a roller coaster. They are soft and about done.
  3. Track Prep. Its getting better but some more could be done. Maybe not qualifying everyone would help the overall nite.

 

I am sure if the tracks would ask for volunteers and supplies, fans would help. Obviously no one wants to see a track close, especially one as old as Fairbury. Congrats to all the Winners! Also congrats to Eric Smith and Richie Hedrick and the teams for their Championships.

 

** SUPPORT THE RED CROSS AND ALL THE VICTIMS OF HURRICANE KATRINA**

talk #35
 

November 13, 2005
 
        So once again everyone thought I had disappeared, no new talk since August. But actually I have been working, with the help of Racenut; I am going to have an article published in “Behind the Wheel”. I’m not going to say anymore then that for now just keep an eye out.
 
         Also I have been working just like everyone else, not having a spare minute to do anything else. I have been working at my local hospital since July. I do patient registration for the ER and admitting to the hospital. Hopefully I won’t see anyone there.
 
           Now don’t get mad but its November 13th and I am half done Christmas shopping. Not that I like Christmas, mostly just wishful thinking for snow. Since it’s cooled off tonite, snow looks like a possibility. Also I am trying to budget my spending, if that is possible.
 
           It seems like forever since I went racing. I missed out on a few nites at Farmer City. Some races missed because of working 2nd shift and others because of football season. Other then that not much is going on. Watch for more Torri’s Talks, there are a few in progress..
 
Happy Thanksgiving if I don’t see you before then… 

 

talk #36
Have We Learned Anything?
 
    Each day we all learn something new. It could anything from how to change spark plugs to Einstein’s theory of Relativity. No matter what it is, we will continue to add on knowledge. The same way after a tragedy, we learn a lesson and then continue to find ways to prevent it from having again. I am pretty sure you all see where I am going with this. We all can picture our home track and point out what could or should be fixed. Seldom anyone makes enough noise to fix the problem(s) until its too late.
    When racing began the cars were slower. A little bit of concrete and some fence would stop an out of control car. Today cars are a lot faster. Telephone poles behind the fence won’t stop cars anymore. Even your everyday car can snap off a light pole in a car accident. As for concrete, pieces are being covered, too high cushions or resurfacing the track makes the walls short. And after we improve the walls, lets put the kill switches on the late models like the Nextel Cup cars have to prevent the throttle sticking problems.
    I’m not big on rules, but maybe some outside company should beef up and get a safety crew or committee to look at all the tracks in a state. It would be up to them if the tracks open for the year. They could check everything from grandstands to bathrooms to fans and drivers safety on and around the track.
  We know we take a risk watching races but it shouldn’t have to be scared for our lives and for our drivers. 
As for the racecars. It seems like a common occurrence for a driver to break wrists during a wreck. Obviously NASCAR drivers do something late model drivers don’t do in wreck, maybe it should be looked into. Another serious threat to a driver is when the drive shaft comes into the cockpit. Couldn’t something like iron be placed between the shaft and the cockpit? At least to slow down a piece of debris? The biggest life endangerments to our drivers are in the pits. Working under the cars is unsafe, as is walking in traffic. Between the 2 the pits are dangerous.  Yes I know drivers respect each other and 90% of the time they follow a speed limit. It’s the 10% when a driver is mad or something happens to a car is when the car goes flying through is when people get hurt or sadly killed.
There is a reason why NASCAR drivers and crews aren’t seriously injured more often. They have learned from past accidents and tragedies.

Check out November's Behind the Wheel.. Page 14, You will see a little article. Thanks to Lisa Shickel, who is young but determined. And thank you to Racenut who isnt as young but gave me the names of people to get in touch with. Also check out the new "Torri Talk" coming the first week of December.. Thanks again!!

 Torri

Talk #37
 

For The Race Fans.

Christmas is less then a month away. To get those good gifts, you better get moving! It’s real easy to shop for drivers and fans in your family. Two things to remember; makes car fast or makes car look cool. Not just the race car but the street car, go kart, truck, lawn mover, neighbor’s car, or whatever. Just something to get them in the garage, even garage décor would be fine.

If you are waiting till the last minute don’t do online shopping unless they guarantee it will be there on time. If they don’t then don’t push your luck. I am going to help you out for the race fans or drivers on your shopping list. Remember these are places that don’t sponsor our web page, but they should or send me free stuff. Maybe after this they will sponsor us.

In NO Particular order:

For Cool Stuff:

1.www.gottarace.com For all kinds of cool shirts, decals and die casts.

2. www.fordracingparts.com www.mopar.com www.gmgoodwrench.com

Obviously for your ford, dodge, and chevy gear.

3. www.midwestdirttrackfacts.com Links to lots of driver pages, where you can get their gear.
 Also check out the page for car builders and accessories, and the page for media/ other racing links is good.

4. www.dirtmotorsports.com To get gear from World of Outlaws, Stacker2 and DIRT.

5. www.QVC.com For race fans only and lots of other cool stuff.

6. www.photoreflect.com For local pictures of local guys.

7. www.JcWhitney.com Has a lot of different parts and gear.

For Parts:
 

For all things racing..... www.daymotorsports.com

1.www.hoosiertire.com For the rubber.

2.www.holley.com Performance parts.

3www.dyersrods.com Racing  Rods, duh.

4.www.Racegas.com Sunoco race Fuels.

5. www.Oreillyauto.com For great parts

6.www.weldracing.com For wheels

Chassis:

http://cjrayburn.com For Rayburn

www.mastersbilt.com For Mastersbilt

www.teamGRT For GRT

www.larryshaw.com For Larry Shaw bodies

www.bobpierceracecars.com For Bob Pierce Late Models and Modifieds.

www.Rocketchassis.com For a Rocket.

Bodies and Decals:

www.competitionbodies.com A new look, same great designs by Knepley

www.performancebodies.com Nice body ;)

be sure to check out the other pages on this website for more links

So that’s all I got to help you. If I don’t see you before have yourself a Merry Little Christmas. And a Happy New Year!

Thank you guys for a great year!

Torri

Talk #38
 

      2006- Is it really?
 
               Where did 2005 go? It seems like the racing season has been over for a long time.
                The Daytona 500 will soon be upon us, as will racing in Florida for us late model fans.
                Now it looks the race is to discover the right order and tracks for the 2006 Summer Nationals.
                Even looking back through this year’s ramblings, we have hit all kinds of topics. Hopefully
                before the local season starts I will try to get a few juicy ones, which will probably upset a few but oh well.
        Lets Do a Little Recap of 2005:
 
        2005 UMP SummerNationals:
             Shannon Babb kicked butt this year, can he repeat in ’06? Answer- Oh yeah. This ‘middle gun’ will be a force
                   at all tracks he races. His 15 wins in the tour will be the new goal of the drivers that take part in the month series.
 
        Northern All Star Late Model Series:
           Yet again Steve Hillard was runner up to Steve Barnett. Hillard missed 2 races, which cost him the 55
                needed points to tie Barnett. The 89 and 34 did clear the 3rd place finisher Mike Mataragas by 229 points.
 
       M.A.R.S or DIRT or Stacker2 or Whatever:
               Terry Phillips beat Wendell Wallace for his championship by only 58 points. Phillips won 6 races to Wallace’s 5 wins.
                     Wallace also won 3 out of the first 4 races of the series.
 
       World of Outlaws Late Models:
                It was a close as possible for a conclusion of a series, tied. Billy Moyer had 5,384 and so did Steve Francis. Moyer wins
                      the tiebreaker. Fitting end to the series with possibly the most talent in the country. Even the rookies are good, Kid Rocket
                      Josh Richards finished 8th in the points, not bad for someone less then half the age of the veterans.
 
        Race World:
                 We look at back at the season and few things do stick out. The tragedy at Mt. Vernon put the racing world on CNN.
                        Lets hope tracks and series’ make changes to prevent another accident from showing the sport we love in such a sad light.
                 Yet again we have lost great drivers, fans, and crewmembers. Since each track has lost most special people
                       over the past year, I will just allow you to think of them..
 
                                    Here is to a safe and happy 2006 & Go ILLINI!
 

Talk #39

Race Season Starting Soon
(At least in NASCAR)
 
 
When I saw “Update expected soon” on my wheel on the front page, I thought might as well. I have been working on some ideas. I was trying to wait to see where all the drivers landed during ‘silly season’. Right now the racing excited is racing parties around the area. I saw the Matt Bachman; driver of the #68 modified driver is having his party February 18th. After the parties are over, then its time to start work on the new cars.
 
            I am sure Racenut is excited to see the 2006 UMP Summer National schedule set. The marathon series is seeing two new tracks, so far. June 30th sees Poplar Bluff, Missouri hosting a 10,000 to win race. Then Quincy, Illinois gets a 6000 to win race on July 13th. Some changes may still happen, but we have 4 months for them to happen.
 
          Local good news is Farmer City will be having a WoO race on May 12. This season should be a great one, hopefully without a drought. Without a drought would be a great help for all the tracks in the Midwest.
 
          Just like always I have been reading 4m.net. Presently there is a post that got me thinking. JJJ4b posted “what do you miss the most?” I have only been involved with racing for 7 or so years, so reading these stories is a great history lesson. The really cool thing is how the old time drivers are still loved and missed, just like they left the track last season. Racer loyalty is just as strong now as it was when they were racing. Looking at the old cars its fun to see how much they have changed. Who would have thought after looking at the ole wedge cars that we would be worried about aero packages?
 
          I think some of our older fans should get together and write some stories down and publish them. Maybe a history lesson for us young fans. Racenut could organize that. I would definitely buy that book!
 
 
As for the Bachman Racing Party:
Bubba’s Barn in Grill in Melvin, IL
February 18, 2006
5pm Pork Chop Meal
6.30 Auction and Raffle
W/ DJ

Talk #40

Lets Talk Asphalt
 
            I know the Website is dedicated to dirt racing. But this column is Torri’s (talks). And in this installment I want to write about asphalt racing. After watching the rough and wrecking Bud Shoot Out and seeing the top 3 guys I saw a connection to dirt. In the beginning of the race, the top 3 guys were dirt guys. Tony Stewart who of course owns the Big ‘E’. Next, in the little Debbie’s car Kenny Schrader, the owner of I-55 speedway at Pevely, Missouri. Then young gun Kasey Kahne, who started off in dirt. If that is not enough of a tie to dirt for you, then stop reading ~NOW~.
 
            The Daytona 500 has been the biggest race for the top series for years. It also means dirt racing isn’t too far off. And could Tony Stewart’s comments on “someone else dying” at Daytona come true yet again?
 
            It has been 5 years since ‘The Intimidator’ joined the big race in the sky. The 500 when Dale Earnhardt died caused a big change within the sport and a bigger whole in the hearts of the fans of NASCAR and racing. Some things have improved, the safety of the racecars for one. But the rough racing called bump drafting has gotten worse and the wrecks now called the big one(s) are more dangerous. Not only to the drivers but also to the fans.
 
            So yeah Dale Junior picked up his Dad’s fans. But no one can fill the shoes. Nor has Jr. learned a lesson from his own father’s death. The bump drafting is going to kill someone else. Tony Stewart was right, we just hope no one is there. Do you think after the Shoot Out Stewart and Earnhardt Jr were talking about what is for dinner? No.
 
            Other then opening the race season, Daytona gets to unleash the roster of all the new talent. The race also shows where all the drivers landed and with what sponsors. Ok Denny Hamlin probably won the Shoot Out because of his teammate, Stewart. It seems like other then not being teammates Mike Waltrip and Dale Jr. won’t work together anymore. Something else interesting, Jeff Burton in his RCR number 31 Cingular car on the pole for the Great American Race.
 
            Doesn’t it seem like all the new drivers are really young? Reed Sorenson is even younger then I am. The drivers are also getting better looking. Where did all the rough looking ‘real’ racers go or are they still on dirt? Could it be that NASCAR is turning into WWE, all for ratings and not real racing. Maybe dirt racing is the only ‘real racing’.