theme is eclipse Talks 41-50
talk 41
Where have I been? It seems like all I do nowadays is work. Who
agrees that is all we do?? Stinks doesn’t it? Now my goal is to find someone
to work Fridays and Saturdays for me. Working 2nd shift is going to
put a drag on my racing evenings. At least I have a weekend off every now and
then.
Is everyone ready for the season to start? It sure seems like Mother
Nature isn’t. Its cooler now then it has been. The storms a few weeks ago
worry me a lot. Its not a good sign for the summer months. Fortunately we
lucked out, just minor damage. But again I wonder, what happens if and when a
Tornado hits a track during races. We saw the damage Atlanta Speedway received
after the storm what would have happened if the stands were full.
Sadly two months into ‘racing season’ we already have tragedy. IRL
driver Paul Dana was killed at Homestead Florida during practice for their 1st
race of the season. There have been four deaths at the Florida track, which is
not very old.
I know its short but when we get to racing, I will be back!
See Ya
at the Track!
BE SAFE
Paul Dana
1975-2006
talk 42
1st Rambling of 2006 Race Season (Written at the track 4/21/2006)
How I’ve Missed This
The track at Farmer City
is peaceful, only the music, the wind, and the occasional rev of an engine.
Granted to hear this you have to get here early. Which this beautiful Friday, I
did. Parked the ole Ford in turn 2, put Old Glory up and grabbed the NEW
notebook. Now the cars are coming in, I see the s10 of Jr. Shickel over by the
Coca-Cola scoreboard in turn 3. Other trailers are scattered in the pits.
Right now is the last
calm time of the evening. In just a few moments crews and drivers will be
worried of set ups to track conditions. Then where did they qualify will be the
concern, after that what heat. Finally who is the crazy driver ahead of them,
what was that noise in the front end, and how did I finish? For the fans here,
these few seconds will be the last silence they hear until the ringing in their
ears goes away.
5:19 pm – yes that shows
how early it is. There comes Matt Bachman, modified driver of the #68. The flag
is hitting me on the truck, maybe I will take it down, and actually it stays up
all nite. Lisa Shickel just rolled in with her 15 team. If you read my article
in “The National Dirt Digest”, she is hoping to continue growing in the sport. I
am excited to see her improvements. I also hear big names, Weaver and Erb are
here.
The front stretch stands- the only
stands now are showing more people are here now. Maybe the show will start
earlier, since like most tracks the city began a curfew of 11pm. Unlike last
week’s 2:30 am ending time. Finally 6pm I hear the pit guy yelling for hot laps
cars on the track NOW! And here they come Race Fans!
4 hours left 8 cars
qualified so far. No clock on the scoreboard, which makes keeping track of times
REALLY hard, especially since I can’t hear. 7:30 lets work the track some more.
Fast time was 13.080 by the Racing Farmer Roger Long. Check out Racenut’s
results on the other section.
So Steve Sheppard’s car broke
going into the 4th corner on the last lap to give the win to Richie
Hedrick. Matt Taylor and Kevin Weaver both were really fast, Dennis Erb also was
in the top 5 at the end..
R I P Uncle Bill
1938-2006
talk 43
Second
Installment of Being at the Track:
April 28,
2006
Maybe being here tonite isn’t the wisest idea. I have been up for about 24
hours, due to my work schedule. It was warm earlier, but not now. Its windy, our
American flag and the new firefighter flag are blowing towards the front
stretch, east to west. Tonite show includes UMP late models, modifieds,
sportsmen, and hornets. With an 11:30 curfew, I was incorrect last week. 6 hours
to race all these cars, possible. Last week’s show seemed rushed but finished
with time to spare. Shannon Babb just line up to come in, possibly for a
practice for the May 12th World of Outlaw race. $2000 to win normally
is not enough to get the UMP Summer National Champ on the track. The pits are
filling- the stands are not. $12 to get in on top of $2.89 for gas may be taking
its toll on the race fan. Either way its 5:30 and there is a line to get into
the pits. Weaver, Schlieper, Erb, and Babb are just a few cars here. Still only
a few in the stands. I hope the clock is fixed, but it isn’t. I cannot believe
that with a Summer National caliber race, there are maybe 250 people here. ARCA
driver Justin Allgaier is also here. I am disappointed that this race was not
more heavily promoted. Too bad for the fans that are going to miss this. The
mother of all RVs just pulled in near us. From turn 1 to the middle of the
backstretch are full of trucks, probably with more of a crowd then the stands
have, even at the end of the nite. 39 late models most are good cars. I guess
everyone called a friend; by the end of the nite the crowd was good, not great.
It’s chilly and the racing was not that great tonite. The late model feature
trained behind winner Shannon Babb. The sportsmen feature had two lights go out
which delayed the races. And I must say I did enjoy the PA system from turn 1
to 3 not working. But I did make it to midnight.
Stay Tuned, More To Come….
talk 44
6/6/06
Doom's Day? Ha, its already
9.30pm and the only bad thing about today is, I'm working. Its now raining
too, but that's not such a bad thing. Since I think we all will make it
through the day, Friday should be no sweat. I surprisingly get to go racing
this weekend, maybe even twice. I have also been asked to write an article for
the racing Elite of home track Farmer City. I will let everyone know more
later.
As for the article I believe
it will be in regards to charity. Something the racing world does really well.
Just like racing, we give to charities all we can, very often. From Victory
Junction Gang to Hurricane Katrina Relief, we help out. I am very happy with
the way we all support charity. We should all be proud!
Speaking of Proud...CONGRATS
to my little
(actually not little but
younger)
brother JAKE
and all the Graduates from
the Class of 2006!
Great Job!
See Ya'll Friday!
talk 45
July 1, 2006
~ First and for most on behalf of
midwestdirttrackfacts.com, we would like to thank everyone who helped out the
Easter Seals benefit at Farmer City on June 23. From drivers to fans buying
tickets to the persons who bought the t-shirts off this page, each one man a
big impact. Without the fans support this sport would not be where it is
today. The Easter Seals Program benefited from the fans love of their driver,
they also received much needed funds. I have been to a lot of nites of racing
but that nite was amazing. Don't forget to check out Circle Track Magazine
(hopefully soon) for a special article about that special nite.
~ I can not believe it is already July. With the 4th of
July (my favorite holiday) it makes us think of how lucky we are. If you don't
think about the gas prices. Even if you don't support the war, we all support
the troops- yes it is possible to do both at the same time. We have the right
to speak our minds, even on 4m.net. This country is great. God Bless America
(oh no, I said God).
~ My ramblings normally focus on Farmer City but this
Saturday July 8th, I will hopefully make it to Fairbury American Legion
Speedway. From what I have heard the races are good this year. They have been
having decent car counts too. So hopefully I will see you there.
- 3 topics, I think that's enough for this installment
of Torri's Talks..
Have a
Safe & Happy 4th
of July
talk 46
Benchwarmers Bar
and Grill brings you this Rambling
Wow is it HOT! This summer hear makes last year’s drought look
very weak. Fortunately it has been raining, in some places way too much. And
lucky for you that’s all my weather talk. Now for your feature presentation:
The Evolution of Hornet
Racing
The New heated class.
When did the racing of little 4 cylinders become an important part of race
nite? I have talked of modified and late models in the past, but the hornet
class has grown a lot in the past few years.
One reason why, it’s cheap. Well at least cheaper. So you find a 4-cylinder
car for sale, two options; turn into a race machine or drive it on the road
for the great fuel mileage. Race machine, right? Of course.
Next, you can have road rage without worrying about
getting a ticket. With a working horn and a middle finger you are set to run.
For the drivers who sing while driving, you can still hear your radio while
racing. That’s about all you need, a helmet and a clean pair of shorts too,
you know just in case.
When hornet racing began, it was more fun to flip
and/or roll the car, but now its real serious about the winning. I use to have
these friends, both of which raced hornets. One did a crazy stupid move on the
backstretch at Farmer City and ended up rolling down turn 3. The other won a
feature, both seemed equally proud of their accomplishments. Today though its
rare to see a roll, what’s more regular is to see someone spun on the last lap
for the win. What has changed? Easy answer- more money to the winner. These
cars may be slower but the drivers are competitors that want the win just like
any other drivers.
It is hard to tell if the fans like the new racing
better. The crowd use to cheer loudly when someone would jump out of their
wrecked car. Today the drivers have their loyal fans, especially the winning
cars. Or guys like Scott Williams in the 112, who had family members racing in
the past. As for the future of hornet racing, its only going to get more
competitive, to the fans delight? You decide.
* Side note: Go check out Fairbury American Legion
Speedway, soon! You will not be disappointed. The competition there is 1st
class and that old track still has some life left. And if you get hungry go to
the Benchwarmer’s Tents on the front and backstretches. If you are hungry any
other time check it out at 103 West Locust in Fairbury. (Remember to support
the towns where you go watch racing.)
Have a safe
August.. Remember my birthday is the 25th..
J
Oh yeah, I finally worked out a deal at work that I will be
able to have Friday nites off, so I can go racing more!! Whooo.. See Ya there!
talk 47
February
2007
I was watching the practice for Daytona today and thought it is time to get
ready for dirt track racing. Then I got to thinking about what gets
me going for the races. I also thought how nice and warm it looked in Daytona
and how cold and snowy it was here.
What gets me going on race day? Music, loud music. I have some ‘theme’ songs,
you should try out. These are in no particular order.
Hillbilly Deluxe. Brooks and Dunn. It talks about racing off the line and
drinking beer, which is pretty much race nite at the track.
Where the Blacktop Ends. Keith Urban. Blacktop ends, dirt begins, duh?
The Distance. Cake. “He’s going the distance, he’s going for speed.”
Redneck Woman. Gretchen Wilson. Have you seen the video? Muddin’ on 4wheelers
and big ole trucks.
Hicktown. Jason Aldean. Most towns with a dirt track come real close to
matching that.
Runaway. Del Shannon. From one of the greatest car involved movies, EVER!
American Graffiti for those who are too young.
409. Beach Boys. I think it counts, since it is a car. With Beach Boys I’m
adding Kokomo, because that song is awesome.
That’s about 20 minutes of music which gets me to Farmer City. Here are some
more songs for those longer trips.
Little Deuce Coupe- Beach Boys
Mercury Blues- Alan Jackson
Born in the USA- Bruce Springsteen
The Fever- Garth Brooks, remember that guy?
How Forever Feels- Kenny Chesney, it mentions the King Richard Petty
Eye of the Tiger- Survivor
Against the Wind- Bob Segar and the Silver Bullet Band
FREEBIRD- Lynyrd Skynyrd
I know you are looking at the list saying; those songs have nothing to do with
racing or dirt. Well so what, I guarantee these songs will lead you into an
enjoyable nite at the track. Feel free to email your theme songs at
mods_R_cool@yahoo.com, I am
interested in hearing yours!
I am going
to try really hard this year to bring lots of good writing. Hope everyone saw
my article in Circle Track Magazine. I really enjoyed helping out a great
cause.
Support our
Troops,
Bring ‘em
home, now!
talk 48
Season Opener
2007
Its not hard to tell that race season is coming. The warmer days, at least
last week were a good indication of the season to come. Also the 500 in NASCAR
came and went and with that brings races like the Chili Bowl, the Icebreaker,
and all those Florida races.
Just like any off season brings change, some for the better. Track
improvement, change in ownership, and change in whatever else. Car
improvements, change in sponsors, parts, maybe even a change in the home
track. You are probably wondering what I am getting to.
Sometimes things don’t need to change, they need more help, more money, more
love. I hope everyone saw or heard about the Easter Seals benefits at Farmer
City and Peoria last year. If you did not let me bring ya up to speed. Last
year father and driver Steve Brandt Sr. and Easter Seals teamed up to have a
major fundraiser at Farmer City. The fundraiser took place during the largest
show, race number 8 of Summernationals. 57 late models showed up that nite.
Many drivers in all classes donated anything from t- shirts to car parts. Then
the very large crowd bought chances for their driver’s stuff.
The cause now is known as “Circle of Hope”. The group ties the racing
community to the worlds of children with disabilities. Brandt’s daughter
Bethanie is a huge race fan and her biggest fan is her Dad. Brandt’s street
stock is very noticeable the white 49 has hand prints painted by the kids
themselves.
Circle of Hope now have teamed up with Track Force Racing Supplies to raffle
off a Komet chassis. Also on March 31 in Peoria, the 2nd annual Al
Hines Memorial sponsored by Crazy Pete’s Autobody. An auction will be
including Circle of Hope. Also coming hopefully to a track near you, more
Circle of Hope benefits. To learn more go to the link on this page or
www.circleofhope.net .
talk 49
April 7, 2007
Wow is it cold!
Why am I not surprised, as soon as
we start the countdown to opening nite, it becomes bitterly cold. Last week
was beautiful, windy and warm in the 80s. Friday for most tracks opening nite,
chance of snow and lower 20s. So cold in fact, most tracks decided to postpone
opening nite. Plus the track was frozen solid. That was Friday the 6th.
Fast forward to the next possible
nite, Friday the 13th. That cannot be a good sign, either. We all
know how superstitious drivers can be (see Halloween rambling). Its not going
to warm up that much by then. Granted weather people are not the most
reliable, but mid 50s for a high makes lows in the 30s. Are we going to be
looking at another postponement, probably?
I am sure some tough guy would
argue that 30s are plenty warm to sit through the entire nite of races. Then
someone else would call me a ‘fair-weather’ fan. Too bad, that’s too cold to
sit and watch races. But I’m not saying I won’t be there, will you?
Hit me up on the new race, myspace:
As soon as racing gets going, I
will be updating pictures.
talk 50
April 20, 2007
1st
Installment of ‘At the Track’ 2007
As the cars come out to work in the track, the warmth of the track and the sun
makes me think, first of how nice it is to have a home track and second of how
great this warmer weather is. The weather today was lower 70s, slight wind and
sunny. Unlike last Friday in the 30s with a chance of rain and wind chills in
the 20s.
I am sure everyone has heard about the fair board and city council’s decision
to close the track after the 2008 season. Unfortunately after the election,
the board small change did not change the vote enough. The lease will end and
the track must be erased, in other words, the track and its surroundings will
be no more. Now the debate comes about supporting the city’s businesses. The
way this writer sees it the businesses will suffer enough without the track
fans in a few years why not support them now? The city is hurting now, let
alone what will happen in 2 years.
I talked to Racenut before hot laps. Racenut whom I thank for letting me write
here for these past years. I suggested to him to write down stories of Farmer
City past. He has so many stories that would be so interesting to hear. That’s
why I try to write as much as I can from the track. It makes me and many
others very sad knowing in 3 years we probably will not have this track to go
to. Granted the promoters could build a new track somewhere else, but it will
never be the same as what we have. The environment around Farmer City has
always been friendly, a main reason why so many drivers call it their home
track and why you can always find people to talk racing with. The fans are
amazing and their racing knowledge is way beyond my years. The competition has
always been top notched, home to some of the best drivers in the country. Even
after a bumpy promoter change, the track never lost its edge.
Now I know it sounds like I am giving a goodbye for Farmer City Raceway. I am
not trying to be all depressed; I would love if everyone could experience the
home of Racenut.
Luckily everyone has been invited to a public meeting on May 7th at
Farmer City American Legion building at the track at 7pm. This meeting will
take place with the fair board and city council present. Check out on 4m if
you want to join the fight to “Save Farmer City”.
An addition from Racenut: I have
been asked to jog down some stories of my 40 plus years of Farmer City Raceway.
Maybe some day I will, just not quite yet. Too many good memories yet to come. I
will be working on that project over the winter.
Hopefully, the strife that has been
tearing this small town apart will end soon, and the families on both sides of
this dispute will start to mend. I have known some of these fine people for over
30 years. Fairboard members and city council members both are intertwined, and
are multi-generational. I can honestly consider a lot of these people friends,
and are good people. I personally hope that a settlement of some sort happens to
keep this historic old fairgrounds alive. It does not look promising. As long as
this old racetrack continues, I will support the local businesses. I have too
many friends in Farmer City to do otherwise. Businesses shut down does nothing
to help me.