theme is eclipse Talks 41-50

talk 41
 

March 29, 2006

 
          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
       
           From everyone here at www.midwestdirttrackfacts.com

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.