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talk 51
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.
Another addition....since this was written, there has been a two year extension to the contract, now the contract ends November 2011
talk 52
talk 53
October 2009
Torri Godsey
Rest in Peace Grandpa, I miss you every day..
talk 54
Date: August 28, 2010
Location: Fairbury American Legion Speedway
Finally a race day with no threat of rain!
Saturday was a perfect day for racing, a perfect day for anything outside.
Fairbury is one of the only towns in Central Illinois with green grass after
receiving 5 inches of rain when towns just down the road only got a sprinkle.
Hot weather this month has brought on an early harvest, meaning its time for the
Prairie Dirt Classic. Next weekend September 3rd and 4th the Prairie Dirt
Classic becomes a two-night show. Night one will be Prairie Dirt Shootout,
$5,000 to win late models, $1750 to win for modifieds. Night two will be the
Classic $10,000 to win late models, $2000 to win modifieds. I finally return to
a racetrack, not just for racing but also to meet some people.
Ever since my first year going racing, I’ve always told people how race fans are
probably the nicest group of people you could meet. Whenever someone is down on
their luck, race fans always pull together and throw a benefit to help out. Some
of the biggest fundraisers I’ve seen took place at a dirt track. Granted a few
people do prove my theory wrong, but for the most part, I am right.
After last night I am very confident in my theory. Two of the most popular race
groups were in attendance for the crowning of the track champions. The UMD –
United Midwest Drinkers and the DRC- Dirt Racing Connection both enjoyed a
decent night of racing without having a turf war.. But no beer was safe!
I hung out with the UMD, a very loyal group in supporting drivers in all
classes. Those drivers are very loyal in supporting the UMD. The friendships are
on and off the track. I must say thank you to Rhonda, Dave, Ryan, and Kris for
letting me join them! Although my favorite part of the night was when the B12 of
Kevin Weaver finished the night in Victory lane! I was also very excited about
finally meeting the DRF, a.k.a Jody Shannon after making a 5-hour journey up
from Kentucky.
It really was a great nite at the track. I have really missed the people there.
They may be crazy but most of them would give you the shirt off their back. One
thing I did learn, never upset a racing group, you will regret that. Oh and
always bring beer, just in case..
The Dirt Racing Connection is inviting everyone to a $10 carload night at Brush
Creek Motor sport Complex in Peebles, Ohio on September 25th.
Check out http://www.fairburyspeedway.com/ for more information on the Prairie
Dirt Classic Weekend.
talk 55
Date: September 17, 2010
Location: Kankakee County Speedway
Friday afternoon, I am doing what I have done so many times before- prepare to go race racing. What makes today different is I return to Kankakee. This track that has many years of uncertainty and doubt. Name changes, promoter changes, owner changes, event changes, it is a surprise that this track is still open. I give credit to its fans, a loyal group of fans that really don’t have anywhere else close to go. The track itself has always been racy and the talent of the drivers is very good. So since it’s been at least three years I find myself preparing for my return to K3. The show tonite is Kankakee Classic $1500 to win modified special. A class I have always enjoyed.
As I hit the track I first sit down in the parking lot. Watching the crowd begin to build and listening to the cars working in the track. The night is perfect for racing, the crowd a decent size, and the cars in attendance were fast. K3 will be racing into October, which will be nice for the fans, no other track locally stay open that long.
A good night of racing just like the past times I have been at the track. I will return again soon. Congrats to the feature winners, Ryan Unzicker, Nick Allen (modified winner), Ryan Brooks, and Tim Provenzano. Next week is fan appreciation sponsored by Court Street Ford. October 1 and 2 will be the Earl J Hubert Memorial Street Stock Race: $2000 to win for stock, late model and modified classes.
talk 56
I remember meeting this kid from Bloomington. He was having a beer one nite in the pits. I thought to myself, “ Oh my gosh, its Jason Feger!” This guy drives purple and green sportsmen. My very first night at the races I watched him win the sportsmen feature. Not knowing this guy was going to be the next big deal.
Since that nite over five years, Feger has moved up to the late model class. Starting out slow then learning the car and figuring out tracks across the Midwest and beyond. Jason Feger becomes the Highside Hustler, a nickname he earned sliding the 25 car within inches of the wall. He used to do the same with his sportsmen car sparking along the turn 4 wall at Farmer City.
Of course Jason does not do this all alone. It’s a family deal just like with so many race teams. Brother, Austin Feger has been working on the cars since the beginning. Cousin, Devin Shickel has been on the team since 2005. Then you have Mom, Tracy- who does the designs and runs the souvenir trailer. Check out Griffin Sign Shop in Quincy- it’s the home of Feger’s awesome car designs.
How can you tell a driver is hot? One, there is a line at the souvenir trailer before it opens. Two, look at the shirts in the stands within five people you see three different designs for the same driver. Jason and crew are having well deserved success. His numbers are impressive and only getting better.
The 2010 Hell Tour Champion, 2009 UMP and Monster Midwest Champion are both huge accomplishments for this 32-year-old driver. 1 win in World of Outlaws and 3 in MARS are big notches for the driver out of Bloomington, IL. Feger has been winning races in Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. His momentum is gaining after the WoO win. Feger’s loyal followers now stretch past his home track of Farmer City and I only see it getting bigger. It definitely isn’t hurting his popularity by having some very unique car and shirt designs.
My prediction 2011 will be the year of FEGER. Do not be surprised to see this guy pulling into a victory lane at a track near you. In fact good chance to see him win at the Big E. If you want more information or to buy some cool gear check out www.jasonfeger.com
Save the date of November 20th for Jason Feger’s race party. Check back on his page for more info.
talk 57, with sadness....
In Memory 10/19/2010
Bless those who mourn, eternal God, with the comfort of your love that they may face each new day with hope and the certainty that nothing can destroy the good that has been given.
May their memories become joyful, their days enriched with friendship, and their lives encircled by your love. Amen.
PEORIA—Richard C. "Dick" Schofield, 66, of Peoria, passed away at 4:01 a.m. Sunday, October 17, 2010 at Proctor Hospital.Born August 29, 1944 in Peoria, a son of William E. and Wilma M. Logsdon Schofield, Dick married Frances E. Reinholtz March 6, 1965 in Creve Coeur. She survives.Also surviving are one son, David Schofield of Peoria; one daughter, Julie Schofield of Chillicothe, one brother, Thomas (Cleanne) Schofield of Leesburg, Florida; three grandchildren, Lindsay Manley of Chillicothe, Joshua Manley of Pekin and Austen Manley of Chillicothe. Dick is also survived by his two dogs, Nala and Eldora and his three grand dogs, Vedder, Stewart and Toni. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, James R. Schofield, two brothers and one sister. Dick was a Viet Nam Army Veteran and a member of the American Legion in Farmington. He was a uniform delivery driver for Chas Todd Uniform Service, 44 years, last working October 7, 2010. Dick was a former member of Illinois Lodge 263, AF & AM, Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Peoria and the Mohammed Temple. He was a dirt track race car sponsor for 41 years. Dick was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 20, 2010 at The Wilton Mortuary. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the mortuary. Burial will be in Swan Lake Memory Gardens with military rites. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.
Big Dick is now watching racing with some of the best race fans, race drivers, and crews. They always have the best weather with great track conditions. In Heaven every night has great ‘tail gating’. Race on.
*Get Well Soon Shane Hmiel*
talk 58
One Smart Driver.. Justin DeLong
By Torri Godsey
Not only smart on the racetrack but also in the classroom. Justin DeLong has done a lot of racing since his start back in 2001 at age 11. In the time since then he has graduated, Junior High, then High School and continued on to college. DeLong is currently a Computer Science Major at Illinois State University in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois where he is also in the Honor’s Program.
In 2001 DeLong started his racing career in quarter midgets. He later moved on to mini sprints, sportsmen, then to his current class-modifieds. Thru the end of the 2009 season DeLong has earned 85 wins. The 2010 season saw the Twin City Terror win his first modified race in April to later win a track championship in September at Farmer City Raceway in Illinois. He also had his second top 10 points finish in a row at Fairbury American Legion Speedway also in Illinois.
The DeLong racing operation has been a family affair from the beginning. His mother, Karen DeLong is the car owner and number one cheerleader, father Ron is crew chief with help from Grandpa also named Ron. The rest of the crew includes, Doug Lawson, Jim Morrison, Scott Lewis, Mark Wilson, Mike Mellott, Rob Carney, Ben, Ethan and Zach. We can’t forget Justin’s number one girlfriend, Kayla Schott. For this 20-year-old driver it doesn’t hurt to keep the family close.
According to father Ron DeLong, the family all are very proud of Justin’s academic achievements. He has been able to complete classes while still having time to work and race on his modified. DeLong’s talents are off the track as well. While in Junior High he played baseball for the McDonald’s all-star team in Cuba. Justin is also an Eagle Scout who is involved in community services, which has included organizing a blood drive. On his modified fuel cell the saying “Save 2nd Base” appears, which is in observation of Breast Cancer Awareness. The DeLong family hopes that seeing the saying will encourage women to check the “Ta Ta’s”.
Most people at twenty do not have it together like Justin DeLong does, so to get his perspective I asked.
Justin agreed with his father when asked what he is most proud of achieving, becoming an Eagle Scout. He also says finishing in the top 20 of points in 2007 while still driving sportsmen. He added being voted the fan favorite in 2008 and 2009 (and leading this year) on the web page midwestdirttrackfacts.com makes him proud.
Married with children while continuing racing either professionally or as a hobby is where DeLong sees himself in his five and ten year plans. Of course with his college degree or maybe two. Something most people do not know about him, he is extremely shy.
DeLong has been a big fan of local late model driver Joe Harlan since he was a kid. He also looks up to fellow modified driver Jeff Leka. Both drivers can be found at Justin’s favorite tracks Farmer City and Fairbury where he loves to race. He would someday like to race in the World 100 at Eldora. Maybe sometime he would try his hand on asphalt but for now he really enjoys racing his dirt modified.
Two race nights really stand out in DeLong’s extensive race career. One of which happened in April of 2007 at Farmer City where he won his very first sportsmen race. The other night also at Farmer City in April of this year, his first modified win.
Justin DeLong may be young but his brain and heart are both defiantly in the right spots. An honor student, track champion, athlete, volunteer, good son, fan favorite, Justin DeLong has it going on. If you ever see the 7J-modified car in the pits make sure to stop by and meet Justin and his crew. This kid is one to watch in the future!
DeLong racing would like to thank their sponsors; ABI Technology, Inc. Accurate Towing, ACE Motorsports, Advance Auto Parts, Aftershock Graphix, B Sharp Entertainment, Blondeez Bumperz, Bob Pierce Race Cars, Dyer’s Top Rods, Eric Blankenship, Financial Representative COUNTRY FINANCIAL, Erik Grigsby Photography, Friedman Racing Engines, Heritage Manor, Hoosier By Shawn, Landrum Performance Spring, McBrayer Sanitary Service, mcfphotos, Nyles Auction Service, Pontiac RV, Ringers Gloves, Ropp Jersey Cheese, Slaughters Custom Shop,S & S Racing Supplies, Super Gyro’s in Bloomington, VP Racing Fuels, Weber Auto Body
Justin Delong Race Party will be help December 4th from 5pm until whenever at Indian Country Club, Fairbury, Illinois. Auction starts at 7pm. Adults -$10, kids 6- 10 $5, under 5 free.
Picture by Jensen Racing Photos 2010
talk 59
Writers Note: I have been doing this writing thing for nine years now. Yet I have never had an interview like this one. When Jeff Curl said he would do the interview, I was really excited to have a very local guy. Knowing this is a really busy time for drivers and crews, I simply emailed my questions to Jeff, giving him his leisure time to get back to me. When Curl emailed me his answers, well he pretty much did his own article. His answers were very much a sign of a driver confident in his abilities and a person who is very secure and happy with the place he is in his life.
Fairbury is home to one of the oldest tracks in Illinois. It is also home to some of the most talented drivers in the state. Modified driver Jeff Curl just happens to be one of those drivers. According to Curl, being a hometown driver is only an advantage over the guys who are not Fairbury regulars. On any given night at Fairbury, many different drivers can win.
Jeff Curl remembers going to Dairy Queen with his Grandparents as a child and watching the cars pass by toward the pits at the Fairbury American Legion Speedway. By the year 2000, Curl asked another hometown driver, Eric Vaughan if he could help work on his modified. The next few years Curl soaked in all the knowledge he could from Vaughan and Vaughan’s engine builder, Gerry Brandt. Two years later, Vaughan sold Curl his modified and Brandt built an engine. In April 2002, Curl made his racing debut at Farmer City. Four years later, Curl gave his hometown fans at Fairbury a feature win.
The number 12 driver also got a nickname that season. A Pontiac radio show reviewing the weeks racing action, said Curl snuck up on the other competitors after his first feature win. They also said that Curl did a good job staying out of controversy and quietly went about his own business. The name “The Quiet One” came out and it stuck. Anyone who knows Curl, knows he isn’t always quiet and sometimes the Quiet One becomes the Quiet Riot, but “that’s just racing to win” says Curl.
One of Curl’s favorite racing memories is of course his first feature win, June 24th 2006. Starting outside the front row, Curl battled with another Fairbury favorite, McKay Wenger to take the victory. During Curl’s victory lap, the crowd gave him a standing ovation. That victory photo included his Grandpa, brother Matt Curl, and Gerry Brandt. Another favorite memory came in 2008 also at Fairbury. After coming from 7th to win, Curl was soaked from a water cooler shower in the pits, race suit and all.
2011 sees some excitement coming for Curl fans. The 12 chassis will now be a Bob Pierce Race car. This season also sees Curl team up with fellow modified driver, Jay Ledford. Curl will be driving his own equipment but they will be sharing information to help both drivers be more successful. Curl has announced his first race this season will be March 25th at I-55. His Friday nights will be split between Lincoln and Kankakee (if Farmer City does not open) and of course Fairbury on Saturdays. You can also count on seeing the 12 car in 14 of the UMP Modified National races. By the end of the season, Curl hopes to be in the top 50 of UMP points.
For this hometown favorite, racing is not the only reason his hometown cheers for him. Curl has helped coach Prairie Central boys baseball and basketball the past decade. He was a 1996 Prairie Central graduate who played golf, baseball, and basketball all four years of high school. He later played baseball at Quincy University. Curl enjoys giving back to his hometown school.
The late model class sometimes over shadows the modified class. Luckily for us close to Fairbury, we have some really talented drivers in both classes. Jeff Curl is defiantly one of the good guys to watch either at the track or on the sidelines.
The Curl Race party is also coming up on March 5th at The Walton Centre in Fairbury, Illinois. $10 donation at the door, 12 and younger is free. Longhorn Smokehouse will provide a dinner at 5pm. Auction starts at 7pm, followed by Central Illinois Hottest Country Band, Still Kick’n.
Jeff Curl would like to thank his sponsors:
Pontiac RV – Pontiac, IL
Longhorn Smokehouse – Bloomington, IL
DMI Technology Group – Bloomington, IL
Friedman Racing Engines – Forrest, IL
Aftershock Racing Decals – Fairbury, IL
Faithful Friends Christian Daycare – Fairbury, IL
Dyers Top Rods – Forrest, IL
Grandma & Grandpa Wharton
Bridget, Katy, Tyler, Ellie, Mom and Dad
Crew: Steve Curl – Father, Matt Curl And Greg
Curl-Brothers, Ryan Shiflett, Dan Kukuck, and Derek Kessinger
Barkley Motorsports
Brandt Tuning
Pro Tire & Automotive
Mario’s Pizza
Crane Trucking
J&J Investments & Machine
Augie
Galloway Tree Service
Photo Thanks: Jensen Racing Photos
talk 60
Jody Shannon, Not Just a Drunken Race Fan
If the dirt track fan nation could elect a President, they would elect Jody Shannon. You may be asking yourself, who is that? Shannon is better known as the DRF (Drunken Race Fan). Do not let the crazy nickname fool you; this guy really knows his stuff!
To most of us Shannon came into the race light back in 2001. That year he started the DRC known better as the Drunken Race Clan. After some of his buddies got banned from other race forums, he decided to start his own forum. His forum is where “hell raisers” could vent about different issues without being censored. Today over 16,000 people “like” the DRC of facebook.
In the ten years DRC has been around, the group has evolved. Now the Dirt Racing Connection is displeased with the lack of coverage on local racing. Still drinking and causing chaos, the focus of the group is to help improve the image of dirt track racing and to help all fans see high lights from more tracks. In 2007 Shannon started working with Wayne Chinn. The more adventures they had on the road, the more Shannon wanted to share with all fans. By the end of the season Jim Chinn had gotten Jody a camera, that’s when the videos were added to the page. That’s when more people began to notice the page.
Shannon has been a fan of racing since his first year of life. Just like most race fans, he had family involved in racing. Shannon’s Grandfather was involved at Florence, Kentucky, Lawrenceburg in Indiana, and Tri County in Ohio, then later at Queen City also in Ohio. Most of Shannon’s life has taken place at a dirt track.
With all that time at the tracks, Shannon has learned what it takes to make a track successful or what makes them fail. In 2011 the DRC wants to help their local tracks. To the DRC their local tracks include Moler Raceway Park, Brushcreek Motorsports Complex, and Florence Speedway. Many of those events will be recorded and viewable on their website. For Illinois fans, the group will be making repeated appearances at their adopted home at Fairbury American Legion Speedway. Lake Cumberland Speedway will also have DRC sightings.
Also new this year on the DRC, new talent will help with action videos, in car cameras, post race video, pod casts, and blogs. This talent will include dirt track fixture Toby Hallett, Crazy Horse Wade Logan, and on occasion myself. Eric Madd Biscuit Arnett will stay on board helping Shannon.
The thing that has made the DRC successful over the years is Shannon and his friends are true race fans. They want decent racetracks to thrive and every driver to be able to compete at the best of their abilities. This group does not just watch one race a night, they watch every race all night, every night while still having fun and supporting the venue. Some of Shannon’s personal favorite drivers are of course Wayne Chinn, Rick Combs, Jason Jameson, and Duane Cumberlain all drivers who can drive the wheels off their car, regardless of purse money.
This season looks to be a busy season. The group is looking to sponsor some race events and help promote events and tracks. Check back often to www.thedrc.net to see where the DRC will be. They may be coming to a track near year. If you happen to run across this guy be sure to stop and say hello. You will learn why this guy will continue to help dirt track racing.
Everyone mark your calendar on September 24th The DRC will be having the Second Annual DRC Night at the Races, at Brushcreek Motorsports Complex in Peebles, Ohio. Last year at this race The DRC paid out extra money in the Late Model division and also sponsored the inaugural "DRC King of Compacts" event. They offered a discount to the fans and gave out several prizes to the fans in attendance. They felt the race was a huge success, with a packed crowd, and lots of great feedback from fans and racers. Rex Smith Jr. was crowned the first ever King of Compacts and Duane Chamberlain won the Late Model portion of the show.
This year they are going to follow the same format that made last year’s event so special, but they also plan to grow and make things better. Check back to the site for more special events. Also “like” The Dirt Track Connection on facebook for updates.
Torri's Talk #61
Go
Racing with the MoonMan
Two races are in the books and now you have two opportunities to ride along with
Jim Moon. Moon Vision and All American Race Talk will be posting in car race
videos thru out the 2011 season. Moon’s first two races both at Mighty Macon
Speedway will be up on
www.allamericanracetalk.com within the next few days.
Opening night at Macon kicked off MoonMan’s 2011 season.
After a solid qualifying effort, Moon finished 2nd in his
heat. The second place heat
finished was followed up by a strong 6th place finished in the team’s
first feature of the season.
The following weekend at Macon was not as triumphant.
Weak qualifing efforts lead to a disappointing 5th place heat
finish. After starting near the
rear of the field, Moon worked his way into the top 10.
Unfortunately a wreck ended the night for the 1 car.
Luckily Moon was not injured and the car only has a little cosmetic
damage. Currently Moon is tied for
6th place in points, only 22 points out of first.
Moon has finished work on the new hauler. Now he will be able to get into a
regular race schedule. This weekend he will be racing the Northern All Star
$2000 to win event at Lincoln Speedway followed by the regular show at Macon
Speedway. With any success, at least one of those nights’ videos will be
uploaded to All American Race Talk, the following week.
That trend should continue until Summer Nationals when time constraints
will limit the Moon Vision and “Ask the MoonMan” episodes.
As always, check back often to All American Race Talk,
your one stop shop for all race talk.
Torri Godsey -MMR, Inc. PR
Torri Talks #62
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 current championship at Macon in the year 2009.
Front Stretch at Farmer City under the lights
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.
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.
Three-wide Racing in Modifieds. Photo Thanks to Double J.
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.
Track Sponsors Thanks to:
Baum Chevrolet, Douglas Oldsmobile, Longhorn Smokehouse, Sav-Mor
Pharmacy, S & S Racing Parts, Sorrento’s Pizza, and Dovel Excavating.
Jeff & Kyle Thanks to:
Mitchell & Joni, Family and Friends.
Next Event:
Friday April 29, 2011
Late Models-NALMS $2000 to win!
Modifieds
Sportsman
Street Stocks $600 to win
Hornets $300 to win
Mini Sprints will also be in action
$15 for stands entry and $30 for Pit passes
Torri Talks #63
April 29, 2011.
Farmer City Raceway at the Track
Days like today are just made for racing. The sun that has been absent
for days is finally out and drying an over saturated Central Illinois. By 4 pm
cars are littered around the pits. The track officials are already in high gear.
Track conditions are not too bad after the amount of rain we have had over the
past week. The infield and horse track surrounding the track on the other hand
look like a small river passes thru them.
Six classes are running, probably too many on a night with Northern
All-stars in house. Drivers meeting at 6.15 and hot laps at 6.30, right on time.
The future of the sport is looking promising. The mini sprint driver’s
age must average right around 14ish. I was really surprised and impressed to see
so many kids around! But one in particular stood out, Chad Osterhoff’s son who
must have been about 3 foot tall was changing tires for his Dad’s 130 modified.
He must have been 6 or 7 years old, but him changing tires was probably the
coolest and cutest thing I’ve seen in awhile.
I applaud Farmer City officials for getting this track up and running
with the conditions they have had all week.
But six classes were too many to run. 45 late models and a good size
purse for street stocks made for a long night. Many drivers and fans got very
bored as the night went along. With that being said, there isn’t many places you
can go for $15 and have that much action.
Torri Talks #64
It’s been at least seven years since I’ve been to the track
called Mighty Macon. As most weekends, there is a chance of rain tonight.
Hopefully we do not repeat the long night we had last night at Farmer City.
Tonight’s race is a Teacher appreciation show.
Other then extending the pits, not much has changed around
here. Even some of the same drivers remain. Macon is still one of those tracks
you have to see to believe and even then its still a crazy place to watch.
This 1/5th mile bullring is home to one of the biggest races
locally, The Herald Review. The 100-lap race of 20 late models takes place
during Summer Nationals over usually the 4th of July weekend.
Must say Macon runs a very quick show. Seven, yes I said
seven classes ran tonight, 3 classes of hornets and the show was still done by
9:30. Race action was rough and tumble just like I remembered.
One really big surprise to me was seeing Gene Sowers taking
pictures. This is a legend in racing photography, over 50 years taking pictures.
Just think of all those stories.
Until next weekend with my notebook, I am Torri and I was
at the track.
Torri Talks #65
Farmer City Raceway, May 6,2011
Glory days, tracks have them, they fade away, then sometimes they return.
Farmer City is having a resurrection of their glory days. Tonight is a regular
show with a loaded field of late models. Drivers like Dennis Erb, Jr., Jason
Feger, and Kevin weaver are in attendance. Again this week we have late models,
modifieds, sportsmen, street stocks, hornets, and mini-sprints.
An increased purse in sportsmen has made those guys happy, plus they have
a $100 bonus for any driver running Farmer City then wins Saturday night at
Macon. Thirty-two late models
qualify.
Jason Feger the Highside Hustler, cut his teeth at Farmer City.
So it was not a huge surprise to see him kick serious butt in the
feature. He spent a lot of time riding around the track on his 4-wheeler reading
the track conditions. And he read them perfect, the Highside Hustler was smooth
around the highside. Team 25 gave him a great birthday present.
Happy Birthday Jason!
What I noticed is the amazingly quick updates online. It is so very easy
now to just go on facebook and get results from whatever track or whatever race
is going on. It’s a bonus for the people who are unable to come to the tracks,
for whichever reasons. I just hope
people don’t forget they still need to attend the races and support their local
tracks and drivers. Farmer City Raceway had a HUGE field of racecars but the
stands were only littered with fans. We need to do our part to get more fans in
the stands.
Torri Talks #66
Fairbury American Legion Speedway, May 7th
FALS was the 2007 and 2008 UMP Track of the Year. By 5pm after a
thunderstorm threatened racing, the hustle and bustle is going at a feverish
pace. I am pretty excited that The DRC crew will be coming all the way from Ohio
to see this regular night of racing.
The group has been working on getting donations to help the victims of the
floods and tornadoes. Check out their website at
www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/thedrc/americannationalredcross .
Sixty-three years of racing at this track. Only four classes racing
tonight, with an earlier curfew it is important to be done at a decent time.
Dennis Erb, Jr. and Jason Feger are in the pits, so are some top-notch
regulars.
This track is one of the racers favorites. Unlike Macon last week, the
racing is a little less rubbing. Although by the end of the night, late model
driver Mike Spatola and street stock driver Eric Gaus both ended up on their
roofs.
It looked like Jason Feger was going to go back to back for the weekend.
But young Jimmy Dehm came from eighth to pass the World of Outlaw driver with
five laps to go then held off the field to pick up the late model victory.
All in all the $10 entry fee was well worth it. The stands were fairly
full even after the weather threat. This will be where I will be most Saturdays.
Until next weekend with my notebook, I am Torri and I was
at the track.
Torri Talks #67
Jimmy Dehm- With a Name like Dehm, he has to be Good.
Three generations have seen a Dehm in victory lane. The youngest Dehm,
Jimmy is carrying on this family tradition.
Four men in the family have all raced in many classes over the years.
Jimmy may be the youngest of the group but his experience is beyond his years.
Larry Kaufman the eldest of the group raced in the six-cylinder class
back when they had a special class starting in 1972. Then Uncle Snooky Dehm, the
very first winner of Fairbury American Legion Speedway’s prized race the 1990
Prairie Dirt Classic. He can still
be found on occasion racing his late model. Scott Dehm, Jimmy’s father has
wheeled a modified over the years. Then you have cousin Lance, the pilot of the
D1 modified, most recently the 2010 Fairbury Track Champion. Jimmy definitely
has a strong stable to learn from.
Jimmy Dehm has been racing since age seven. Running in a quarter midget
until age twelve, he was picking up wins across the country.
Next he ran in a mini sprint, not liking the open wheels, he left that
class after a year. Being too young he sat out the following season before
getting into a sportsmen car at age fourteen. In a year and a half he racked up
four feature wins over drivers twice his age.
At age fifteen when most kids were looking for their first car, Dehm was
looking at his ‘Budda’ owned late model.
He drove for ‘Budda’ then for his family team, and now driving for
Southtown Motorsports. At the end
of 2010 Dehm’s racing future was unclear, until the opportunity came to join up
with veteran driver Eric Smith. The
transition in to a team player has gone smoother then Dehm first expected.
Having one hauler and someone to bounce racing information off has already
benefited both Dehm and Smith.
Early in to the 2011 season, both cars have feature victories. When either the 9
or 99J runs well it’s like a victory to everyone at Southtown Motorsports.
Dehm has two career feature wins in a late model. His first win was at
Kankakee County Speedway in a somewhat controversial race, cut short due to time
constraints in 2010. His second win
at Fairbury on May 7th was “much sweeter over good cars”. Dehm beat
drivers like Jason Feger and Brandon Sheppard. His teammate Smith finished a
strong fourth. You can find both cars running regularly at Farmer City Raceway
and Fairbury. They will also try to run the local Summer National races.
Young Jimmy Dehm looks up to his team mate Eric Smith, a driver who has
been winning races longer then Dehm has been alive. Smith has given Dehm a lot
of advice. Dehm also admires driver
Billy Moyer who he says is a “class talent, one of the best”.
With again an uncertain racing future, Dehm is focused on the 2011
campaign. He would like to see more
feature wins with solid finishes at the bigger shows, including the Summer
Nationals and Prairie Dirt Classic. Also he would like to see many 1- 2 finishes
with Smith, it does not matter who wins or who gets second.
Dehm also has already raced at the famed Eldora Speedway back in 2008.
One thing cannot be over looked for Dehm. He is not only racing but is
studying at Illinois State University. He does enjoy more time to work on the
car compared to what he had while in High School and for him even Elementary and
Junior High School. Plus he can control when he has classes, so if he wants
Fridays off, well he can have it. When he has free time he is a huge sports fan,
with his favorite sport being basketball.
Jimmy Dehm has accomplished a lot in his thirteen years of
racing. Importantly he has raced hard with other competitors thru the ranks,
gaining respect as he goes. A driver from a respected family he has continued
their traditions. This is one driver we may be seeing race on Speed TV soon.
Jimmy wants to Thank: Eric Smith, Cleve Smith, Ryan
Courtney, Darrell Mangan, Tim Kaufman, Mike Stalter, John Vincent, and most
importantly Tammy and Scott Dehm (Mom & Dad)
Thanks to the Sponsors: Southtown Wrecker, Formula 500
Venom Synthetic Lubricants, Stephens Auto Glass, Devore Landscaping, Carrie
Scharf Trucking, Diamond Vogel, M & M Pumps, Parkway Auto Laundry, Geiger Truck
Parts, and O & G Financial.
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